Lyrics
Not a Lot o' grace, not a lot o' grace
Though I'm made of flesh and bone
I reveal this heart of stone
Acting like the whole world is my own
Oh Lord
I need a little grace
Not a lot o' joy, not a lot o' joy
Seems I'm working most everyday
Trying to make a little go a long, long way
Keeping those hungry wolves at bay
Oh Lord
I need a little joy
Not a lot o' peace, not a lot o' peace
I'd give all I possess
Trade in all my success
If that's the price of quietness
Oh Lord
I need a little peace
Not a lot o' faith, not a lot o' faith
Oh I can't find the inspiration
To see past my situation
And forget about my limitations
Oh Lord
I need a little faith
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Working Man’s Prayer gives plain language to spiritual need under the pressure of ordinary labor. The speaker admits a hard heart, limited joy, restless striving, and faith weakened by immediate circumstances. Each confession ends as a brief appeal to the Lord, making the song less a complaint than an honest prayer for grace, joy, peace, and faith. Material success is treated as inadequate when quietness and inner renewal are absent.
The request for grace closely aligns with 2 Corinthians 12:9, where divine grace is described as sufficient in weakness. The longing for peace amid anxiety also recalls Philippians 4:6-7, which connects prayer with the peace of God. These passages fit the lyric without promising an easy removal of work or limitation. Instead, the song presents dependence on God as the answer to self-sufficiency, asking for spiritual gifts that cannot be secured by effort, possessions, or success alone.
Related Scripture
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 The passage describes divine grace as sufficient in human weakness.
- Philippians 4:6-7 Paul connects prayer in anxious circumstances with the peace of God.