Lord, Have Mercy
Tried to go to bed, slept some, but got up because a thought insisted on being expressed. So, here I am at the computer to write it down. Must be important to rouse me from rest. The idea is this:
When we ask for mercy, we are asking for something that exists in many dimensions. I sometimes will list petitions in prayer, and as I do, I will repeat the phrase “Lord, have mercy” in reference to the previously mentioned request, not in order to be heard because of multiplied repetitions, but rather because when we bring our requests before God, the Holy Creator of the Universe, it seems proper to do so in a respectful manner. To acknowledge Him as Lord in submission seems a good way to go.
Further, scripture states that God’s mercies endure forever. That means they extend out into the past, before we even begin to pray, they exist in the present even as we pray, and God’s mercy reaches out into the future without our even being aware, before we begin to pray. God’s mercies are like an onion, with layers and layers of depth to them that are beyond our ken, or understanding.
We ask for mercy in order to save or help us or others from life’s difficulties. When a loved one is in the hospital. When we want to grow closer to God. When we are concerned about war, or terror. Innocents in trouble for one reason or another. We cry from our hearts, Lord, have mercy.
And so, there is something we need to understand when we pray. Because God loves us, because His mercies endure forever, because they exist before during and after the time that we pray… we need to have an attitude of thankfulness throughout our prayer and afterwards. One that permeates the soul and spreads from therein outwards. And the beauty of it is, this also is a gift from God, for only God can change the hearts of men. To be in an attitude of thankfulness for all He has done for us, for He has done great things. Whenever He answers prayer, that reminds us of His eternal mercy, doesn’t it?
Therefore I pray, Lord, have mercy, on all those who will read these words. Have mercy on all those who will never read these words, but need Your mercy anyway. On all those I have known, in Second Life, in church, relatives, at work; friends, colleagues, students and especially custodians. Bless them. Be with them. Lord, have mercy, and thank You for the mercy You have shown, especially that which is answered through prayer. For saving us when there was nowhere left to turn.
Thank You, Lord. Let that peal ring from my soul for eternity. Thank You, thank You, thank You. For Your son, Jesus. From the depths of our spirits into eternity, in thanks for the one who both made us and bought us. Amen.
