Mercy Came Running
Phillips Craig And Dean · Favorite Songs of All [1998]
Evidence of God's embrace
And I can almost see mercy's face
Pressed against the veil
Looking down with longing eyes
Mercy must have realized
That once His blood was sacrificed
Freedom would prevail
And as the sky grew dark
And the earth began to shake
With justice no longer in the way
Chorus:
Mercy came running
Like a prisoner set free
Past all my failures to the point of my need
When the sin that I carried
Was all I could see
And when I could not reach mercy
Mercy came running to me
Once there was a broken heart
Way to human from the start
And all the years left it torn apart
Hopeless and afraid
Walls I never meant to build
Left this prisoner unfulfilled
Freedom called but even still
It seemed so far away
I was bound by the chains
From the wages of my sin
Just when I felt like giving in
repeat chorus
Sometimes I still feel so far
So far from where I really should be
He gently calls to my heart
Just to remind me
repeat chorus
About Mercy Came Running
Phillips Craig and Dean's "Mercy Came Running" stands as a defining anthem of the contemporary Christian music genre, capturing the raw emotion of spiritual longing. Recorded for their 1998 compilation *Favorite Songs of All*, the track exemplifies the band's signature blend of acoustic guitar, piano, and heartfelt vocals that characterized their work throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. The song reflects the era's focus on personal testimony and the tangible experience of divine grace, themes that permeate their discography including hits like "Amazed" and "When God Ran." Its enduring popularity stems from its ability to articulate a profound sense of relief and devotion, making it a staple in worship settings and a touchstone for fans of the genre. The recording remains a testament to the band's skill in crafting melodies that resonate deeply with listeners seeking connection through their music.