Five and six

"Five and Six" by Udo Laurence Iwu is a deeply joyful and intimate Communion song that captures the heart's desire for total union with Christ. The title draws on a beloved Nigerian colloquialism—being "five and six" means being completely inseparable from someone. Here, the composer takes that everyday phrase and elevates it into a beautiful Eucharistic prayer, asking Jesus that we might be so closely united with Him that we become one ("Ka mu na Gi Jesu buru otu").

The verses walk us right up to the sanctuary. As the choir sings of going to the altar to receive the Lord ("Agam eje n'altar je nata Jesu"), the lyrics remind us of Christ's promise to live in us if we receive Him with a pure and good heart. The music itself reflects this sweet intimacy, especially in the recurring refrain that praises the sweetness of the Lord's presence and the joy of having Him dwell within.

For a choir, this piece is a delight to sing during the Communion procession or as a post-Communion reflection. Its blend of profound reverence with warm, relatable language makes it incredibly moving for the congregation. It reminds everyone in the pews that receiving the Eucharist isn't just a ritual, but an invitation to become inseparable from the Savior who loves us beyond measure.