Jonathan Cain Only A Prayer Away EP

Released: February 27, 2026 (The Fuel Music)

Written by: Jay Heilman (2/21/2026) 

Growing up, Jonathan Cain’s music was the soundtrack to so many of our lives. As a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group Journey, he wrote or co-wrote—alongside vocal powerhouse Steve Perry—the anthems that defined an era: “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” “Faithfully,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”. But for me, the connection shifted from “rock legend” to “solo favorite” back in 2016. That was when I had the privilege of covering and interviewing him for his first record to hit the Christian market, What God Wants to Hear. I became an instant fan of his solo work then, and his latest offering, the six-song EP Only a Prayer Away, only solidifies that.

In a world that feels increasingly crazy and broken, this collection is timely and, frankly, much needed. It is truly extraordinary to see that the same man who crafted some of the biggest secular rock hits in history can pivot so seamlessly to create a record that isn’t just musically excellent, but carries messages of deep encouragement for our walk with Christ.

A Refreshing Sound

As a rock fan at heart, I usually lean toward the heavy stuff. However, there is something undeniably refreshing about the piano-driven nature of this EP. It’s calming, melodic, and provides a perfect backdrop for the spiritual weight of the lyrics. In fact, when I first heard his solo stuff, I immediately noticed a comparison to CCM legend Michael W. Smith, who is also a gifted songwriter and keys player. Much like Smitty, Cain has that “magic touch” on the piano that makes a melody feel both grand and deeply personal. He hasn’t lost an ounce of that songwriting brilliance; he just uses it here to point toward a higher purpose.

The Journey Through the Music

The EP opens with the title track, “Only a Prayer Away”, which serves as the heart of the project. Jonathan shared that the song was born late one night while watching a short film featuring Pastor Greg Laurie (of Jesus Revolution fame). Seeing Greg walking on the beach and proclaiming that “God is only a prayer away” sparked the inspiration—a powerful reminder that “He is closer than the air we breathe” and that “miracles are breaking through”.

Cain then tackles the chaos of our current culture with “Imagine Peace”. It’s a timely anthem for reclaiming our peace—a “peace that can calm a raging storm”—and remembering that as we “trust in God,” the “faded and forgotten noise” of the past loses its grip. This flows right into “Amen to the Rescue”, a majestic track that shifts the focus toward the active presence of God. Jonathan emphasizes that when we worship, we are engaging with the “hand of Jesus” who “heals the broken through the storm,” calling for “God’s people” to be a “helping hand to each other”.

The commitment deepens with “All First”, a standout track that highlights Cain’s ability to blend classic worship themes with his signature melodic sensibility. It offers a beautiful promise of putting God at the center with lines like “All first belong to You / Every breath that I take”. This spiritual focus leads us to the “Bread of Life”, where foundational truths feel personal and new. This “sacred bread” is a standout for its simplicity, reminding us that it is His “love that sets us free” while showcasing the refreshing piano work that defines the EP.

Finally, the journey (no pun intended) concludes with “I Will Praise You Home”, a beautiful closer that reminds us that while we navigate this broken world, our ultimate home is elsewhere. With poignant lyrics like “At the end of my days / I will praise You home,” it is a song of profound hope and anticipation, a final assurance that in Christ, “no one dies alone”.

Ten years into his journey navigating the Christian music industry, Jonathan Cain is showing no signs of losing his footing. Only a Prayer Away is a collection of songs worth checking out and shows that his gift for storytelling is as sharp as ever. I highly recommend giving this a listen; it’s the kind of encouragement we all need right now.

4.5/5

CHECK OUT OUR RECENT INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN CAIN: