Lord, Have Mercy

Psalm 86:5-7 (NIV)

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, 

abounding in love to all who call to you. 

Hear my prayer, LORD; 

listen to my cry for mercy. 

When I am in distress, I call to you, 

because you answer me. 

Kyrie eleison – Lord, have mercy
Christe eleison – Christ, have mercy

These two phrases have been an important part of liturgical church services for hundreds of years. They represent an acknowledgement of our sinful state and a humble request for forgiveness.

The origin of these words comes from Luke 18:9-14 – The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

 
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” 

Gulp.

How often do I compare myself to others and think, “I’m not THAT bad.” How quick I am to compare, to criticize, to judge others…and for what? To put myself in a higher position before God? Absolutely NOT. In fact, the pride that brings me to that point of judgment is one I need to humbly confess before the Lord.

In my Bible study this week, we learned about the legalism that threatened to divide the early church. My teaching leader posed this question: “Is my spirituality focused on myself and others (keeping a scorecard of rights and wrongs) or on Christ and being a grace-giver?

Do I lift myself up like the Pharisee or do I allow God to lift up my head as I bow before Him in humility.

Lord.  Have.  Mercy. 

And He offers it…unconditionally.

1 Peter 1:3 (NIV) 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… 

Thank you, Jesus, for your mercy and your unmerited gift of salvation.