ANCIENT WORDS

"Ancient Words" is one of those gentle, grounding hymns that immediately quiets the church and draws the congregation into a space of reflection. With its simple, flowing melody, it speaks directly to the power of scripture—the "holy words long preserved" that have been handed down to us through generations of faith and sacrifice. In the choir loft, we often bring this piece out during the Liturgy of the Word, perhaps just before the Gospel reading, or as a meditative reflection during Communion.

The beauty of this arrangement lies in its straightforward sincerity. The verses build a quiet reverence for the scriptures, reminding us that these texts are not just history, but living words that "give us strength" and "help us cope." When the choir reaches the chorus, the harmony opens up beautifully on the lines "Ancient words ever true, changing me and changing you." It is a moment of shared conviction that always seems to resonate deeply with the congregation.

Singing this piece requires a warm, blended tone rather than overwhelming volume. The message is intimate—a prayer asking God to let His ancient words impart their wisdom into our open hearts. It is a wonderful choice for any Sunday Mass, but it feels especially poignant during retreats, Bible study gatherings, or any liturgy focused on the teachings of Christ.