TAKE AND SANCTIFY

When it comes time for the preparation of the gifts, Jude Nnam’s "Take and Sanctify" offers a perfect, prayerful accompaniment. This Offertory hymn is a familiar favorite in Nigerian Catholic parishes, loved for its gentle melody and profound message of self-surrender. The refrain is a direct, humble petition, asking God to accept the gifts brought to the altar and bless them for His glory.

The true depth of the piece unfolds in its verses. The lyrics move beyond the physical bread and wine to offer up the entirety of human experience. As the choir sings "All that I am, all that I do" and "All that I dream, all that I crave," the song becomes a deeply personal act of consecration. Every action, need, and future hope is laid before the altar. By the time the voices unite on the line "Take my life and take my all," the procession of gifts has transformed into a moment of complete dedication for the whole congregation.

Nnam’s arrangement keeps the focus entirely on this sincere prayer. The harmony supports the text without overwhelming it, allowing the earnestness of the words to ring clearly through the church. It is a wonderful choice for any Sunday Mass, inviting everyone present to offer their very selves alongside the Eucharistic gifts.