Sustain Us, Lord

Highlights

• Music for Rite of Anointing of the Sick
• cantor/congregation with optional SATB
• organ interludes for extension

Description

Sustain Us, Lord by J. William Greene presents practical music for use during the Rite of the Anointing of the Sick. A congregational refrain, "Sustain us Lord, by your Holy Spirit. Life and health, peace and hope, grant us, O Lord." is introduced by the cantor with optional harmonization for SATB choir. The verses are the composer's adaptations of various Scripture quotes from all four sections of the New Testament (Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, Revelation). We have included four of Dr. Greene's organ interludes which can follow the refrain and precede any verse, useful in extending the music during the time of anointing. This work can be easily incorporated into the Anointing Rite, allowing the congregation to participate in a short refrain while not being overly-engaged with full hymn verses. Simplicity is the strength of the Roman Rite, and Sustain Us, Lord demonstrates this concept exceptionally well.