Kyrie Elieson

Lyrics to Kyrie Elieson

Last night we sang a 'Kyrie' which is an ancient song sung by Jews before Christ, and then adopted by the early church. It simply means 'Lord have Mercy'. similar to the expression Jesus quotes in Matthew In Rome and elsewhere it became a part of the formal liturgy of the church.

Together, these words summarzie the heart of the faith - Jesus is Lord, yet, he offers mercy.

Throughout the centuries Christians have sung these words to a multitude of tunes with additional words around it. Here is the version we sang last night. Getty is focusing on our communal sin and need to repent for our lack of justice.

CHORUS:
Kyrie Eleison, have mercy
Christ Eleison, have mercy;
Kyrie Eleison, have mercy,
Christ Eleison, have mercy.

VERSES:
As we come before You with the needs of our world,
We confess our failures and our sin,
For our words are many yet our deeds have been few;
Fan the fire of compassion once again.

When the cries of victims go unheard in the land,
And the scars of war refuse to heal;
Will we stand for justice to empower the weak
Till their bonds of oppression are no more?

 If we love our God with all our heart, mind and strength,
And we love our neighbors as ourselves;
Then this law of love will heal the nations of earth
And the glory of Christ will be revealed.

 Lord, renew our vision to be Christ where we live,
To reach out in mercy to the lost;
For each cup of kindness to the least in our midst
Is an offering of worship to the throne.

 Kyrie Eleison (Lord Have Mercy) Words & Music by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend © 2010 Thankyou Music & Gettymusic

 See Keith Getty's website for more info.

 See this for another version we won't be singing.