Kyrie Eleison: Lord Have Mercy: Part one of a series on MERCY

Psalm 51:1        Have mercy on me, O God,
        according to your steadfast love;
    according to your abundant mercy
        blot out my transgressions.
         I think that we can relate to these words of David.  Of course, he wrote this Psalm in repentance of the sin(s) he committed with and regarding Bethsheba.  But we can relate.  Did you know, those of you who have worshiped God in a Divine Service, that when you are saying, or more probably singing Kyrie Elesion, you are saying/singing, "Lord have mercy?" 
      But the question is, why are we asking God for mercy?  Is it for sins committed?  Is it because we live in a sin-corrupted world?  Is it that we just need help with all the day to day challenges and difficulties we must endure?  I would venture to say that it is ALL the above.
     Here in Rapid City, we should be singing, if not shouting from the top of the Black Hills, the words: "KYRIE ELEISON!"  Recently, we have had multiple tragedies, some of which have affected me personally, and some indirectly by affecting others I know.  It seems that everywhere I turn lately there is tragedy upon tragedy.  It really could be quite depressing, and cause great anxiety.
     Except that we ought to know, like David knew, that even under the worst of circumstances, we can call on God for mercy.  The author of Hebrews reminds us:
  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16
Thanks for reading and don't be afraid to call on God for mercy!