God Be Merciful to Me Lyrics
1 God, be merciful to me,
on your grace I rest my plea;
your compassions overflow,
blot out my transgressions now;
wash me, make me pure within,
cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin.
2 My transgressions I confess,
grief and guilt my soul oppress;
I have sinned against your grace
and provoked you to your face;
I confess your judgment just,
speechless, in your mercy trust.
3 I am evil, born in sin;
you desire all truth within.
You alone my Savior are,
teach your wisdom to my heart;
make me pure, your grace bestow,
wash me whiter than the snow.
4 Broken, humbled to the dust
by your wrath and judgment just,
let my contrite heart rejoice
and in gladness hear your voice;
from my sins, O hide your face,
blot them out in boundless grace.
5 Gracious God, my heart renew,
make my spirit right and true;
let me not abandoned be,
let your Spirit dwell in me;
your salvation’s joy impart,
steadfast make my willing heart.
6 Sinners then shall learn from me
and to God restored shall be;
Savior, all my guilt remove,
and my tongue shall sing your love;
touch my silent lips, O Lord,
and my mouth shall praise accord.
7 No attempted sacrifice
has acceptance in your eyes;
broken hearts are in your sight
more than sacrificial rite;
contrite spirit, pleading cries,
you, O God, will not despise.
8 Prosper Zion in your grace
and her broken walls replace;
then our righteous sacrifice
shall delight your holy eyes;
freewill off’rings, gladly made,
on your altar shall be laid.
God Be Merciful to Me Hymn Story
“God be Merciful to Me” is another confessional hymn whose authorship is unknown. It is however clear that this is a versification of Psalms 51.
The bible tells us that this Psalm came about after David’s sin of adultery with Bathsheba and after Nathan’s rebuke.
Psalm 51 is therefore a confessional prayer from David. In it he is pleading with God for mercy.
He pleads with God to cleanse him from the pollution of sin.
David in this psalm is opening himself to God and confesses everything.
The song then reverses the roles to include us in this prayer. To include all the sinners in all ages.
Below are my favorite verses from Psalm 51:
“10 in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Below are more hymns’ lyrics and stories:
Chief of Sinners Lyrics, Story, and Video
Jesus Calls Us Lyrics, Story, and Video
I Hear Thy Welcome Voice Lyrics, Story, and Video
Only Trust Him Lyrics, Story, and Video
