Grant, we beseech thee

This anthem is suitable for use in liturgical settings, perhaps during seasons of penitence or reflection. John Okeover sets a prayerful English text drawn from the Book of Common Prayer, asking for pardon and peace for the faithful. The text emphasizes cleansing from sin and the attainment of a quiet mind through service to God, concluding with a plea offered through Jesus Christ. The work is scored for a choir of four parts, with the option of doubling the upper parts (Soprano and Tenor) for a richer sound, making it adaptable for various choral ensembles. The composer’s setting effectively conveys the solemnity and hopeful devotion of the prayer.