Prayer for Mercy

Some of you asked about the prayer for mercy which was part
of my sermon today.  Here it is; I hope
you will find it helpful. 

O God, remind me
always that my life is your gift, and that I live under, and rest in, your
Mercy.

Gone forever is my once-proud
illusion that I could make of my life a perfect offering to you: I have sinned
often, failed much, and fallen, always, short of your glory. 

I offer you what I
have: a broken but grateful heart, a wounded but wonder-filled spirit, an
unknowing but searching mind, and a sick but yielded body. 

Break what is broken in me, O God, then fashion me anew from the pieces.
Break the grip which brokenness has on me, and let me know freedom and
joy. 

Lord, have mercy. Jesus, have mercy.