MERCY FOR US AND FOR BELFAST - REFLECTIONS ON SONG, PSALM AND COMMUNION

“Let the water flow, let the light shine

Let the blood go through me like a river winds

Through the valley, through the meadow

Through my spirit and my soul just like a river goes

Through the mountain, under the moonlight 

Let the blood go through me till I truly see the light

And let there be mercy Lord,

Oh, let there be mercy Lord.

 

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, forgive us all the things we've done

Leave the writing on the wall, but don't let it fall, don't let it fall

And let there be mercy, mercy, mercy

Let there be mercy, mercy, mercy.”

-     From Mercy by Ben Kyle

Ben Kyle’s eponymous record was one of my records of 2012. I use this song, Mercy, regularly during Communion services. As we take the bread and wine I hope the congregation are reflecting on this spiritually beautiful song. 

Mercy is such a gently powerful piece of artistic prayer. It washes over your soul, soothing it with a blessing of baptised mercy. We all need this mercy, a mercy that sees God’s Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven, bringing with it healing and truth. That line, “Let the blood go through me till I truly see the light,” is a potent as you receive the bread and wine. 

This morning we were reflecting on Psalm 133 -

"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

...

For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore."

We reflected on sin force being a power that pushes us away from each other and sends even parts of our owns souls sailing out to the periphery. Mercy force unites again, restores and redeems.

As we listened for God’s lead, we were acutely aware that we were in a city where sin force pushes others out and away.

Ben’s line later in the song drenched our thoughts - “Let there be mercy for my words and wars, deeds and deeds I didn't do/Let there be mercy for every soul in this city may the Lord have pity over you.” 

Mercy for Belfast. Sing it for us, Belfast boy. And may the song, the Psalm and the communion send us out restored within to be restorers without. 

Ben Kyle plays Fitzroy on August 28th... click here for info...