WHAT SHALL I OFFER TO THE LORD?

When it comes time for the Offertory, choirs often look for a piece that speaks directly to the congregation's experience of giving. Sir Jude Nnam's "What Shall I Offer to the Lord?" asks a simple, profound question about what truly pleases God. The lyrics walk through the material things we might bring to the altar—clothes, shoes, a ram, a cow, or even a car and a house—and gently remind us that God might not accept them if our inner disposition is missing.

Instead, the melody builds toward a clear realization: what God truly desires is a loving, patient, humble, and caring heart. In the choir loft, this song is a joy to sing because of its conversational tone and relatable examples. The harmony parts echo and support the main melody, creating a sense of a community reasoning together about their gifts.

It is a fitting choice for the presentation of gifts during Mass, especially on days when the readings focus on sincerity, humility, and true sacrifice. The straightforward English lyrics make it accessible to almost any assembly, allowing the message to resonate clearly as the bread and wine are brought forward.