As I Fast and Pray

"As I Fast and Pray" is a solemn, earnest Lenten hymn that captures the heart of the season's call to repentance. Written for the forty days of fasting, the song is a humble petition for spiritual closeness. The lyrics guide the singer through a journey of self-reflection, asking for mercy, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the forgiveness of sins. It is a deeply personal prayer that resonates with any congregation seeking to renew their faith and walk more closely with God during Lent.

The musical arrangement reflects this quiet desperation and hope. The verses are structured as a steady, unified plea, laying out the singer's commitment to never offend the Lord again. When the piece transitions into the refrain, it opens up into a direct, heartfelt cry to Jesus. The choral parts support this shift beautifully, with the voices weaving together to echo the central desire: "draw me nearer to thee." The gentle interplay between the parts, especially the lingering tail phrases in the lower voices, creates a sense of continuous, reaching prayer.

Choirs will find this piece especially fitting for Lenten Masses, serving well during the Offertory or as a meditative Communion hymn. Its straightforward, sincere lyrics and accessible solfa arrangement make it easy for a choir to learn and sing with genuine feeling. As the voices blend in this humble cry, it helps draw the entire church into the quiet, reflective spirit of the forty days.