It was first recorded in a book on African American slave spirituals in 1867. Also the song might be a earlier book in 1837.
Either Down to Earth or Pray
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Justin Bieber wrote his song Pray
Harry John Ledsome from New CAstle PA
babbie mason who wrote that song pray on
Alan wrote it and Merill sang it.
There is a song by Neil Diamond with the title "Down by the River" but it is not a gospel song. However there is the song "Down in the river to pray" by Alison Krauss which was in the movie "Oh brother where art thou". The related links below will show you the lyrics.
Justin bieber sing it but not sure if he wrote it
The song you are looking for I think is "Down to the valley to Pray" a traditional gospel/spiritual song. Alison Krauss recorded it for the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou" changing the words to "Down to the River to Pray". Both versions can be viewed on You Tube.
Chinua Achebe wrote Chike and the River.
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Jesus first said it, at least twice and it was written down by the people who heard it from Him. It appears twice in the New (Christian) Testament.