A CRY FOR A NATION IN DISTRESS (NNA, LEE ANYI ANYA EBERE GI)

"Nna, Lee Anyi Anya Ebere Gi" (Father, Look Upon Us With Your Eyes of Mercy) is a poignant intercessory prayer born out of deep concern for the state of the nation. Subtitled "A Cry For A Nation In Distress," the composer explicitly dedicated this piece to Nigeria. It serves as a powerful sung response during the Prayer of the Faithful, giving the congregation a way to channel their anxieties and hopes into a unified plea for divine intervention.

The lyrics do not shy away from harsh realities. The verses lament the specific struggles of the present day, crying out that both day and night have become terrifying, that kidnapping has turned into a trade, and that human blood is spilled like water. Against this heavy backdrop, the choir lifts up a desperate but trusting call to God, addressing Him as the "lion that guards the city" (agụ nechemba).

When a choir takes up this piece, the mood in the church naturally shifts to one of solemn reflection and urgent petition. The melody carries the weight of a people who recognize that their ultimate hope lies in God's mercy. By asking the Father not to look upon our sins but to rush to our aid, the song unites the voices in the pews in a deeply human, deeply faithful cry for healing and protection.