Lord Have Mercy

Lord have mercy.

This is a prayer that is often said in the church I've been attending, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. It is often said three times in a row to reflect the Trinity.

A friend went along with me one Sunday to visit the church. When we talked about it later, the thing that stuck with him was the "Lord have mercy" prayer. Even though he isn't orthodox, he said that he had said it many times over the past week.

What is it about this prayer? What makes it so special?

I think there is something to be said in its simplicity. In saying this prayer, we don't have to worry about sounding good or making the words come out right. We are not imressing anyone with our eloquence. In fact, we are admitting the fact that we don't have it all together, we need his help.

This prayer is for both the good times and the bad times. In times have hardship, may the Lord have mercy on us to give us strength and bring us comfort. May he have mercy on our weaknesses and build us up. In times of happiness, may the Lord keep us walking in his path and shelter us from harm. May his will be done in our lives.

Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, for now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.