Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani

Use: Palm Sunday, Holy Week
Required Resources: SATB choir
Language: Latin

Quoting Psalm 22, the Savior poignantly cries out on the cross, "My God, my God, why hast thou abandoned me?". Richard J. Clark uses the original Aramaic, Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?, followed by other Scripture quotes in Latin:

Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?
Popule meus, quid feci tibi? aut in quo contristavi te? Responde mihi.
Deus meus, clamabo per diem non exaudies.
Domine, convertere, et eripe animam meam.

My God, my God, why hast thou abandoned me?. [Psalm 22:1]
My people, what have I done to thee? Or how have I offended thee? Answer me. [Micah 6:3]
My God, I shall cry by day; thou wilt not hear me. [Psalm 22:2]
Turn to me, Lord, and deliver my soul. [Psalm 6:4]

In Renaissance contrapuntal style, this motet is a fine addition to your church's a cappella Holy Week repertoire. Ranges are comfortable (soprano: C-Eb, alto: A-Bb, tenor: D-Eb, bass: F-Bb), and in unaccompanied performance could even be raised a whole step.