Congregational Songs – New Songs for Corporate Worship

New Music Tuesday – “Have Mercy”

July 19, 2010

This is one of those songs that quickly reminds me of my rightful place before our holy God – on my knees, begging for mercy. I think it’s one of my favorites because when I sing it, I feel that mournfulness over wrong choices, and the cry of David’s heart for forgiveness so many centuries ago resonates with me. What a sad, passionate, broken song he wrote in Psalm 51.

James Tealy invited me to come write one afternoon with some brothers (spiritually, and literally – they were siblings) who were spending some time in Nashville. We finished another song they were working on before I got there, and then started and finished this one. I’m thankful we did.

From my mother’s womb I was a sinner / Against You alone I have done evil / Surely you desire truth and wisdom / But I turned away, I hid my face / Purge me and I will be clean / Wash me and I will be whiter than snow

(Chorus) Have mercy on me, oh God / According to Your love / According Your faithful love / Have mercy on me, oh God / Wash my transgressions / Cleanse me from all my sin

I am so ashamed my rebellion / Don’t cast me away, away from Your presence / Restore to me the joy of Your salvation / Open my mouth and I’ll sing your praises / Here is my offering to You / I bring the song of a broken heart (chorus)

Find the chart and lead sheet here.

Written by Jeff Bourque, Jarod Espy, Jonathan Espy, James Tealy. Copyright 2007 Manicotti Music/Universal Music Publishing/Cumberland Belle Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved.

Filed under: New Music Tuesdays,Songs