The above is a great song of testimony (for solo performance), but for folks to sing well congregationally, there will need to be a few tweaks.

First to go is the bridge-- our instruments will not work for that, and we do not do instrumental solos anyway. And then the sung bridge is so different from the verse and chorus tunes-- it'll throw people off if we try to go there!

So, since the bridge has to go, I'll add a verse. That way, once people have caught the tune there is still some more singing to use it with-- when people lack dots and are learning by ear, they need a verse or two to catch a contagious tune. And we want them to learn by hearing-- not reading. (It's Biblical!) :~)

Also there is some syllable clutter I will folk-process, to smooth the delivery more singably.

And I changed the title-- there are already a zillion songs by the original title.


So here's a stab at our version, till we folk-process ourselves further! :~)

~S~


STRENGTH TO RUN THIS RACE
Adapted from Tiki McPherson's "Saved by Grace," (C) 2013 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band


1. God so loved the world, He gave His son;
Whoever believes in Jesus will live on.
He came not to condemn, but to love you and me--
To take us out of darkness, so we can see.

CHORUS:
I am a sinner saved by Grace;
All my transgressions have been erased!
Rejoicing with strength to run this race,
Oh... I am a sinner-- saved by Grace!

2. We forget our God when scared and alone;
No human hand may cast a judgement stone.
Let the world clearly see, we are forgiven and set free
To answer Jesus' Call, "Come follow me!"

CHORUS

3. To His very last, He thought of us;
Praying our forgiveness from a cross.
He knew our human form, which He never came to harm.
We sound His joyful song, not death's alarm!

CHORUS

Reprise:
Let the world clearly see, we are forgiven and set free
To answer Jesus' Call, "Come follow me!"

LAST CHORUS
(Reprise:)
Let the world clearly see, we are forgiven and set free
To answer Jesus' Call, "Come follow me!"
Yes, I am a sinner saved by Grace;
All my transgressions have been erased!
Rejoicing with strength to run this race,
Oh... I am a sinner-- saved by Grace!


SH