Have Mercy On My People

a hymn

Have mercy on my people, Lord,
They know not what they do.
Though once we trembled at Your Word,
Our hearts have turned from You.
Our sin is crouching at the door,
We stand without excuse.
Have mercy on my people, for
They know not what they do.

When stand we at the Judgment Seat
To face Your fiery gaze,
We shall not dare Your eyes to meet,
Nor fist in protest raise.
For righteous are Your judgments Lord.
Your will is ever true.
Have mercy on my people, for
They know not what they do.

Remember, God, Your children, bought
With Jesus’ precious blood.
Remember, God, the Ark You sought
To save us from the Flood.
Though surely You must send the storm,
Delay to save the few!
Have mercy on my people, for
They know not what they do.

When Christ upon the sacred tree
Beheld the angry crowd,
He bowed His head in sympathy
And made His prayer aloud:
“The price which they could not afford
I offer now to You.
Have mercy on My people, for
They know not what they do.”

If better it would be to fall
Beneath the tyrant’s hand –
That righteousness be plain to all
And justice fill the land –
Then gladly shall we greet the sword
As messenger from You.
Have mercy on my people, for
They know not what they do.

How dare we ask for mercy now,
Full knowing what we’ve done?
We dance around the golden cow
And crucify the Son.
But You have shown Your grace before,
And You make all things new!
Have mercy on my people, for
They know not what they do.