Backslider’s Prayer

[Verse 1]
He said, "I know this ain't the time or place, but Lord, I need to talk"
In a business suit, in a corner booth in a crowded little restaurant
We all tried not to listen, we all tried not to look
But a whole room full of customers and the waitress and the cook
All stopped what we were doin' when he bowed his head
In that silence, we heard every word he said

[Chorus]
"I've been tryin' to do things my way down here on life's highway
Slippin', slidin' sideways between no way and nowhere
If I could only gain a foothold up there on your high road
Lord, if you hear me, help me, I'll do anything you tell me to
All I've got to offer you is this backslider's prayer"

[Verse 2]
The waitress made the first move when she filled his coffee cup
Said, "You ain't alone here, mister, you're speakin' for the rest of us"
I heard some scattered amens and a couple of "I've been there's"
Then things got back to normal, the dishes and the silverware
Were clangin' in the kitchen like an angel's band
As I took my place in line to shake his hand

[Chorus]
'Cause I've been tryin' to do things my way down here on life's highway
Slippin', slidin' sideways between no way and nowhere
If I could only gain a foothold up there on your high road
Lord, if you hear me, help me, I'll do anything you tell me to
All I've got to offer you is this backslider's prayer

[Refrain]
If I could only gain a foothold up there on your high road
Lord, if you hear me, help me, I'll do anything you tell me to
All I've got to offer you is this backslider's prayer