VERSE 1
O God, we’ve seen Your faithfulness
You brought us from the wilderness
But now our faith is frail and weak
O God of mercy, hear our plea
VERSE 2
When will You comfort our distress?
How long until the promised rest?
We cry to You from deepest need
O God of mercy, hear our plea
CHORUS
Abba, Father, our Redeemer
In this barren land be our hope and strength
Until glory we will trust and sing
Abba, Father, hear our plea
VERSE 3
We join creation’s longing groan
To take Your ransomed children home
For then the eyes of all will see
The God of mercy hears our plea
O God of Mercy, Hear Our Plea Video
O God of Mercy, Hear Our Plea Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
O God of Mercy, Hear Our Plea: A Song of Lament and Hope
Sovereign Grace Music, a ministry that produces Christ-centered music, released the song "O God of Mercy, Hear Our Plea" in 2018 as part of their album "Prayers of the Saints, Live." The song, written by Doug Plank, is a cry of lament and hope, expressing the longing of believers for the comfort and mercy of God in times of distress.
Verse 1: Remembrance of God's Faithfulness
The song begins by acknowledging God's faithfulness in the past, specifically in bringing the Israelites out of the wilderness. This reference to the exodus (Exodus 14-15) demonstrates God's power and mercy towards His people, delivering them from slavery and leading them to the Promised Land. The opening lines of the song remind us that God has been faithful to His people in the past, and we can trust Him to be faithful in the present and future.
Verse 2: A Cry for Comfort
The second verse of the song expresses the struggle and pain of the present. The lyrics ask when God will comfort His people in their distress, and how long they must wait for the promised rest. This portion of the song echoes the cries of the psalmists in the Bible, who often cried out to God in times of trouble and waited for His deliverance. The psalms have been a source of comfort and hope for believers throughout the ages, reminding us that we can bring our doubts and fears to God in prayer.
Chorus: Abba, Father, Our Redeemer
The chorus of the song calls out to God as "Abba, Father, Our Redeemer." The word "Abba" is an Aramaic term that means "father" and is used in a familiar and intimate way. Jesus used this term when addressing God in prayer (Mark 14:36), and Paul encourages believers to cry out to God as "Abba, Father" through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:15). This portion of the song reminds us that we can approach God with boldness and confidence as His children, knowing that He loves and cares for us.
Verse 3: Joining Creation's Longing Groan
The final verse of the song expresses the hope that one day, all of creation will be restored and renewed. The lyrics speak of joining "creation's longing groan" for the return of Christ and the redemption of all things. This idea is based on Paul's words in Romans 8:19-23, where he describes how creation itself is subject to frustration and decay because of sin, but will one day be set free from bondage and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. This portion of the song reminds us that our hope is not in this world or its fleeting pleasures, but in the promise of eternal life with Christ.
Practical Application: Lament and Hope
The song "O God of Mercy, Hear Our Plea" is a powerful reminder that as believers, we will face times of distress and difficulty in this life. However, we do not grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Instead, we can bring our laments and cries for help to God, trusting in His faithfulness and mercy. The song encourages us to remember God's past faithfulness, cry out to Him in our present struggles, and hope in His future redemption of all things.
One practical way to apply the message of this song in our lives is by practicing the spiritual discipline of lament. Lament is the biblical practice of bringing our sorrows and complaints to God, expressing our emotions honestly and vulnerably. Lament is not the same as complaining or grumbling, but is a way of bringing our pain to God in faith, trusting that He hears us and cares for us. By practicing lament, we can cultivate a deeper intimacy with God, grow in our trust of His character, and find hope and comfort in His promises.
In conclusion, "O God of Mercy, Hear Our Plea" is a beautiful song that captures the tension between lament and hope in the Christian life. The lyrics remind us that we can bring our struggles and doubts to God in prayer, trusting in His faithfulness and mercy. As we sing this song, may it encourage us to practice the discipline of lament, grow in our intimacy with God, and find hope in His promises of redemption and renewal.
