Be Thou Exalted

"Be Thou Exalted" is a vibrant English-language choral anthem of praise and adoration. Built on majestic declarations of God's sovereignty, the piece opens with joyful shouts of "Hallelujah" and "Hosanna," setting a tone of triumphant worship. The lyrics draw heavily from scriptural doxologies, acknowledging God as the "Omnipotent Lord," the "King of kings," and the "eternal, immortal, invisible, and only wise God."

In the context of the Catholic Mass or wider Christian worship in Nigeria, an anthem of this scale and energy is perfectly suited for celebratory moments. Choirs often raise this piece during the Entrance procession to gather the congregation in high praise, or as a Recessional hymn to send the faithful forth with a resounding declaration of God's glory. It is also a fitting choice for feast days and special thanksgiving celebrations where the choir loft needs a robust, full-voiced arrangement.

The piece builds its momentum through repetition and layered choral entries, creating a sense of an ever-expanding heavenly chorus. When the choir sings "Thy saints are singing" and later "the Angels sing," it invites the earthly congregation to join in that unceasing cosmic worship. The final, drawn-out "Be thou exalted, O God" leaves a lingering sense of reverence and awe.