Hymns, Hymnody, Translations and a few assorted
Exegetical and Historical Thoughts thrown in
Exegetical and Historical Thoughts thrown in
Reformation; original text; contest entry; This is a Reformation hymn text I wrote in 2016 for a contest sponsored by the LCMS. The Synod invited hymn writers to compose a text in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. I submitted the following text. Even though it did not win, I was proud of my effort. I submit my text, "The Mercy of the Lord is Rich, Indeed." The Mercy of the Lord is Rich, Indeed
Robert J. H. Mayes 1. The mercy of the Lord is rich, indeed. For Jesus' sake, He sets my sins aside. Though wrath is what I merit, likewise shame, Yet by God's love I never am denied. 2. My worthiness could not afford such love. Yea, even works of righteousness I tried Heaped condemnation on my stubborn heart, For every thought came from my tainted pride. 3. My ev'ry thought and hope was bent on self. And thus, God's Holy Law I had defied. To God and neighbor, apathy ruled me, And in God's way, by works, could not abide. 4. But daily, deeper, still to sin I fell. I could not stop temptation's luring tide, And plunging headward in, was trapped in guilt. My life was death, in fear most terrified. 5. Here God had pity on my sorry cause And set the harsh, condemning Law aside. In love, He sent His only Son for me To take my sin and death, and life provide. 6. God's Holy Spirit calls me by this Word, Proclaiming Jesus Christ, the crucified, Who for the world's sins, laid down His life And rose, that all by faith, be justified. 7. The Gospel of the Lord to fallen man Declares that sins are covered, death has died, That hell is ransacked, Satan is defanged And condemnation is disqualified. 8. No unrelenting Judge do I here see, No vengeful God of wrath with verdict cried, But God, my loving Father who for Christ In mercy claims my fell-soul to His side. 9. And so, Christ's Church in ev'ry age calls out, From early dawn and through the eventide, Year after year, so all the world might hear: "Come, trust in Christ, and in His love abide." 10. To God the gracious Father, be all praise. All glory to the Son, our Lord, who died. To God the Holy Spirit, Three in One, All glory, now and evermore, be cried. Text: Copyright February 25, 2016, Robert Mayes. All rights reserved. Meter: 10 10 10 10
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AuthorRev. Robert J. H. Mayes is a justified sinner through faith in Christ. He is a husband, father, an LCMS pastor, musician, and has a strong interest in Lutheranism, Christ-centered Scriptural exegesis and the hymns of the Church. In his spare time, he likes to watch the Kansas City Chiefs. Archives
May 2022
CategoriesImportant Links- - LCMS website - Nebraska dist. - CPH - Issues, Etc. - Lutheran Public Radio - PRDL (Post Reformation Digital Library) Other Hymn sites - What you need to know about hymns - Public domain Lutheran hymns - Mark Preus - Matthew Carver - Walther's Hymnal (ed. Carver) - Stephen Starke - Starke hymns vol. 1 & vol. 2 - Alan Kornacki Jr. - Kathryn Ann Hill - Robin Fish, Jr. - Kurt E. Reinhardt - Center for Church Music (Concordia Chicago) |