AS THE DEER YEARNS

"As the Deer Yearns" by Lilian Ekwem is a quiet, deeply personal prayer of longing. Drawing its opening imagery from Psalm 42, the song captures the feeling of a soul thirsting for God's presence. It moves from a gentle confession of need into an earnest declaration of trust, acknowledging the Lord as our strength, our all, and the ultimate source of mercy.

Marked "Meditativo Con Spirito" on the score, this piece asks the choir to sing with reverence and spiritual warmth. It is a wonderful choice for Communion or the Offertory, offering the congregation a moment of stillness to reflect on God's sustaining grace. The lyrics speak directly to the human experience of walking through storms and shadows, reminding the faithful that even in the darkest moments, God's peace and joy are entirely sufficient.

The arrangement flows naturally from the verses into a heartfelt chorus that calls upon the "bread of heaven" and "cup of mercy." For a choir, the beauty of the song lies in its simplicity and the sincerity of its words, making it a comforting anchor for any Sunday Mass.