Psalms for All Seasons ‎#51B

51B. Be Merciful, Be Merciful, O God

Text Information

• First Line: Be merciful, be merciful, O God
• Title: Be Merciful, Be Merciful, O God
• Author: Stanley Wiersma, 1930-1986 (1980)
• Meter: 10.11.11.10.10.11.10.11
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2012
• Scripture:
  Psalm 51
• Topic: Biblical Names and Places: Jerusalem; Biblical Names and Places: Zion; Broken-hearted; Church Year: Ash Wednesday; Church Year: Good Friday; Church Year: Lent; Church Year: Pentecost; Church Year: Transfiguration; Cry to God; Daily Prayer: Morning Prayer; Elements of Worship: Assurance of Pardon; Elements of Worship: Baptism; Elements of Worship: Confession (Individual); Elements of Worship: Lord's Supper; Elements of Worship: Offering; Endurance; Forgiveness; God: Trust in; God as: Refuge; God as: Spirit; God's: Wisdom; God's: Face; God's: Forgiveness; God's: Goodness; God's: Justice; God's: Love; God's: Protection; Grace; Guilt; Humility; Joy; Judgment; Lord's Prayer: 5th petition (forgive us our sins as we forgive…); Mercy; Offering of Sacrifice; Renewal; Servants of God; Sorrow; Suffering; Ten Commandments: 7th Commandmnet (do not commit adultery); The Fall; Year A, B, C, Lent, Ash Wednesday; Year B, Lent, 5th Sunday; Year B, Ordinary Time after Pentecost, July 31-August 6; Year C, Ordinary Time after Pentecost, September, 11-17
• Copyright: © 1987 Faith Alive Christian Resources
• CCLI Number: 727777

Tune Information

• Name: GENEVAN 51
• Composer: Louis Bourgeois, ca. 1510-1561 (1551)
• Harmonizer: Claude Goudimel,ca. 1505-1572 (1564)
• Meter: 10.11.11.10.10.11.10.11
• Key: C Major
• Notes: This 16th-Century psalm is often accompanied on the organ, but it could be performed in many different ways. It is very close to chant and could be sung unaccompanied and in unison with a rather free, plainchant feel. This would have been how it was originally conceived for singing in the church (hence the designation a capella, Latin for “as in church”). But outside the church these psalms were often accompanied by the lute, so accompanying with guitars today may also be recommended. One might select particular stanzas as a call or response to confession. If all the stanzas are sung, consider having different voices sing in alternation.