In the opening of the prayer, Habakkuk asks God to revive his work in the midst of the years and make it known. He then pleads, “in wrath remember mercy.” This request is in Habakkuk 3:2.
Habakkuk 3:1–2 opens the book’s final movement as a prayer-song by the prophet. The heading identifies the piece as a prayer meant for musical performance. Habakkuk then addresses Yahweh directly, saying he has heard about God’s reputation and stands in awe of what God has done. Earlier in Habakkuk the prophet argues with God about violence in Judah and about God’s use of Babylon, then receives God’s replies and a set of woes that promise Babylon’s eventual downfall (Habakkuk 1:2, Habakkuk 2:2, Habakkuk 2:20).
Habakkuk 3:1–2 clearly shifts the book from debate into worshipful address. The text presents what follows as “a prayer” connected to Habakkuk “the prophet,” and it is framed for public, musical use rather than as private reflection.
A common mistake is to turn the wording into a slogan. The better reading keeps the phrase tied to the passage, the speaker, and the problem the book is addressing.
Start with Habakkuk 3:2, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
2Yahweh, I have heard of your fame. I stand in awe of your deeds, Yahweh. Renew your work in the midst of the years. In the midst of the years make it known. In wrath, you remember mercy.