YES I SHALL ARISE

"Yes I Shall Arise" is one of those deeply familiar melodies that instantly sets the tone for the Lenten season. Drawing its refrain directly from the story of the Prodigal Son, it gives the congregation a simple, profound statement of repentance to carry with them. We often sing this as an Entrance or Communion hymn during Lent, especially on Sundays when the readings focus on reconciliation and God's enduring mercy.

The structure of the song makes it incredibly useful for the choir loft. With ten short verses, it can easily cover a long procession or the duration of Communion. The verses themselves trace a moving spiritual journey. They begin in a place of deep contrition—asking God to look down, have mercy, and wash the spirit clean—before gradually shifting toward the joy of forgiveness. By the final verses, the tone lifts into quiet celebration, reminding us that a heart forgiven by God will always find a reason to sing.

Because the refrain is so easy to pick up, the congregation can join in almost immediately without needing to bury their faces in a hymnbook. It allows the choir to lead the verses prayerfully, creating a shared moment of reflection that feels both personal and communal.