I saw a host of Angels, they were standing everywhere,
One handed me a basket and said “My child, shop with care.
Everything a Christian needs is in this grocery store;
Take all that you can carry, then come back for more.”

First I got some “Patience”--”Love” was in the same row;
Further down was “Understanding,” you need this wherever you go.
I got a box of “Wisdom,” a bag or two of “Faith,”
I couldn’t miss the “Holy Ghost,” he was all over the place.

I found “Strength” and “Courage;” I realized I’d need a case.
Alas, my basket was nearly full, but still room enough for “Grace.”
I couldn’t forget “Salvation”--salvation that was free,
So I got enough of that to save both you and me.

Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill,
For I thought I had all that was needed to do my Master’s will.
Next to the counter I saw “Prayer,” and so I put that in,
I knew when I stepped outside, I’d run back into sin.

“Peace” and “Joy” were plentiful, here on this last shelf;.
“Songs” and “Praises” were hanging near, and so I helped myself.
I asked a smiling Angel, “Please tell me what I owe?”
His eyes lit up, he smiled and said
My child, Jesus paid your bill a long, long time ago!”

Composition by Howard Bell of Blanchard, Oklahoma