The phrase is a plea for divine compassion. It represents a humble request for clemency, forgiveness, or alleviation of suffering from a higher power. An example would be uttering the expression during a moment of intense personal hardship or witnessing a tragedy, seeking solace and intervention.
Its significance lies in its expression of faith and dependence on a benevolent force during times of need. Historically, the invocation has served as a recurring element in religious litanies and personal prayers across various cultures and faiths, emphasizing the perceived need for divine grace and assistance in the face of human frailty and hardship. It functions as a verbal acknowledgement of limitations and a yearning for supernatural aid.