It’s finally here.
Against all odds, it seems like one of the biggest trends in country music heading into 2026 is none other than the continued crossover into Christian music. While, of course, it’s not like the genre isn’t steeped in religious themes, highlighted primarily by the plethora of gospel albums we’ve received throughout the years from the likes of Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton and many, many more, 2025 seemingly kicked it up a notch in terms of contemporary Christian music.
This was put on full display thanks to the monster success of Christian superstar Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll’s 2024 smash hit, “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” which not only claimed a #1 on both of Billboard’s religious charts, Hot Christian and Christian Airplay, but also was crowned the #1 Christian song of 2025 by Billboard.
After what seemed like an endless amount of fan speculation and then eventual confirmation back in October from Lake, back on December 8th, the “Gratitude” singer officially announced that none other than Cody Johnson will be joining him on a re-release of his recent single, “When A Cowboy Prays.”
In a joint Instagram post with the “Leather” singer, which also gave us a taste of Johnson’s killer vocals on the highly-anticipated track, Lake would express just how proud he is of the collaboration, sharing that he can’t help but tear up every time he listens.
“The one and only Cody Johnson yall!!! I could not be more HONORED & PROUD of this version of ‘When A Cowboy Prays.’ I tear up every time I listen! So thankful for this collab and this friendship.
Cowboy or not, I’m praying it blesses every one of you and reminds ya the power of prayer.
Available January 9th!”
Well, the day has finally come, and it’s safe to say that it was well worth the wait.
Like many had pointed out upon the release of Lake’s solo version, “When A Cowboy Prays” feels like a song that was written specifically for CoJo. While obviously that’s not the case, given that it was written and recorded by Lake solo originally, it’s hard to ignore just how perfectly the “Dirt Cheap” singer glides onto this track.
In particular, Johnson sounds magnificent on “When A Cowboy Prays'” rising chorus when he croons the powerful lines:
“When a cowboy praysIt starts raining in OklahomaLong-lost sons come home to mamaAnd those stubborn horses breakWhen a cowboy praysIt’s a whisper and a rumbleAnd it’s as strong as it is humbleThis old world just ain’t the sameWhen a cowboy prays”
Ultimately, “When A Cowboy Prays” has ‘crossover smash’ written all over it. Given the fact that Lake’s solo version has already been quite successful, garnering nearly 3 million streams on Spotify alone and currently sitting at #7 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, I see Johnson’s feature on the re-release blowing it into the stratosphere. Don’t be surprised when this track gets nominated for Music Event of the Year at both the ACM and CMA Awards this year.
In case you were curious if Lake was done dipping into country music after the release of “When A Cowboy Prays,” it seems like he’s just getting started when it comes to country/Christian crossovers. The Christian superstar has not only teased a brand-new song co-written with reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson, but he also hinted to even more crossovers into country music after his big night at the ASCAP Awards last month, which crowned him Christian Music Songwriter of the Year and Christian Music Song of the Year (“Hard Fought Hallelujah”).
“Christian x Country Collision incoming 2026. To God be the glory!”
Listen here:
Cody Johnson Tour Dates
February 6-7 – Birmingham, Alabama – Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex
February 13 – Champaign, Illinois – State Farm Center
February 14 – Louisville, Kentucky – KFC Yum! Center
February 27 – Winston-Salem, North Carolina – LJVM Coliseum
February 28 – Columbia, South Carolina – Colonial Life Arena
March 6 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – PPG Paints Arena
March 7 – Baltimore, Maryland – CGF Bank Arena
March 22 – Houston, Texas – Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
March 28 – Little Rock, Arkansas – Simmons Bank Arena
April 10 – Bossier City, Louisiana – Brookshire Grocery Arena
April 24 – Indio, California – Stagecoach
May 2 – Clemson, South Carolina – Death Valley (Clemson Stadium)
May 9 – Des Moines, Iowa – Casey’s Corner
May 30 – Rosemont, Illinois – Allstate Center
July 11 – Cavendish, Prince Edward Island – Cavendish Beach Music Festival
July 17-18 – Columbus, Ohio – Nationwide Arena
