O LORD, I have heard the report of You, and Your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.

   - Habakkuk 3.2

O Almighty God, the heavenly Father, and O only-begotten Son, have mercy upon me. Have mercy upon me, O Father, O Son, O Holy Spirit. Have mercy upon me, O only God, O God of heaven, have mercy upon me. Have mercy upon me, O God, from Whom and through Whom is the rule of all created things for Thee, O God. To Thee be glory and honour forever and ever. Amen.

  - Mugrón, Litany of the Trinity, Irish, 14th century

Recently I spoke at a conference for high school students at which, as part of the worship, they sang a lovely contemporary version of the “Kyrie.” As I began to speak I explained that this was actually one of the oldest songs in the Church, having been introduced in the fourth century in Milan as a children’s song for vespers. We sang a very early version of the “Kyrie” together.

Then I asked them if they would like to learn an older version of it, and led them in singing a late medieval chant, rich in melisma.

Shortly thereafter I did the same thing in a men’s retreat on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, just as I had done nearly ten years ago at a men’s retreat in central Tennessee. On that occasion I was frequently approached, following the retreat, by some of the men’s wives, who told me that their husbands were truly blessed at the retreat, especially in learning to sing the “Kyrie.”

“Lord, have mercy.” What powerful sentiments are packed into those brief words! In the “Kyrie” we confess the sovereign might, infinite goodness and power, and the inevitable justice of God, Who despises sin. Yet we also plead for His lovingkindness, which is ours through Jesus Christ alone.

“Lord, have mercy.” These words, repeated or sung again and again, reinforce the greatness of God, both in the exercise of His wrath and in the granting of His grace. They also remind us of who we are, and of what we most need in this life. Most amazing of all, we know that in praying these words we are not presuming on the Lord, but following-up on His invitation. He desires to show us His mercy, that He may revive and renew us, and extend His work of grace and truth through us, to the praise of the glory of His grace.

“Lord, have mercy; Kyrie, eleison!” Let this, one of the oldest prayers in the Church, be your constant, joyful petition to our Lord and King.

Psalm 3.7, 8 (Eventide: “Abide with Me”)
Rise up, O Lord, rise up and rescue me!
Let all my foes destroyed and routed be!
Grace and salvation, Lord, are Yours alone;
Bless and protect all those You call Your own.