[Title: First, Not Last] [Short Intro: Expressive piano and soft acoustic guitar, no vocal] [Verse 1: Intimate, conversational, warm lower register] I keep a list beside the bed Of things to fix and words unsaid Before the kettle starts to sing I'm trying to carry everything I call Your name when plans fall through When there's no road left running to But in the quiet, I can hear You saying, “Start with Me, I'm here” [Pre-Chorus: Gentle melodic banjo enters, warm bass] Before the call, before the keys Before I try to find some peace I'll bring You all that's on my heart And let the quiet be the start [Chorus: Warm expansion, restrained drums, delicate fiddle] Let prayer be the first thing Not the last thing that I do Before I try to hold the world I'll place my hands in Yours I don't need every answer To know what I'm waiting for You're my shelter from the morning Not just shelter in the storm My first prayer, not my last resort [Verse 2: Conversational, banjo gently audible] I want the answer here and now A straight-line road that shows me how But You don't hurry like I do And love won't ask me to push through So while the coffee's getting cold I'll tell You what I can't control Then take the step that's mine to take And trust You with the time it takes [Pre-Chorus: Small lift, no belting] Before the rush, before the race I'll leave a little room for grace Not when I've tried and come apart But while the day is yet to start [Chorus: Wider and warmer, never heavy] Let prayer be the first thing Not the last thing that I do Before I try to hold the world I'll place my hands in Yours I don't need every answer To know what I'm waiting for You're my shelter from the morning Not just shelter in the storm My first prayer, not my last resort [Bridge: Pull back to sparse piano, tender and unhurried] Maybe forever isn't one big moment Maybe it's a million little more Little whispered prayers before the morning Little acts of trust I choose once more You don't have to move on my timetable For me to know You're listening, Lord [Final Chorus: Natural emotional lift, piano, acoustic, banjo, fiddle] Let prayer be the first thing Not the last thing that I do Before I try to hold the world I'll place my hands in Yours I don't need every answer To know what I'm waiting for You're my shelter from the morning Not just shelter in the storm My first prayer, not my last resort [Outro: Piano and soft banjo only, tender] Before the day comes through my door You're my first prayer, not my last resort [End]
