My song “Mercy and Love” springs from the Bible story of Jesus healing the ten lepers-  only one of whom thought to return the Jesus to offer Him thanks.  I composed this song back in 2004 for a former voice student of mine named Trevor Parker, inspired both by the beauty of his voice and the exceptional musicality and expressiveness with which he sang.   Since then, I have also sung it with my church choir,  with Caritas,  and with a more recent former student, Fletcher Paulsen.   It doesn’t feel like Thanksgiving for me unless I manage to take a few minutes to sing this song at least once.   This rendition of it comes from my CD “God gives me Wings” with Trevor taking the lead.  (Eric Carlson is responsible for the production.)

Thank you for all of my blessings, bestowed so richly, far beyond my deserving.

Thank you for all of my blessings, too many to number

Granted from your marvelous, measureless Mercy and Love.

Have you heard the story of the ten men, lepers stricken head to toe with sores?

They cried out to Jesus, saying “heal us!”

And Jesus said “Rise up, go home, and be sick no more.”

And as they hurried on their way,  their sores and sickness fell away.

They ran with ever-quickening pace, abundant joy on every face!

And then- one of them stopped and turned around …

turned to Jesus,  fell upon his knees, and said “Thank you . . .”

Have you ever asked the Lord for comfort? Asked the Lord for healing in your pain?

Or asked the Lord for help well all seemed lost

or for a hint of sunshine in the midst of the deepest rain?

And when you’d almost given up, have you had your burden lifted up?

Known a parent’s warm embrace?  Seen the smile on your best friend’s face?

We’ve all been blessed in a thousand ways, but forgotten at least a thousand times to say….

Too many times we run off with the nine. So seldom do we come back to Jesus with the One-

with the One leper who returned to say- in his sincerely simple way:  “Thank you….”

Lord, help me always be grateful for the blessings You have given me.

And Lord, help me thank you not in just the words I say

but in how I live and give,  each and every day.

Thank you for all of my blessings, bestowed so richly, far beyond my deserving.

Thank you for all of my blessings, too many to number,

granted from your marvelous, measureless Mercy and Love.

Your marvelous, measureless Mercy and Love.