Lord Have Mercy (studio versio
Michael W. Smith Lyrics


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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

[Chorus: x2]
Lord have mercy
Christ 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]

Overall Meaning

The song “Lord Have Mercy” by Michael W. Smith featuring Sarah McIntosh expresses the theme of repentance and asking for forgiveness. The song begins with the singer acknowledging that they have forgotten the words that Jesus has spoken and that the promises that once ignited a flame in their heart have now grown dim. They confess to following the paths of earthly wisdom with doubts filling their heart. The singer then asks God to forgive them for their unbelief and to renew the fire within them. The chorus highlights the plea for mercy from the Lord and Christ.


In the second verse, the singer acknowledges that they have built an altar to worship things of the world and have taken journeys that have drawn them away from God. However, they are returning to His mercies ever flowing and begging for pardon for their transgressions. The final verse expresses the singer’s desire to know God intimately, to experience His tender mercies which are like a river of forgiveness that never ends. They bow their heart before God, recognizing His goodness and grace that shine like a beacon in the dark.


Overall, the song “Lord Have Mercy” is a powerful expression of repentance, seeking forgiveness, and returning to God. It is an honest confession of one’s shortcomings and a plea for mercy from the Savior. It reminds us that no matter how far we stray from God, His mercies are ever-flowing and ready to be poured out upon us when we return.


Line by Line Meaning

Jesus, I've forgotten the words that you have spoken
I’ve lost my way, and I can't remember the teachings and guidance you imparted on me.


Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim
The passion and dedication that once drove me to follow you has faded away, and I am unsure of my faith.


With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
Instead of trusting in your divine plan, I listen to the advice of the world and make decisions based on my limited perspective.


Forgive me for my unbelief
I ask for your forgiveness for my lack of faith, and for allowing my doubts to cloud my judgement and guide my decisions.


Renew the fire again
Please ignite the passion and commitment within me, so that I may wholeheartedly follow and serve you once again.


Lord have mercy
I pray to you, Lord, asking for your divine intervention and mercy.


Christ have mercy
I turn to you, Jesus, knowing that you are the source of mercy and forgiveness.


I have built an altar where I worship things of god
I have placed my focus on material possessions and worldly desires, instead of placing my worship and devotion to God.


I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from you
I have wandered away from my faith and have let the distractions of the world take me away from you.


Now I am returning to your mercies ever flowing
I am coming back to the infinite, never-ending love and forgiveness that you offer to all who seek it.


Pardon my transgressions
I ask for your forgiveness for my mistakes and misdeeds.


Help me love you again
Please give me the strength and guidance I need to rekindle my love and devotion to you.


I have longed to know you and your tender mercies
I yearn to experience your compassionate and loving nature, and to know you on a deeper level.


Like a river of forgiveness ever flowing without end
Your forgiveness is like a constant, never-ending stream that is always available to those who seek it.


I bow my heart before you in the goodness of your presence
In your presence, I humbly submit myself to your mercy and grace, recognizing the goodness that emanates from you.


Your grace forever shining
Your unending, boundless grace is a beacon of hope and light that never fades away.


Like a beacon in the night
Your grace and mercy shine brightly in the darkness of the world, guiding us towards the truth and love that you embody.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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Elsa Chapa Mendoza


on Above All

i love it thank you so much god is good !!

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