Guide us and lead us

"Guide us and lead us" by C. D. Okorie is a warm, straightforward recessional hymn that sends the congregation forth with a prayer for protection. With its explicit lyric, "the mass is ended, thanks be to God," it is perfectly tailored for the end of a liturgy, giving the choir and the people a final moment of shared blessing before heading out into the world.

The verses draw deeply from the comforting imagery of Psalm 23, reminding us that the Lord is our Shepherd, our rock, and our refuge. As the sopranos and altos carry the main melody, the tenors and basses provide a supportive counter-line—singing "You are my comforter, you are my protector"—creating a conversational texture in the choir loft that keeps all voice parts engaged.

It is a gentle but confident piece. The recurring plea to "Guide us, lead us" serves as a grounding anchor, making it an easy and prayerful song for the congregation to carry home with them after Sunday Mass.