Since his first solo project in 1983, Smith has become one of the most popular artists in the contemporary Christian music world, while also finding considerable success in the mainstream. Smith has frequently topped both Christian radio and Billboard charts and is often listed as one of the top keyboardists in rock and roll in Keyboard Magazine. Smith has sold more than 13 million records and has had 29 #1 hit songs. By 2005, he had garnered 14 gold records and 5 platinum records, 40 Dove Awards, an American Music Award and 3 Grammy Awards. He was also named one of People magazine's most beautiful people.
The Glory Songfacts reports that recorded with a 65-piece London orchestra, Glory is Christian musician Michael W. Smith’s seventeenth studio album and his second instrumental record. It was released November 22, 2011. His first instrumental album was Freedom, which was released November 21, 2000.
Lord Have Mercy
Michael W. Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim
With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
Forgive me for my unbelief
Renew the fire again
[Chorus: x2]
Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
I have built an altar where I worship things of god
I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from you
Now I am returning to your mercies ever flowing
Pardon my transgressions
Help me love you again
[Chorus]
I have longed to know you and your tender mercies
Like a river of forgiveness ever flowing without end
I bow my heart before you in the goodness of your presence
Your grace forever shining
Like a beacon in the night
[Chorus: x2]
In Michael W. Smith's song "Lord Have Mercy," the lyrics express the singer's struggle with doubt and unbelief in following Jesus. He starts by acknowledging that he has forgotten the words that Jesus has spoken to him and the promises that once burned within his heart have now grown dim. He states that he has been following the paths of earthly wisdom with a doubtful heart. The singer requests Jesus' forgiveness for his unbelief and asks Him to renew the fire of faith within him.
In the chorus, the singer cries out for mercy, acknowledging the mercy of the Lord and Christ. He expresses his deep longing to return to God, from whom he has strayed. He built an altar to worship the things of God but has taken journeys that have drawn him far from God. Now the singer is returning to God's mercies, seeking pardon for his transgressions and asking for help to love Him again.
In the final verse, the singer expresses his deepest desire to know Jesus and experience His tender mercies. He wants to be forgiven and experience the river of forgiveness that flows without end. He bows his heart before the Lord and acknowledges His grace, which shines like a beacon in the night.
Overall, the song is a plea for forgiveness and a renewed sense of faith in Jesus. It speaks to the struggle of doubt and unbelief that many Christians face in their journey of faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Jesus, I've forgotten the words that you have spoken
I have strayed away from the teachings that I have learned from you.
Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim
The commitment and dedication that I once had for you are no longer as strong.
With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
I have begun to question your teachings and started to follow the ways of the world.
Forgive me for my unbelief
I ask for your forgiveness for doubting your teachings.
Renew the fire again
Help me reignite my passion for you and your teachings.
[Chorus: x2]
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
I am asking for your mercy and forgiveness for my shortcomings.
I have built an altar where I worship things of god
I have focused on materialistic things and wealth instead of worshiping you.
I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from you
I have strayed away from you and your teachings.
Now I am returning to your mercies ever flowing
I am coming back to you and seeking your never-ending mercy.
Pardon my transgressions
Please forgive me for my sins.
Help me love you again
Help me rediscover my love and devotion to you.
[Chorus]
I am asking for your mercy and forgiveness for my shortcomings.
I have longed to know you and your tender mercies
I have been yearning to know you and experience your kindness and compassion.
Like a river of forgiveness ever flowing without end
Your forgiveness is never-ending and always available to me.
I bow my heart before you in the goodness of your presence
I humbly submit myself to you and your kindness.
Your grace forever shining
Like a beacon in the night
Your grace and kindness always shines and guides me.
[Chorus: x2]
I am asking for your mercy and forgiveness for my shortcomings.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MICHEL COEURIOT, MICHEL JONASZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bisdak CEBU
Jesus, I've forgotten the words that You have spoken
Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim
With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
Forgive me for my unbelief
Renew the fire again
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
Repeat
I have built an altar where I worship things of men
I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from You
Now I am returning to Your mercies ever flowing
Pardon my transgressions
Help me love You again
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
Repeat
I have longed to know You and Your tender mercies
Like a river of forgiveness ever flowing without end
I bow my heart before You in the goodness of Your presence
Your grace forever shining
Like a beacon in the night
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
Repeat
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
Repeat
Syntyche Katshaka
Lord have mercy on me because I can't justify myself before you. I did the evil thing, I didn't obey to your voice, I hurt u. Just have mercy on me 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Divine Amos
So grateful for His mercy, how He forgives and restores us...
Princesa Gracious
Amen lovely one
Tim Eno
He does.
His mercies are new every morning.
His mercy is everlasting.
KahonHallTV
Man did I need to read this :(
Sarah Faith
I played this with choir and on my flute after my suicide attempt 3 years ago hours after I was released from the hospital. I cried and cried that Christ had mercy on me throughout my flute parts on this song. I felt overwhelmed by gratitude.
God spoke to me so strongly throughout this song.
aBoughtLemon
I nearly committed suicide midyear 11 years ago - God preserved me, though it could have been much worse. Now I have much to be thankful for
LongLive TrueFreedom
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
Pamela Kenny
Ms. Pam.
Greetings!!!!!! Praise God Period.
LongLive TrueFreedom
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Mt 11:28 Don't you worry brother, the Lord never gives us a burden too heavy to carry, and He always looks out for those who call His name in trouble to comfort them and lessen their pain. God bless