Lord have Mercy on Me a Sinner
Great are Your mercies, O Lord;
Revive me according to Your ordinances.
Psalm 119:156
THE TENDER MERCIES of God don't get much press. God is merciful. God's mercy is called upon with every prayer request. His loving kindness is goodness and mercy. That humanity still exists after all it's warring factions and evil doings is a direct result of a merciful Heavenly Father. "Lord have mercy," we pray. We know He does have mercy and will continue to have mercy. Mercy is part of who He is in addition to being just and right. An erring child, mate, or colleague is prayed for by those who believe in the power of God to meet a need, to turn a life around, and to initiate the right circumstances to bring this to pass. They know this is within the will of God and it implores His abundant mercy. The sinner's prayer "Lord have mercy on me a sinner," is a humble prayer of the heart. It speaks of dependence on the merciful nature of God, and nothing else--not good works, not spiritual activities, not worth and value--just God alone. Therein is the key to all spiritual endeavors. God is the Master of the Universe, but His is a servant's heart that listens to those who entreat Him in their brokenness, with humility, and despite their dysfunction. God honors this self-denying humility in an "unworthy" person--according to human standards of conduct, but "worthy" of compassion in God's sight--according to His tender mercies. There is no pretending in this humble plea to our Father in Heaven. God hears the cry of the heart, and He answers.
Merciful Father, we are not worthy to sit at your table. We are not worthy to call on Your mercy. We do not deserve Your grace. But You are merciful. You are grace. You love with kindness. You answer according to Your mercy. Even Your reproof is for our good. Thank you. We love You. Praise Your Holy Name. Amen
