ARETHA ABRAMS

1. Naked Lips of Praise Don’t clothe my lips with lipstick, Or color them as a rose, Don’t shimmer them, don’t shine them, To see the reflection of my nose, Don’t gloss them, don’t glitter them, Or make them smooth as silk, Don’t flavor them café-au-lait, With or without the milk, No glossy shine, no red like wine, No Perfect Ruby or Coral Reef, Don’t give me liquid lip color, To rub off on my teeth, No glamour wear, no wear all day, Nothing shiny, creamy or supreme, Nothing luxurious that magnifies my lips, Sparkling Pink, Champagne Shimmer, Peachy Cream, Just let them be au natural, Let them be naked and not ashamed, Let them glorify and magnify, And praise your holy name, Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

2. Naked Lips of Praise Let them sing soft songs of worship, Let them sing stirring hymns of praise, Let them speak of the goodness of Jesus, Let them testify of better things, Let them be heavy with praise, From my head down to my feet, Let me walk in the beauty of holiness, In your joy let me be complete… Don’t clothe my lips with lipstick, That comes off when I take a sip, But let me be as the angels, With Jesus’ name always on my lips. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

3. A Heavenly Hand O come let us sing praises to our lord and king, His love did cause this joyless heart to sing, His praises leave a sweet taste in my mouth, How abundantly do they fill my Father’s house. A heart once afflicted and filled with sorrow, Not knowing what would become of today or tomorrow, Under the curse of a dark and sinful day, Now remembered no more like waters that pass away. Life did bloom and flourish over time But like a mountain was too hard and too high to climb And I, like lightening, came crashing down from the sky ‘Cause I lived too fast and soared too high. And the beauty of life did not last Before another day had ended another year had passed. Just as the beauty of a flower will fade, I was crushed under the footsteps of those in the parade. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

4. A Heavenly Hand But a hand came down from heaven and picked me up, Sat me at a heavenly table and overflowed my cup. He seated me beside Him and anointed my head with oil, Gave me a golden crown and robe majestic and royal. Stretching forth His scepter, He beckoned me draw near, Every nerve jumped inside me and my hands trembled with fear. His voice did roar like the sound of a mighty river Which caused my heart to faint within and my knees to quiver. But His touch was as gentle as Mary’s little lamb. He said whatever I needed is that which, “I Am.” Then we walked in the beautiful garden alone, Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

5. A Heavenly Hand “You are Mine, I have chosen you, and you are my own.” End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

6. A Plea for Help • My dear Father who art in heaven, • Holy is thy name. • In you there is no shadow of turning. • Every day you are always the same. • Give me the keys to your kingdom • That I may open the gate, • Then close them securely behind me • To keep out any snakes. • Make me an ambassador of the gospel, • Inaugurate me into your government, • Teach me your laws and ordinances, • Sign my name in your covenant, • Take me to the president’s mansion, • Where your commandments are posted outside, • Show me the heart where your holy statutes, • Are written on the inside. • Give me, Jesus, my daily bread, • The one as harmless as a dove, • To nourish my soul with salvation, • The manna that was sent from above. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

7. A Plea for Help • Forgive me when I sin against you • Although I try I sometimes fail. • Restore a right spirit within me, • I am bound in an emotional cell. • Lead me into the path of righteousness, • Shadows of death are crouching at my door, • Demanding that I come and let them inside, • Lord I need you more now than ever before. • Deliver me from my evil spirits, • Burning like fire in my heart and mind, • Pull down strongholds and set me free, • Break the chains that bind. • I am thine, Oh Lord, hear my call, • Hear my humble cry, • If I could touch the hem of your garment • As you are passing by… • Then would I be made whole, • Healed by the Master’s virtuous touch, • Then would I go and sin no more, • You took and gave so much. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

8. A’Brams Lullaby When you kneel down and you pray Every night and every day, Anything your heart desires Will come to you. When you kneel down and you pray God will hear the words you say, And anything you ask in faith Will come to you. When you kneel down and you pray, Every night and every day, God will hear the words you say, Good things will come your way When you pray…. When you kneel down and you pray Every night and every day, Doesn’t matter what you say, Good things will come your way, When you pray. When you kneel down and you pray, God will hear the words you say, And anything in His good will, He’ll give to you. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

9. An All Knowing God My soul has said, “I will magnify the Lord.” I delight in thy great excellence, My heart is full of joy and gladness, For He has presented me as faultless. He has covered me in rich royal blood From the crown of my head to my feet. His golden scepter He extends to me As I bow before His mercy seat. He is seated majestically on His throne And beckons me to draw near. Angels usher me before His heavenly seat My knees quivered yet I did not fear. His voice was like music to my ears That did fill His throne’s expanse. Angels hovered overhead Praising Him in song and dance. Test me, taste me, and prove me now, My word is tried by fire. If you have the faith to just believe You shall have whatsoever you desire. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

10. An All Knowing God I can fulfill your every need According to my riches in glory. I am the author of the gospel, I created the salvation story. My spirit nervously stirred within, My hands trembled and shook, I desired to look upon His face But I dared not to look I opened my mouth to make my request But my voiced failed to speak. Several times I tried to find my words But all I could do was weep. “I am the King of Glory From whom all blessings flow. You don’t have to make your petition I already know.” End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

11. As Time Goes On Life, like sand through my fingers, is slipping away, Youth is securely guarded by an angel blocking the way, I try to move closer but it moves farther from my grasp, Hide me in your bosom until the wrath of age has passed. Guard my head when the gray strains of death appear, Hide my face when stress forming wrinkles draw near, Let my back remain strong and straight as an arrow, Keep my veins and arteries from becoming narrow. Bless my womb to bear fruit past the fruit bearing years, Dry my eyes when I water my couch with tears, Temper the hands of time when they war in a rage! Let them say that she died in a good old age! Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

12. As Time Goes On Give me assurance — when I die I’ll see your face, May my spirit go to heaven and my body to my birthplace, Welcome me home with open arms and a feast, What started out small let it yield a great increase. Don’t leave me standing outside the pearly gate, But sit me at your table in front of my golden nameplate, And after we’ve dined, escort me to my mansion, Bless me that I may indeed be a blessing. Let my inheritance be enough to care for my young, Let it flow down freely from generation to generation. Let them remember that their mother remembered them, Singing psalms, spiritual songs, and momma’s favorite hymn. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

13. Back Road Preacher • Back roads of Alabama, • Draped in white sheets, • Riding home I get a chance, • To rest my weary feet. • Somebody needs a healing, • Newborns need to be baptized, • Somebody needs to be buried, • Didn’t you hear Sister Elizabeth died. • This wagon keeps on rolling, • There are souls that need to be saved, • These wheels keep on turning, • Even though the horse is maimed. • Tears have watered these dirt roads, • Joy has turned into sorrow, • Oh my people don’t lose your hope, • For Jesus will come on the morrow. • There is a fountain filled with blood, • That set the world on fire, • God said, He sent His son to die for you, • God is not a liar. • Get your hat and get your coat, • Come and go with me, • I know a place, I’ll take you there, • To that beautiful golden city. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

14. Back Road Preacher • The dead that died, died not in vain, • The waters will give up the dead, • The dead in Christ shall be raised first, • That’s what the Bible said. • Here take some poultry, homemade preserves • Some eggs and here’s some bread. • Take up your cross and follow me, • Let the dead bury the dead. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

15. Born Again • Come to the light and see what I see, • Through the water, through the flood to the fire. • The truth is the light who will set you free, • Speaking through the lie to the liar. • Born of the womb through water and blood, • She travailed in pain to birth Him out. • The king is He who sits atop of the flood; • Blessed is she who believed without a doubt. • John baptized with water the repentance of sin, • But there is one who is mightier than he, • Who let His light so shine before all men, • The invisible took on the form of visibility. • Shall a man enter the womb a second time? • How can a man be born when he is old? • Shall one ascend up heaven’s mountainous climb, • Although we long as cold waters to a thirsty soul. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

16. Born Again • That which is born of the flesh is flesh, • That which is born of the spirit is spirit, • Can a fountain yield both salt water and fresh? • Can a heart surrender to faith ‘cept it hear it? • The wind blows and you hear the sound • But cannot tell from whence it came or went. • In the heart of the spirit faith can be found • For the Son of God came unto whom he was sent. • To those who believe they shall not perish, • For God so loved the world that He gave His son, • We stand before the King and it is He whom we cherish, • From the rising to the setting of the sun. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

17. Crank It Up • Crank it up, turn it up… • Drown out all the static. • Let the praises of the Lord begin… • I’m a praise fanatic! • Take away the pain and sorrow, • Sing songs that lift the savior up, • God is a good and worthy God, • His blessings overflow my cup. • When praises go up to heaven, • The blessings will come down. • Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, • Let the earth rent with the sound. • Put on my long white robe, • Put on my garments of praise, • Give me oil of joy for mourning, • Surround me in a purple haze. • Intoxicate me with the sound of music, • Infect me with tambourines and horns, • Possess me with your Holy Spirit, • Bless the comforter of they that mourn. • Let me get to stepping • Through the fields and through the land. • Crank it up, turn it up, • Let the praises of the Lord begin... • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

18. Do You Really Love Me? • How can we agree when we • always disagree? • How can we talk when you’re not • talking to me? • How can we be together when we’re • always apart? •        How come you don’t know you’re breaking my heart? •        How can we be united when we’re • always separated? •        How come I feel alone, deserted, • and hated? •         How come you’re always leaving • me behind? •         Why do you go your way and why do I go mine? •        How come you’re down there and I’m up here? •        How come saying, “I’m sorry,” • Doesn’t sound so sincere? •        How come I’m talking but you can’t • hear me? •        How come I want to be close but you won’t • come near me? Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

19. Do You Really Love Me? • How come we’re united in love but there’s so • much division? •       There are so many things to decide but there • is indecision. •        Do you really love me?  Do you really care? •       Right now I really need you but I don’t know if • you’re there. •  End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

20. Don’t Block My View • Don’t waste your time telling me what I can and cannot do, • Your discouragement is not my reality so don’t block my view. • I have seen the promise land and I know which way to go, • My progress won’t be halted just because you tell me no. • I’ve come to0 far to turn around and I’ve climbed too • many mountains, • I have been baptized in the water of a clear and • crystal fountain. • So save your breath—your words are death and I don’t • have the time, • When you finally realize who I am, you’ll be left behind. • A year has passed and you’re still trying to do things • the same old way, • If you don’t realize I’m in charge then I don’t know what to say. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

21. Don’t Block My View • You still don’t know who to call or who to send things to? • Your discouragement is not my reality, just don’t block my view. • Perhaps you’re blinded by my beauty, perhaps you’re blinded • by my youth, • Perhaps you still go by the code—an eye for and eye and a • tooth for a tooth. • I have the wings of an eagle and as I take flight and soar, • I’ll fly high in the face of heaven to find where lions roar. • He is the lion of Judah, He has a peaceful and pure past, • He is the bread of heaven where the first is also the last. • I’m breaking out, I’m coming out; nothing can hold me back, • Not an iron gate, not a dreary fate, not a violent enemy attack. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

22. Don’t Block My View • I’ve been held down long enough trying not to see, • That I’ve been living a lie trapped in somebody else’s identity. • Just don’t waste your time telling me what I can and cannot do, • Your discouragement is not my reality so don’t block my view. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

23. Faith to Overcome • When failure overshadows • My fading accomplishments • And I look at time wondering where it went. • When my life’s downs are • More than my life’s ups; • Can I overcome through praise and worship? • When I want to smile but • All I can do is frown • And I try to sing but can’t make a sound. • When pain comes before joy • And joy comes before sorrow; • When I don’t feel like facing another tomorrow, • When I can’t get over life and • It’s inequitable circumstance • And I want to come in but there’s no entrance, • When all these things start • Settling in my soul • And I’m just a half and not whole, Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

24. Faith to Overcome • When I feel alone and • I don’t know what to do, • My faith looks up to you. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

25. Give Me • Don’t give me silver • Don’t give me gold • Don’t give me riches • That my coffers can’t hold • Don’t give me the earth • Don’t give me the sky • Don’t give me the heavens • Lest I die • Don’t give me a song • That won’t lift my spirits up • Don’t give me a drink • Unless it overflows my cup • Don’t give me bread • Unless it’s the bread of life • That I might sit and partake of • The man of perfect sacrifice • Give ear to my supplications • In thy faith and righteousness • Give me your awesome power • That no one can resist • Give me the mountain • Where God spoke in that day • Fashion me with your hand • You are the potter I am the clay • Give me the bridegroom • For I am His wife Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

26. Give Me • Give me the kingdom • That I might have eternal life • Give me your hand • And promise never to let go • Give me your wisdom • To bless and keep my soul • Give me the secret place • Where I can be at rest • Give me the most holy place • Where I can be blessed • Give me the King of Glory • Give me the Prince of Peace • Give me forgiveness • Redemption and release • Give me understanding • According to your word • Give me ears to hear you • And let your voice be heard • Give me living water • That I might thirst no more • Give me the keys to heaven • That I may open heaven’s door • Give me your holy word • That I might know your will • Give me your heart • That I may know how you feel. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

27. Help Me Make it Through • Just give me a minute to • Relax my mind • To just sit back close my eyes • Exhale and unwind. • So many schedules and appointments • To contend with, • So many people and problems • Needing a face lift. • Sometimes it makes me wanna scream, • “Just take your hands off of me! • Go away and do it yourself. • Let me be! Just let me be!” • That’s how I feel on the inside, • Let me come clean. • Although I’m calm and cool right now, • Things aren’t always as they seem. • Let me turn on songs of praises, • Give me some TBN*, • Let me renew my frame of mind, • Let the praise usher the Spirit in. • Pour out the joyous praises, • Pour them into my cup, • Pour and pour though you may try • You’ll never fill it up. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

28. Help Me Make it Through • I am your empty vessel, • Put a smile on my face, • Strengthen me with your anointing, • Help me run this race. • Put the dance back in my feet, • Put the clap back in my hands. • Let my spirit rejoice with gladness, • Let me dance like David danced. • End • * Trinity Broadcasting Network Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

29. Higher Education • You’ve made your point now I know the game has begun • Read with passion the Lesson: Magnification of the son. • You don’t need a higher education or a fancy degree • He will accept anyone, you don’t need a BS, MBA, or PhD. • How they treated Him poorly and turned their backs on Him, • How they laughed and mocked and scorned and spat on Him, • How it must have grieved your heart to know they didn’t care, • How I wish I could have held you but I wasn’t there. • How could they be so wicked as to kill an innocent man? • How could they take pleasure from putting nails in His • feet and hands? • How could they be so uncaring to cast lots for His clothes • And watch the blood as it poured out from your deeply • wounded holes. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

30. Higher Education • How could He take the insults? How could He stand the pain? • The throbbing and pulsing of the blood pouring out like rain. • He held it all together even though He could have come down, • He decided to die for the world and didn’t make a sound. • The sunshine turned to midnight the earth did rock and shake, • The centurion and all watching witnessed the great earthquake, • Behold the veil was rent in twain from the top to the bottom, • Giving us access to the Father through that bloody fountain. • Graves were opened and many saints, which slept, arose. • He reined in triumph and showed open victory over His foes. • And those they nailed beside Him and those standing on • the ground • Believed He was the Son of God as they feared and • looked around. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

31. Holy Holy Holy • My eyes have seen the glory • My voice has sung your praise • My heart has felt your joy • My soul has sensed your pain. • Your words taught me wisdom • Because of you—I’m saved • For you alone are holy and • Worthy to be praised. • Holy, holy, holy • I bend to kiss your feet • I kneel in prayer and worship • Before your mercy seat. • I ask you—Lord have mercy • My soul is laden with sin • Within a sinful nature • My struggle shall begin. • When I fall down on my knees • Tears within my eyes • Thinking about past ills • Tears me apart inside. • My heart is pleading for forgiveness • In sincerity and in pain • My voice cries out in glory • Magnifying the master’s name. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

32. Holy Holy Holy • When my prayer is over • When you’ve wiped my tears away • I will lift my voice in glory • And lift my hands in holy praise. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

33. I Believe • I believe in my heart • And • I know • That with God • All things • Are possible, • He holds my life, • In the palms • Of • His hands, • And when I think • I can’t • He tells me, “Yes, you can!” • I believe that God sent • His son to save a sinner like me, • In fact, • I know He did. • I believe that Jesus died • On the cross at Calvary. • When I’m lonely, • You’re always there, • When I’m low down and dirty, • You show me that • You care. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

34. I Believe • You give me the courage, • To help me make it through, • When I’m weak • You strengthen me, • When I’m in the dark • You lighten darkness for me. • That’s why I’m free! • Oh, I believe in my heart • Yes, I believe in my soul, • That I can do all things • Through Christ • Who strengthens • Me. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

35. I Don’t Belong • My eyes are weary from crying all night, • My fists are tired from putting up a fight, • My mind is tired from thinking about the past, • My ego is bruised from always coming in last. • If I could just lie down and go to sleep, • Give me strength until I have no power to weep, • Give me the blessed assurance that dissolves all doubt, • As abundant as the morning dew that lies round about. • Just give me a hint and tell me why I’m here, • Give me the cure to take away all the fear. • Tell me why should I go on? Why should I keep trying? • Tell me why I wake every morning thinking about dying? Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

36. I Don’t Belong • Why is happiness such an allusive dream? • Why judge my mote when thou hast a beam? • Why should I live up to your expectations? • Why do I have to look perfect like your illustrations? • I just have the feeling that I don’t belong. • The things I want to do right seem to always go wrong. • I feel like a stranger in a far away land. • I feel as disconnected as a million grains of sand. • I just need to escape. I need to get away. • Even though you’ve watched over me until this very day. • Everyone is talking but I can’t catch a sentence • I need to find that open door so I can gain entrance. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

37. I Don’t Belong • Just go in and come out into a brand new life, • To be kept in your pavilion where there is no stress or strife, • Just to walk freely into the bright sunshine, • To gaze into your beauty until you blind my eyes. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

38. I Don’t Know How • I don’t know how you did it, • But I’m oh so glad you did. • I don’t know how you stood your ground • When others went and hid. • Knowing how they despised you, • Knowing your destiny hung on the cross, • Knowing you would die for all our sins, • And save those who are lost. • So innocent, so heaven sent, • So compassionate and kind, • Lord, don’t move the obstacles out of my way, • Just give me the strength to climb… • Give me courage to face adversity • Give me boldness to speak the word… • Give me peace in chaotic situations, • You are my savior, my king, and my Lord. • I want to draw nearer to you, • There you are and here I stand, • You’re so bright, light, and pristine • I can see right through holes in your hands, Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

39. I Don’t Know How • I want to draw closer to you • But I’m naked and afraid. • I know I shouldn’t feel this way • I am fearfully and wonderfully made. • There you are Lord Jesus, • Still standing in the midst; • Where mercy and truth are met together, • Where righteousness and peace have kissed. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

40. Inside It’s Warm • Alone in my solitude, I sit thinking to myself • About all the things that I went through; • When I was out in the world and doing my thing • I wasn’t thinking about my lord, my savior, my king. • I wasn’t serious about my life, I didn’t know where I was going • Didn’t even know there was a real reason for me to be here, • All these memories make me feel sad and alone, • I feel like a vagabond without a house and without a home. • The world used me up and when it was finished threw me away • All that I had were leftover tears from things I didn’t want • to remember • I didn’t have a door to return to the security of tomorrow • Leaving me with nothing that I could beg, steal, or borrow. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

41. Inside It’s Warm • The world is cold and it shows you no mercy • It will let you go as far as you’re willing to go • You only have one life to live and one life to lose • You’ve got to make up in your own mind which one you choose. • But I found the doors opened to your house • The candles burned on the altar so warm and inviting • I walked inside, got on my knees, and began to pray • And as the warmth of your spirit covered me I could • hear you say… • Although the weather may be cold outside • Inside it’s warm. • Although the world may be cold sometimes • Inside it’s warm. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

42. Inside It’s Warm • In my Father’s house, there is shelter from the rain. • There is security from my enemies and He will protect me. • In my Father’s house, there is safety and security • As long as I’m in the house, I know you’ll never leave me. • My mother used to tell me to be home by a certain time • She would always have something good smelling to eat • She would always have the table set and waiting for me • I always felt safe although the weather outside was stormy. • That’s the same feeling that I feel when I’m in my Father’s house. • When I’m on my knees there’s no one else but Him and me. • So when I feel myself going astray • I think of your benefits and I can hear you say… Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

43. Inside It’s Warm • Although the weather may be cold outside… • Inside it’s warm. • Although the world may be cold sometimes… • Inside it’s warm. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

44. Meet Me in the Sky • I close my ears to hear you • As you whisper in my ear • And say sweet things that are • Always pleasing to my ear. • We meet in total darkness • In the corner of my mind. • My heart seeks you only, • You lead and I’ll follow behind. • Take me to the river, • Baptize me with your love, • Teach me the mysteries of heaven, • Show me what you’re made of. • Some call you Holy Spirit, • Some call you Lord of all, • Some call you God with us, • Some don’t call your name at all. • As for me, I call your name often • While the moon illuminates the night • Your name falls heavily from my lips • You are heaven’s bread of life. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

45. Meet Me in the Sky • I’ve never known a love so pure, • I’ve never felt a love so kind, • I could never live without you, • You are spiritually divine. • Let me join the joyous singing, • Let me lift your name up high, • Let me kneel down and adore you, • Wipe the tears from my eyes. • Sweeten my heart with your laughter, • Let Satan fall like lightening from the sky, • Swing low sweet chariot and take me, • Let me live lest I die. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

46. Minute Mom • One minute I’m a doctor • Binding up your wounds • The next minute I’m a comedian • Laughing at your favorite cartoon • The next minute I’m a lawyer • Pleading your case • The next minute I’m a friend • Wiping the tears from your face • The next minute I’m a chef • Serving you your favorite meal • The next minute I’m a counselor • Helping you out of your ordeal • The next minute I’m a teacher • Teaching you what not to do • The next minute I’m an advisor • Telling you what’s best for you • The next minute I’m a prophet • Seeing success in your future • The next minute I’m a banker • Loaning money to you Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

47. Minute Mom • The next minute I’m a preacher • Preaching on your soul’s salvation • The next minute I’m an orator • Delivering a stirring oration • The next minute I’m a student • Learning a lesson from you • The next minute I’m a chauffeur • Taking you to your next venue • The next minute I’m a tri-athlete • Competing in a triathlon • The next minute I’m a singer • Singing you your favorite song • A doctor, a lawyer, a prophet, a preacher • An athlete, a student, a counselor, a teacher • God has blessed me to be a blessing to you, • God will give me the wisdom to watch over you. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

48. My Life is Hid in Jesus Christ • While the floodgates were open • And the rains fell all around, • You placed me in the safety of Noah’s Ark • While the rains were coming down. • When you wrote the commandments • Scripted with your invisible hand, • You placed me in the Ark of the Covenant • And kept me safe again. • When I was sinking deep in sin • You paid an awesome price, • You sent your son to die for me • And placed my life in Jesus Christ. • So when the rains are raining • When the enemy comes in like a flood, • God lifted up a standard against Him • Because he couldn’t follow me through the blood. Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

49. My Life is Hid in Jesus Christ • He said to love God with all your heart, • With all your soul, and all your mind, • He said to love God was the greatest command • And then treat your neighbors sweet and kind. • No longer can Satan reign over me, • He is a murderer but not of my life, • You have it safely and securely hidden • In your son Jesus Christ. • I owe my life to Jesus • He bought me back with a price, • He shed His blood on Calvary • He made the ultimate sacrifice • So let him roam around like a lion • Looking for some poor body to steal, • Let him sniff around outside my door • Because by your stripes I am healed. • And I shall evermore reign with thee, • There is nothing more to say or do, • When you pierce the clouds with your glorious appearing • I’ll be going home with you. • End Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

50. My Secret Place • There is a path no fowl knoweth no falcon’s eye hath seen • The secret place, the most high God, revealed it in my dream • Fashioned by unseen hands just as a sculptor sculpts his clay • Where we partake in sweet communion and the days slowly • pass away • With a wave of His hand He plants the seeds that cover the • mountain’s sides • With one word from His lips the raging waves and winds • quickly subside • He overturned mountains by their roots • His footsteps form low valleys, trees shake and drop their fruit • He hung the earth on nothing and spoke the world into being • His son crushed the works of the devil and sent him fleeing • There is no other God so mighty and powerful Naked Lips of Praise Volume I Traces of my Life Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS