To Believe

"To Believe" is a gentle, moving choral prayer that asks for peace and compassion in a broken world. Originally penned by Matthew Evancho and arranged here by Heather Sorenson, the piece begins with the quiet intimacy of a bedtime prayer. A soloist or unison section reflects on having everything they need, choosing instead to pray for those who have no peaceful place to stay. This selfless opening sets the tone for a sweeping plea to end hunger, war, and sorrow.

Choirs often bring this piece to life during the Christmas season or at special concerts, where its message of hope feels especially urgent. The lyrics challenge singers and listeners alike not to ignore the "anguished cries of the poor," reminding us that God counts every sparrow and hears every cry. It is a song that shifts our focus outward, asking for the grace to see the loving image of God in one another.

Sorenson's arrangement supports this emotional journey perfectly. The music swells from its hushed beginnings into a broad, powerful key change for the final chorus, lifting the choir's voices in a unified declaration of hope. The piece then settles into a quiet, reverent ending, leaving the congregation with a lingering sense of peace and a heartfelt "Amen."