Lord...it's me again

and I’m in need of defenses

as the devil is trying

to change my preferences.

He’s set me to thinking

this church can be built

on hell-fire and brimstone,

with a large dash of guilt.

The problem, You see,

is this terrible temptation

to pack these pews

by manipulation.

I confess that I’d like

to keep them returning

by telling them all

‘bout the fire that keeps burning.

Make them squirm and shiver,

break out in a sweat.

It might be just the trick

for my goals to be met.

Now I know it's not right.

I know that it's shifty.

But what am I to do

when the seats remain empty?

Have You got a suggestion

for this devilish case?

Can You recommend something,

something other than grace?

I didn’t think so.