REMEMBER US, LORD. (Psalm 105)

When a choir sings "Remember Us, Lord," the congregation is invited into a profound prayer of petition. Composed by Jude Nnam, this responsorial psalm setting draws its text from the history of Israel, recounting both human frailty and divine mercy. The refrain is a gentle, steady plea, asking God to look upon the assembly with the same enduring love He has always shown His people.

The verses take the choir through a narrative of salvation history, recalling the golden calf at Horeb, the forgotten miracles in Egypt, and Moses standing in the breach to turn away God's anger. Nnam arranges these verses with a conversational dynamic between the voice parts. The sopranos begin the storytelling, while the altos step forward to carry the melody and complete the thought, supported by rhythmic vocalizations from the tenors and basses. This interplay keeps the long historical verses engaging and forward-moving.

This piece is highly effective during the Liturgy of the Word, particularly in seasons like Lent or on Sundays when the readings focus on repentance, covenant, and God's forgiveness. It serves as a humbling reminder from the choir loft that, despite our failings, we can always appeal to the Lord's unfailing memory and grace.