A PRAYER FOR MERCY (THE RELIABLE GOD)

"A Prayer for Mercy (The Reliable God)" is a heartfelt choral response designed for the Prayer of the Faithful. Written by Ekwem Lilian, this short but earnest piece gives the choir a moving way to lift up the community's intercessions during Mass. It anchors the spoken petitions of the liturgy in a sung reminder of God's steadfast nature.

The lyrics draw on powerful titles for the Almighty, calling Him the "ocean of mercy," the "unchangeable God," and the God of the patriarchs. The brief inclusion of the Igbo title "Ekwueme" (the one who says and does) adds a deep sense of cultural reverence and absolute trust. As the sopranos lead the plea, "Answer my prayer whenever I'm down," the piece voices the quiet, personal hopes of everyone in the pews, making the moment of intercession feel both intimate and deeply reassuring.