'American Idol' Judge, Country Music Star Luke Bryan Gets Candid About His Relationship With God in Faith-Filled New Song

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Country singer and "American Idol" judge Luke Bryan is releasing a faith-filled track as the closing track on his upcoming album for the second time.

The final track on Bryan’s album, “Signs,” which releases Sept. 18, is titled “Praying by the Rules.” 

Bryan posted a clip of the song's video on his X.com (formerly Twitter) account on Monday (Aug. 24). Accompanying the video, Bryan wrote the following caption: “‘Praying By The Rules’ is a special one. We all got on our own relationship with the Lord. It ain’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up as you are.”

Bryan, the short, nearly 30-second clip, belts: “For my dear Savior, to help an ol’ boy out. Without a Bible in his hand, showing up just as I am. Hat’s on, head ain’t bowed. Ain’t got no Southern Baptist pew, and I’m as dusty as these boots. I hope it’s cool, that I ain’t praying by the rules.”

The response from users on the social media platform to Bryan's song about faith has been overwhelmingly positive. 

"@lukebryan this song is beautiful, an absolute favorite. Losing Dolly Parton today is such a shock, but listening to your music heals the soul. I've always been a huge fan of yours, but seeing you and Jason Aldean at Petco Park in San Diego was so much Fun. Thank you," one person responded. 

"So beautifully said. Faith isn't about perfection...it's about an honest heart, showing up, and walking your own journey with the Lord," another user added.

Someone else added, “This one is going to be very special to me!!!!”

The 50-year-old Bryan has had quite a successful musical career, selling millions of albums and earning several highly coveted awards and honors. According to Church Leaders,  the "American Idol" judge has sold more than 75 million records. Additionally, Bryan has earned the title of “Entertainer of the Year” three times from the Academy of Country Music Awards and twice from the Country Music Association. 

This is hardly the first time Bryan has sung about faith. 

Bryan also ended his previous album, “Mind of a Country Boy,” with a faith-centered song, titled  “Jesus ’Bout My Kids."

Also, earlier this year, Bryan and fellow judge Lionel Richie sang “Jesus Is Love”  on "American Idol," during the popular program's second-annual “Songs of Faith” episode in March.

“People will be moved in a lot of spiritual ways.” Bryan, who described himself as “a Baptist church kid singing in the church choir,” added that faith is “what you gotta really lean on to get through this challenging life.”

Bryan, who heard multiple sermons and songs about Jesus while growing up in the church, added, “It’s been really in my head about being solid in your faith for many, many years,” he said. “I think your small-town values and small-town work ethic and what you learned in the church and your family and your neighbors carries me through life the rest of my life.”

Photo Credit: ©Jamie Schramm/Variety via Getty Images

Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.