“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” In Russian Orthodox circles, a “staretz” refers to a much-experienced spiritual advisor. One day it was reported to a certain staretz that a man had experienced seeing angels. Such a vision, it was thought, must mark great spiritual progress! But the staretz answered very wisely, “This is not […]
Stanza 1 is based on the first seven words, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13), and stanza 2 on the second seven, “Take heart, child, your sins are forgiven” (Matt. 9:2). In stanza 1 “O God, be merciful to me” is prayed three times. I had multiple things in mind. The Greek […]
O God, be merciful to me; The sinner knows no other plea. O God, be merciful to me. O God, be merciful to me. I am your God, your Father too, And through My Son I say to you, Dear child, your sins, they are forgiv’n; Take heart, look up: an open heav’n! Pastor Matt…