A Christian Boy Uses a Deck of Cards for Prayer – Song Lyrics Written and Sung by Tex Ritter
I haven’t thought about this song for a long time.
But, somehow I came across the video by the great Tex Ritter. He tells how a Christian boy does his Bible study with a deck of cards.
A Sidenote: I actually saw Tex Ritter perform live when I was around 16 years old.
Sadly, I’m not sure whether or not he sang this song during his show. I guess I wasn’t paying much attention.
The country singer recorded this hit song in 1948. This was right after WWII.
A Simple Deck of Cards Becomes a Bible, a Prayer Book and Almanac
In the song, the young soldier explains how he uses his deck of cards as his Bible, almanac and prayer book. I thought the lyrics were fascinating and Tex Ritter did an outstanding job with his voice and musical ability.
But, that’s not the astounding part! Listen till the end of the recording and you’ll see what I mean.
The Deck of Cards Lyrics – by Tex Ritter..
In case you can’t wait to hear the end, I included the lyrics to “The Deck of Cards” below.
During the North African campaign, a bunch of soldier boys had
Been on a long hike and they arrived in a little town called Casino.
The Next morning being Sunday, several of the boys went to Church.
A sergeant Commanded the boys in Church and after the Chaplain had read the prayer,
The text was taken up next. Those of the boys who had a prayer book took
them out, but this one boy had only a deck of cards, and so he spread
them out.
The Sergeant saw the cards and said, “Soldier, put away those
Cards.“
After the services was over, the soldier was taken prisoner and
Brought before the Provost Marshall.
The Marshall said, “Sergeant, why have you brought this man
Here?”
“For playing cards in church, Sir.” “And what have you to say for
Yourself, son?”
“Much, Sir,” replied the soldier. The Marshall said, “I hope so,
For if not I shall punish you more than any man was ever
Punished.”
The soldier said, “Sir, I have been on the march for about six
Days.
I have neither a Bible nor a prayer book, but I hope to satisfy
You, Sir, with the purity of my intentions.” And with that, the boy
Started his story:
“You see Sir, when I look at the “Ace,” it reminds me that there
Is but one God.
And the “Deuce” reminds me that the Bible is divided into
Two parts, the Old and the New Testaments.
When I see the “Trey,” I think
Of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
And when I see the “Four,” I Think of the four Evangelists who preached the Gospel;
there was Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
And when I see the “Five,” it reminds me of the five
Wise virgins who trimmed their lamps; there were ten of them: five were
Wise and were saved, five were foolish and were shut out.
When I see the “Six,” it reminds me that in six days, God made this great heaven and
Earth.
When I see the “Seven,” it reminds me that on the seventh day, God
Rested from His great work.
And when I see the “Eight,” I think of the Eight righteous persons God saved when He destroyed this earth; there was
Noah, his wife, their sons and their wives.
And when I see the “Nine,” I Think of the lepers our Savior cleansed, and nine out of the ten didn’t
Even thank Him.
When I see the “Ten,” I think of the Ten Commandments God
Handed down to Moses on a table of stone.
When I see the “King,” it Reminds me that there is but one King of Heaven, God Almighty.
And when I See the “Queen,” I think of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is Queen of
Heaven.
And the “Jack” or “Knave” is the Devil.
When I count the number Of spots on a deck of cards, I find 365, the number of days in a year.
There are 52 cards, the number of weeks in a year.
There are 4 suits, the Number of weeks in a month.
There are 12 picture cards, the number of Months in a year.
There are 13 tricks, the number of weeks in a quarter.
So you see, Sir, my pack of cards serves me as a Bible, an Almanac and a
Prayer Book.”
“And friends, the story is true. I know, I was that soldier.”
No Matter What – God Will Find a Way!
That’s the lesson I found in this song. If you really want to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, God will find a way to make it happen for you.
He gives us His loving message in John 3:16 to start our journey. And, once we accept Him, the Holy Spirit guides us.
I hope this “Deck of Cards” song gives you inspiration today. Be sure to comment below if it touched your heart, as it did mine.
In Christ,
Bob
Deck of Cards Songwriters: MICHAEL WILLIAMS, WINSTON RILEY
© BMG Rights Management, CARLIN AMERICA INC
For non-commercial use only.