Forsaken

"Forsaken" is a deeply moving choral anthem that brings our choirs and congregations straight into the heart of Christ’s passion. With lyrics by Dustin Battles set to music by Dan Forrest, the piece gives voice to the profound isolation and sacrifice of Jesus. The text speaks from the perspective of the Savior, moving from the agonizing questions of the garden—"How long, O God, will You neglect my prayer?"—to the ultimate, willing surrender of the cross. It captures the heavy weight of the atonement, where the "sinless Son" asks the Father to forsake Him rather than humanity.

During the solemn days of Lent and Holy Week, particularly on Good Friday, this anthem serves as a powerful reflection for the choir loft. The music swells with the sorrow and fear of the crucifixion, echoing the cry of abandonment before resolving into the quiet, resolute purpose of the "spotless Lamb." As the vocal parts layer and build toward the climax, the congregation is invited to contemplate the immense cost of redemption.

Singing this piece requires a choir to lean into its emotional depth, balancing moments of hushed reverence with soaring, dramatic intensity. The final lingering phrase, "Forsake not man, but Me, Your sinless Son," leaves a profound stillness in the church, making it an unforgettable offering for any solemn liturgical service.