The song was written by Bieber along with Omar Martinez, and Adam Messinger and Nasri of The Messengers, with the latter duo producing the track.

The video, which also has religious undertones, features clips of places affected by natural disasters, sick children, possessed homes, and more, which are intercut with Bieber performing.

"PRAY" was written by Justin Bieber, Omar Martinez and Adam Messinger and Nasri Atweh of The Messengers.

Referring to the song as a "junior varsity" take on "Man in the Mirror", Allison Stewart of Washington Post said, "as an indicator of the Bieb's awakening social consciousness, it's a good start.

"[13] Melinda Newman of HitFix called the song a "lovely testament to the power of prayer," commenting that it was "for True Believers, not just True Beliebers"[14] Calling it Bieber's "Man in the Mirror" moment, Newman also said while it did not have the "staying power or resonance of the Michael Jackson classic," she said the themes of how to effect change were the same.

"[9] Monica Herrera of Billboard wrote that the song was "a treacly but well-meaning ballad that taps into Bieber's spiritual beliefs.

Many have commented that the song made them emotional...promotes deep thought on our impact on the world"[17] "Pray" was only released as a single in select European countries and had moderate success.

[25] Clips are shown from footage of earthquake-torn Haiti, a suffering post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans and Bieber himself visiting sick children in hospital beds.

"[25] Bill Lamb of About.com likened the video to the saying, "There are times when putting pictures to the words does indeed make a song more powerful than simply listening to the track.

[3] Midway through the performance Bieber arose from the piano and took center stage, he was accompanied by a choir singing background vocals.

"[3] Thomas Conner of Chicago Sun-Times noted Bieber as the standout performance of the night, saying it was proof that he could sing, besting "the wavering pitches" of Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus.