Kyrie eleison (KI-ree-ay ay-LAY-ee-zonn) or “Lord, have mercy” is a short prayer that is important in Christian worship. It is a prayer from the heart about human need. In Christianity, it's foundational thought is that God owes us nothing and everything he gives comes from his mercy.

 

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

 

Original in Greek:

 

Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

Χριστέ, ἐλέησον.

Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

 

Greek transliterated:

 

Kyrie eleison.

Christe eleison.

Kyrie eleison.

 

Some worship traditions translate Kyrie eleison as “Lord, have mercy.” Some leave it untranslated as is done for words like “Amen” and “Alleluia.”

 

Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison are the first words in the main part of the Divine Service, either as a cry of repentance or as a prayer for God’s mercy in all aspects of life.