In speaking to a number of Christian artists lately, the landmark albums of the mid-1990s keep coming up as major influences. These albums helped lead people to seek Christ (myself included), while also inspiring today’s modern CCM recording artists to pursue their dreams of writing and recording their own songs.

I just turned 40 this past weekend and as I reflect back on how the debut album by Jars of Clay in 1995 literally changed my life when as I examined the biblical messages behind the songs “Liquid”, “Love Song For A Savior” and “Worlds Apart,” I’m eternally grateful for God’s mercy and for drawing me to Him. I love when I learn that the artists we most enjoyed from that decade have inspired today’s new artists. Patrick Ryan Clark’s new song “Mercy” ultimately comes from his own life-changing encounter with dcTalk when he was a college student.

Clark--Word Records’ dynamic new artist and worship leader--is making his spiritual voice heard with his debut album, Where Would I Be, now available everywhere. The album features his debut single “What Was I Fighting For” and new single “Mercy.” Produced by the acclaimed Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman, Dave Barnes), Where Would I Be gives listeners a rare, honest glimpse into the wide open heart of this uniquely talented songwriter, performer and worship leader.

Clark wrote or co-wrote all 11 of the songs on the album. Rife with encouragement, hope and a grace-centered perspective, his inspiring messages are infused within an ear-pleasing, pop-based sound that will have CCM fans hooked on the first listen.

“I really wanted to tell my story in song; everything from the darkest moments to the pure rejoice in the light and grace of God,” Patrick shares. “Everyone goes through their own struggles and I have certainly had mine. I can not wait for listeners to hear my music and hope that the messages will bring hope and encouragement.”

A former aspiring athlete, Clark’s life was changed by hearing “What If I Stumble” by dcTalk. From that moment on Clark knew that his life was meant to be devoted to music and God. Since then he has become a worship leader for Watermark Community Church in Dallas, where he leads more than 7,000 attendees each week. A multi-talented songwriter and performer, Clark uses his own personal experiences in his music, giving it a powerful subject matter that speaks to many in an honest and pure way. I had the opportunity to interview Patrick about his catchy single, “Mercy.”

Please tell me the story behind writing the song “Mercy.”

We’ve got an awesome ministry at our church called Celebrate Recovery, and it’s a Christ-centered program for any addiction.. Every week I hear stories of people’s hurts, habits and hang ups and how God is pulling these people from their darkness into His light. As I started thinking about that, all I could think about is where we’d all be without our Savior. If He wouldn’t have intervened in my crazy life, I have no idea where I would’ve ended up.

Taking the subject of addiction into a more personal direction, “Mercy” was created out of my experiences with Celebrate Recovery. Fellow artist Cary Pierce encouraged me to share my story through song. And after I started writing, the result was my confessional song “Mercy,” a song I hope will encourage anyone struggling with addiction. I originally wrote the song in 2006, and I’ve been singing it ever since. It’s my story. I’m so thankful that God brought me to that place and it’s my prodigal son song. I was at that moment where I realized that I was at the end of myself and I was broken. The song is about submitting to God’s will, dropping to your knees and crying out for “Mercy.”

Did you base the song on any Bible verses?

2 Corinthians 5:16-19: “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”

What’s the take-away message for listeners?

I want people to understand that there is freedom waiting for them. Plus, I think it’s important for everyone to be real and transparent. Let’s face it--we don’t always have it together and all struggle with something. Thankfully, I’m surrounded by confession at my church, and I think the Church at large is moving toward a place of authenticity. But not everyone has that, so I hope to be an advocate for being honest about where we fall short. I hope the songs from Where Would I Be will inevitably point listeners toward the One who rewrote my story.

Lyrics:
I have laid my head down on the pillow of shame
I have fallen for the lie of the enemy
but in this darkness I hear You calling my name
to come home, come home

I cry mercy, mercy, mercy
oh Your love is never ending
won't You lay Your hands upon me
although I am undeserving
I cry mercy

I've been hiding I've been alone
now I'm bringing every sin into the light
behind these walls I just want to be known
would You save me, could You save me

I cry mercy, mercy, mercy
Oh Your love is never ending
Won't You lay your hands upon me
Although I am undeserving
I cry mercy

I come to You with a broken heart
at Your feet where the healing starts
You pour out freedom
I come to You with a broken heart
want to be with You God

Here’s Matthew Henry’s Bible commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:16-19: “The apostle proceeds in showing the reasons why they did not faint under their afflictions, namely, their expectation, desire, and assurance of happiness after death, and deduces an inference for the comfort of believers in their present state, and another to quicken them in their duty. Then he makes an apology for seeming to commend himself, and gives a good reason for his zeal and mentions two things that are necessary in order to our living to Christ, regeneration and reconciliation. In conclusion Paul says that, for the believer, circumcision or un-circumcision is of no importance. What does being a Jew or a Gentile matter, as long as one is a new creature in Christ?”

We must examine Jesus for ourselves; others cannot do it for us. Then, if we believe Jesus is who He says, we will want to speak up for Him. “Mercy” is a great song celebrating the freedom we have in Christ when we are born again. Christians are brand new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives us new life and we are not the same anymore. We are new creations and we need to live under God’s authority. This song is all about trusting in God and confessing to Him and others when you fail or have struggles. Lay those at the feet of Jesus and He’ll take them from you and release you from that burden. God wants to hear from you. I love singing this song of faith to Jesus and asking Him, “Won't You lay your hands upon me, Although I am undeserving, I cry mercy.” Amen!