Mariah appeared on Oprah on March 2, 2005, to join the show's wildest dream team and surprise a very special kid whose biggest wish was to sing on Oprah's stage. Lina Robbins (formerly known as Paul) met Mariah and Randy Jackson, who coached her on some of the basics for her worldwide television debut. After Lina blew the audience away with her rendition of Mariah's “Hero,” Verity Records offered her a contract to record a song written and produced by Mariah especially for her. “I tried to morph myself into the mindset of a kid like [Lina],” Mariah said. “I just hope that people who hear it enjoy it and sense the pure heart that she has when she sings. I feel like that's gonna shine through.”
On May 24, 2005, Oprah invited Lina Robbins back to perform the song “I Pray,” written by Mariah and Kenneth Crouch. The song was originally included on the WOW Gospel 2006 compilation, and Mariah released her version of the song on her 2020 compilation, The Rarities. “I wrote this song for a beautiful young singer,” Mariah said about the song. “Writing for a 12-year-old child was a unique and freeing experience because it was a way to channel a pure feeling of hope and optimism. Love you Lina!”
Lord I pray
That in my lifetime there will come a day
When the world will wake up with unclouded eyes and
There'll be no more need to cry
Won't you bring that dream to life
Oh Lord I pray
Deliver us from bigotry and hate
Please give shelter to the wayward children
Comfort them and keep them safe
Oh Lord I pray
For a world where no weapons one day
Please give wisdom to the ones who lead us
Jesus help them find their way
I'm praying that the love you shower down on us
Will lift us up and we will live as one
I know there'll come a day
I know you'll make a way
Please listen as I pray
Lord I pray
That in my lifetime there will come a day
When the world will wake up with unclouded eyes and
There'll be no more need to cry
Wont you bring that dream to life
Lord I pray
That in my lifetime there will come a time
When we all can open up our hearts and minds
And see we're all the same inside
Won't you bring that dream to life
Won't you bring that dream to life?
Written by Mariah Carey, Kenneth Crouch.
Produced by Mariah Carey. Co-produced by Kenneth Crouch.
