LORD I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN

"Lord I Want to Be a Christian" is a deeply moving African American spiritual that has found a cherished home in our choir lofts. The song is a quiet, personal plea for inner transformation. When we sing those opening words, the focus shifts entirely to the heart. It is not about outward show, but a sincere desire to be more loving, more holy, and ultimately more like Jesus. The gentle, repetitive refrain of "In a my heart" acts like a steady heartbeat, grounding the entire piece in quiet reflection.

In our parishes, this arrangement is especially powerful during the season of Lent or as a Communion meditation. The call-and-response section towards the end of the verse—where the tenors and basses lead with "Lord I want to" and the sopranos and altos echo before the whole choir finishes the phrase—creates a beautiful moment of communal prayer. It feels as though the different sections of the choir are encouraging one another in their faith journey.

The later verses bring a striking honesty to the liturgy, particularly the line "I don't want to be like Judas - deceitful." Singing this during Holy Week or a penitential service brings a hush over the congregation, reminding us all of our human frailty. By the time we reach the final verse, "Hallelujah now is ringing," the mood lifts from quiet petition to a gentle, hopeful praise, making it a truly fulfilling piece to sing and pray together.