Nara O Chineke

When the procession of gifts has ended and the altar is prepared, the choir often needs a piece that gathers the congregation's intentions before the Eucharistic Prayer begins. "Nara O Chineke" fits perfectly into this moment. Written by Rev. Fr. Uchechi B. Okea, this Igbo post-offertory hymn is a direct, humble plea for God to accept the sacrifices we bring to the altar.

The lyrics walk us through the very heart of the offertory rite. In the verses, the choir sings of offering the fruits of the harvest, the white bread, and the sweet wine—gifts that God first gave to us. The third verse is especially moving as it asks God to receive these offerings from the hands of the priest and transform them into the food of eternal salvation. It is a clear reminder of what is about to happen in the liturgy.

Musically, the piece is gentle and reverent, marked to be sung slowly (*Lento*). The harmonization by Dr. L.N. Ekezie gives the choir a warm, steady progression of chords that supports the prayerful mood. It is the kind of song that settles the church, drawing everyone's focus toward the sanctuary as we ask the Father to accept our sacrifice just as He accepted the offerings of Abel.