The Strength of Mercy

"but he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (1)

"'Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.' And he said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven.'" (2)

O Lord, Have Mercy

O Lord, I feel my sinfulness:
I disobeyed and went astray;
My heart fell in the disarray.
The pain of sin winces within.

O Lord, I hear my emptiness:
When the voice of Your Word's repealed,
The white noise of my sin's revealed:
My void cries out -- voiceless -- I shout!

O Lord, I taste my bitterness:
When my soul's salt has lost its taste,
Your grace goes heedlessly to waste.
I've failed Your will -- a bitter pill.

O Lord, I dwell in my weakness:
The void of failed humility,
Can draw its fill of Your mercy.
The contrite soul can be made whole.

"Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me." (3)

O Lord, I feel Your sanctity:
From holiness, You condescend,
To lift my heart; soon it will mend.
Your healing touch removes my crutch.

O Lord, I hear You call to me:
The Shepherd calls to His lost lamb;
I cry, with Your word, "Here I am!"
The Shepherd's call fells ev'ry wall.

O Lord I taste your sweet mercy:
Forgiveness is a lavish feast
Served to the contrite and the least.
The debt is paid; charges are staid.

O Lord, Your strength's my surety:
The humbled soul, restored by grace,
Strives for Your will within its place.
Humility draws down mercy.

(c) Paul Buis, 2002