The Mercy Prayer {book review}

{this post contains affiliate links. thank you for supporting this blog!}

The Mercy Prayer, by Robert Gelinas, is one if the most unique and interesting books I’ve ever read on prayer. I say unique because this whole book is based on one single prayer. Just one.

“Lord, have mercy.”

How much can there possibly be to learn and discuss about a 3-word prayer? Well, a lot, actually. I loved this book. God’s mercy and grace are 2 of my most favorite attributes, I even named my blog after God’s mercy. 🙂

I have shared before that one of the biggest things that struggling with depression has taught me is my desperate need for God. This book emphasizes how desperate we all are for Him, whether we realize it or not.

The author of this book claims that this is the “one prayer that Jesus always answers.” And, you know, I’ve never thought about that before. But isn’t it true? And so encouraging at the same time? Jesus doesn’t turn away those who call upon Him. When we cry out to Him He hears and He answers our pleadings for mercy. That may not mean that we get what we are asking for, but sometimes that is exactly the mercy He is giving…by not allowing what we think we need.

I love that this book doesn’t make prayer into something it’s not. Or something difficult. Prayer shouldn’t be on our to-do list making us feel guilty when we don’t get to it. Prayer should be our hearts crying out to the Lord, moment by moment, pleading for mercy. God hears and He loves to answer this prayer. What a blessing!