Search Me O Lord! (Wane Ma Tusa!)

"Search Me O Lord! (Wane Ma Tusa!)" is a deeply reflective choral piece that blends an English prayer of surrender with an indigenous refrain. The opening lines draw directly from Psalm 139, asking God to examine the singer’s heart and deeds. In the choir loft, this piece serves beautifully during a penitential moment or as an Offertory hymn of self-dedication, where the congregation is invited to lay their inner lives bare before the Lord.

The transition from the familiar English petition into the rhythmic local dialect brings a profound sense of cultural grounding to the prayer. Choirs often use this kind of bilingual arrangement to bridge the gap between traditional liturgical texts and the heartfelt, vernacular expressions of faith that resonate strongly with the people. The repeating phrases in the latter half build a meditative, almost chant-like atmosphere that draws the whole church into a spirit of humble devotion.