Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake

"Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake" is a gentle, classic choral anthem that has found a quiet home in many choir lofts. Written by Richard Farrant, it is a humble and direct prayer for forgiveness. The music moves with a steady, reverent pace, making it an ideal piece for choirs to sing when the liturgy calls for reflection and repentance.

The lyrics ask God to "lay not our sins to our charge" and to grant us the grace to "amend our sinful lives." Because of this focus on seeking mercy and turning toward virtue, it is especially fitting during the season of Lent, or as a meditative piece during the Offertory or Communion. The vocal parts weave together naturally, creating a sense of a unified, pleading congregation.

There is no dramatic vocal display here—just a sincere, transparent plea to walk in a "perfect heart" before God. When a choir sings this with careful attention to the phrasing and dynamics, it brings a profound stillness to the church, allowing the faithful to truly pray the words along with the singers.