AMAZING GRACE

This score brings together two distinct but spiritually connected pieces arranged by Valentine Patrick, offering a beautiful sequence for the Communion rite. The first part features the classic English hymn "Amazing Grace," with its beloved verses of salvation, spiritual sight, and trust in God's guiding hand. The arrangement gives the choir a rich, harmonised setting of John Newton's words, complete with a special refrain that crowns the message: "This is Grace of God."

Following this is "Eyen Erong Abasi," a setting of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) in Efik. It carries the traditional threefold structure, asking the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world to have mercy on us ("tua nnyin mbom") and finally to grant us peace ("no 'nyin emem").

Together, these pieces serve the liturgy perfectly. A choir might sing the Agnus Dei during the breaking of the bread, and then flow naturally into "Amazing Grace" as the congregation processes for Communion. The pairing of indigenous language liturgy with a universally known hymn creates a deeply moving moment of worship that speaks to both reverence and profound gratitude.