Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship ‎#335

335. Two People Came to Church to Pray

1. Two people came to church to pray,
Assured that God would hear.
The first had many words to say,
And spoke them, loud and clear:
"I thank you God, and give you praise
that I am blessed to be
a model of your holy ways
for all who care to see."

2. Two people came to church to pray,
Assured that God would hear.
The second prayed a different way,
Both humble and sincere:
"O God, be merciful to me!
Forgive your sinful child."
By uttering this simple plea,
A soul was reconciled.

3. Two people came to church to pray,
And God knew every thought -
But one was justified that day;
The other one was not.
When what we pray becomes a boast,
We win no great reward -
For what our God desires most
Is humble hearts outpoured.

Text Information

• First Line: Two people came to church to pray
• Title: Two People Came to Church to Pray
• Author: Adam M.L. Tice (2008)
• Meter: 8.6.8.6 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2024
• Scripture:
  Luke 18:10-14
• Topic: Ordinary Time: Week 25
• Copyright: ©2008 GIA Publications, Inc.
• Notes: Text by Mennonite pastor Adam M.L. Tice, from Singing the New Testament (2008).

Tune Information

• Name: HALIFAX
• Composer: George Frideric Handel (1748)
• Arranger: C. Winfred Douglas (1943)
• Meter: 8.6.8.6 D
• Incipit: 51112 3455
• Key: e minor or modal
• Copyright: ©1943, ren. 1961 Church Pension Fund.
• Notes: Tune HALIFAX by English composer George Frideric Handel, from the aria “Ask if yon damask rose be sweet” in his oratorio Susanna (1748), arr. by C. Winfred Douglas for The Hymnal 1940.