Jesus Talked About Gift-Giving--a hymn text on Luke 11:1-13,with suggested tunes

Jesus talked about gift-giving.
Even we do know the joys,
finding gifts for birthdays, Christmas,
to delight our girls and boys.
Jesus said, "Now if you know this—
how to give your kids good gifts—
how much more will God in Heaven
see, to you, good gifts are giv'n."

We know children, out in stores, beg
"shiny" stuff that hardly lasts.
So, we'd understand God smiling
when our asking grows, expands.
Jesus taught us: pray God's will and
keep on praying, praying still.
"Rap the door; seek God of Heaven.
Ask," he taught, "it shall be giv'n.

"If your child asks for a fish, you
wouldn't give a snake," Christ said.
"Or, your child asks for an egg.... Who'd
bring a scorpion instead?
Though imperfect, if you know this—
giving to your kids good gifts—
how much more will God in Heaven
see, as asked, the Spirit giv'n!"

This hymn or song is about the loving parenthood of God. Jesus' teaching of this, in the Revised Common Lectionary, is a Gospel reading in late July of Year C. The hymn could also be paired with the similar reading in Matthew 6:7-11.

Sheet MusicSome Possible Tunes

HYFRYDOL

AUSTRIAN HYMN

RUSTINGTON (our arrangement):

Musical Details

This text is 8 7 8 7 D. Three familiar tunes that work well with it are suggested in the links at the top right of this page. You may already have music for these.

We are providing a piano arrangement using RUSTINGTON, especially for the song's use as a solo. (It differs a bit from the hymn melody in m11.)
Or, for a solo, guitar chords for HYFRYDOL work fairly well.

If you program this as a solo, we do allow our text to be printed or displayed for the congregation.