One Sunday two men went to church to pray.
The first man was feeling pretty good about himself. He figured that whatever is wrong with this world, it wasn’t his fault, because he’d lived such a good life. So he prayed: “God, thank you I’m not like other people. I work hard, I do everything I’m supposed to do (and a little more), I stay in control and don’t mess up; I keep it all together. Thank you, God.” And he went on like this.
The other man was different. He knew he was no better than other people. Oh, he was a law abiding citizen, he paid his taxes and he even helped others pay their taxes too. But in his heart he knew his thoughts and desires were not pure, he worried about all the wrong things, and his heart was not whole. So when he prayed, he simply said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
That day, only one of these men went home right with God. I want to be like that man.
Never Not in Need of Grace
Verse 1
I work really hard and I rarely complain.
I try not to show it when I’m in pain.
I plan what I say, and I keep to my space;
But I’m never not in need of grace, no,
I’m never not in need of grace
Chorus
Please save my soul not just my face–
I’m never not in need of grace
Not “Sometimes,” “Maybe,” “Just In Case”–
No I’m never, never ever not in need of grace.
Verse 2
I optimize things and I don’t like to wait,
I watch, consider, and calculate.
I usually live at my maximum pace;
But I’m never not in need of grace, no
I’m never not in need of grace
Verse 3
I never make waves and I pull my own weight.
All favors I always reciprocate.
I honor my parents and honor my race;
But I’m never not in need of grace, no
I’m never not in need of grace.
Bridge
Dearest Jesus, how I need you–
at my worst and at my best!
Save me from myself, I plead you!
Only you can give me rest!
Words and music (c) 2001 by Russell Yee
Composed for an Oakland Asian Cultural Center music writing workshop led by Jon Jang
Russell Yee 