We Shall Go To God's House

Jude Orakwe’s "We Shall Go To God's House" is a bright, marching setting of Psalm 122, capturing the exact feeling of pilgrims arriving at the holy city. The melody carries a natural, forward-moving energy that makes it a favorite for the Entrance procession. When the choir strikes up the opening chorus, "We shall go up into God's house with sound of joy," it immediately lifts the congregation, setting a tone of gladness and purpose for the Mass.

The verses are arranged with a lovely call-and-response texture, alternating between the deep resonance of the bass line and the bright clarity of the sopranos. This back-and-forth paints the picture of different groups of travelers greeting each other as they reach the gates of Jerusalem. It is a highly practical piece for a parish choir, easy to learn but deeply effective when the harmonies lock in.

We often pull this piece out for festive Sundays, church dedications, or the beginning of Advent when the readings call us to journey toward the Lord. Singing it from the choir loft, you can feel the assembly catch the rhythm of the procession. It reminds us that gathering for worship is not just a routine, but a joyful arrival at the house of God.