Total Praise

Richard Smallwood’s "Total Praise" is one of those rare choral pieces that completely shifts the atmosphere of a room the moment the first notes are sung. Drawing its opening words directly from Psalm 121, "Lord, I will lift mine eyes to the hills," the song begins as a quiet, personal declaration of trust. For a choir, singing those opening phrases requires a gentle, unified blend, drawing the congregation into a space of deep prayer and reliance on God, especially when delivering the comforting line, "Your peace, You give me in time of the storm."

As the piece moves into the chorus, the arrangement swells with conviction. Declaring God as the "source of my strength" and the "strength of my life," the harmony opens up, allowing the voices to pour out genuine worship. It is a favorite for choir concerts, thanksgiving services, and moments of intense reflection, giving both the singers and the listeners a chance to surrender their worries.

Of course, what makes this piece unforgettable for any choir is the sweeping, majestic "Amen" section at the end. The cascading vocal parts build upon each other, rising and falling in a powerful wave of harmony through several key changes. When a choir locks into those final chords, lifting their hands in total praise, it creates a profound moment of worship that lingers long after the final note fades.