On September 26 1988, Madonna began recording the Like A Prayer album in Los Angeles, California with collaborators Patrick Leonard and Stephen Bray.
Madonna had begun writing for the album during down time of her Broadway run in David Mamet’s Speed-The-Plow, for which she gave her final performance in late August. With her marriage to Sean Penn on the rocks, Madonna found herself at a personal and creative crossroads–with plenty to express.
Today In Madonna History 
That song still makes me cry and bring me to tears every time I Hear It-Promise to Try is three things to me-the most beautiful song in rock & roll, the most beautiful and saddest song in the English language and the best and saddest Madonna tune ever-Madonna still outdoes herself in this sad Ciccone ballad and I feel vindicated! Brilliant, Madonna!