Three Dollars' Worth of God

(The preacher at this morning's Eucharist used part of this poem as an illustration. I've found it several places on the Web, attributed to several people, so I don't know who actually wrote it; but I thought it worth sharing.)

I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.
I would like to try just a little of the Lord.
Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep;
Not enough to take control of my life -- I'll keep
Just enough to equal a cup of warm milk
And just enough to ease some of the pain from my guilt.

I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.
I would like to find a love that's pocket-size.
Not enough to make me love a black man;
Not enough to change my heart --- I can only stand
Just enough to take to church when I have the time
And just enough to equal a snooze in the sunshine.

I want ecstasy but not transformation,
I want the warmth of the womb but not a new birth.
I would like to purchase a pound of the eternal
In a paper sack ---
Guaranteed or money back.

I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.
I would like to hide some for a rainy day.
Not enough to make people see a change in me
And not enough to impose responsibility
But just enough to make church folks think that I'm OK
And just enough to exhibit once a week on Sunday.

I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.