Don Besig: A Prayer: SATB: Vocal Score

Jay Althouse has an undeniably special touch with a song. Here is a new masterpiece in miniature from his talented pen. This brief but powerful anthem will be useful for many occasions and service music purposes. Extend your repertoire with A Prayer.

Everyone needs good benedictions and parting blessings and no one does them better than Don Besig. He features a new version of the classic “God Be with You Till We Meet Again” as well as several other originalblessings (“Go Now in Peace” and “A Closing Prayer”) to round out this useful grouping. The writing is well-suited to choirs of every level of achievement.

Uses: AdventScripture: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23A touching prayer for a redeemer is at the center of this poignant Advent text. A lonesome flute obbligato hovers above the song bringing thoughts ofour spiritual longing. A haunting minor mode and harmonic style lends an almost ancient cloistered quality to the ambience of the piece. Available: SATB flute. Duration: 3:15.

This team's original spirituals have long been a staple for church choirs across the country. They are always accessible to both larger and smaller choirs. They are always quite memorable and are always fun to sing. “SendDown Your Spirit Lord” is the newest addition to that stellar collection and is definitely not to be missed. For general worship or Pentecost this upbeat prayer asks for God's presence in all that we do; in good times andin bad. A new favorite!

The lilting melody and flute obbligato give a Celtic sound to this new song of thanks. Every Day Is a Gift from the Lord recounts the beauty of creation the power of God's grace and the endless joys to be found in living loving and learning. The text is warm and gracious. Share this prayer of thanks with your choir and congregation throughout the year. It is a wonderful reminder that “every day is a gift from the Lord.”

Uses: General Christian Service PentecostScripture: Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:1-4; Acts 20:35; I Peter 4:10-11.A celebration of Christian service is found in this special commissioned anthem.Declaring our unity in Christ this sacred song gathers us around the spiritual disciplines of prayer sharing and service. Gentle syncopations endear the music immediately to the spirit and quality voice leading assists thedirector in quick learning. The choral ostinato found in the transition section is an impressive effect and achievable by any choir.

Uses: General Missions Social Justice Unity Outreach Scripture: II Corinthians 6:18: Galatians 4:1-6: Ephesians 4:1-6 A heartfelt prayer for a closer relationship with our heavenly Father is the central theme of this thoughtful text. Alive with gospel joy this swinging song for the spirit is filled with great choral moments. The understated accompaniment is easy to play and offers effective support to singers. Your congregation will appreciate the familiar style of this delightful octavo.