When We Wake and Ere We Lie — A poem for mercy
Introduction
‘When We Wake and Ere We Lie’, is a prayer in the form of a poem. It is a cry for mercy to a God of wrath and justice, a contrite lament for man’s heart towards God.
Mankind has opposed God’s rule over us since creation. We have mocked and rejected the eternal God of the universe who created us. The tower of Babel, Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness, and the crucifixion of Jesus by God’s own people, are a few examples of our attitude towards God. Isaiah was right to fear for his life when he stood before God. I fear our plight has not improved.
Despite our rebellion, God has never given up on us. In the moments following Adam and Eve’s original sin until now, God continues to show us mercy.
When We Wake and Ere We Lie
How I fear I shall see, and there has even now come a day
when the righteous shall cease, and the wicked will dictate the day.
Great will be your wrath, and judgment,
on those who forsake your covenant.
When we wake, and ere we lie, no more we cry,
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
As we sit upon our tower so high, we say with pride,
“There is no God, only that which is in me.”
Bestow mercy, I pray, for your wrath will be swift and complete.
You will fetter to justice all our misdeeds and deceit.
Turn our hearts to you, oh God,
I fear we reap your anger’s rod.
Do not treat us fairly, but spare us by your mercy.
Is there someone righteous who satisfies your justice?
Behold a bronze serpent lifted in the wilderness;
the Son of Man who was crucified to save us.
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