NURU EKPERE ANYI

"NURU EKPERE ANYI" (Hear Our Prayer) is a deeply moving Igbo choral piece that brings the congregation’s most earnest petitions before God. Composed by Stanley S. A. Anih, the song is structured as a heartfelt dialogue between soloists and the choir. It opens with a gentle tenor solo acknowledging God as our strength and root, before a baritone takes up the main supplications—asking for long life, good health, and the grace of peace.

The lyrics weave in beautiful cultural expressions, like the classic proverb "egbe belu ugo belu" (let the kite perch, let the eagle perch), asking for harmony and fairness in our lives. When the soprano cantors step in to remind God of our human weakness ("Cheta kwa Oh Chukwu n'anyị adịghị ike"), it creates a moment of profound vulnerability in the loft. The choir’s recurring, soothing responses act as a comforting anchor throughout the piece.

This anthem is a wonderful choice for the Prayer of the Faithful or as a reflective piece during times of general supplication. Its rich harmonies and conversational solos give different voices in the choir a chance to shine, leading the whole church into a unified, prayerful "Ise" (Amen) at the close.