13 Choral Anthems for Lent

February 22, 2023 Ashley Danyew

Lent. A time of reflection, sacrifice, prayer, contemplating, and grace.

It's a time of stripping away, going without (for example, the practice of "burying the alleluia" during Lent), and quieting the heart and mind.

There are six Sundays during Lent, plus any services that take place during Holy Week (the week between Palm Sunday and Easter).

As a church musician, this means several opportunities to program reflective, contemplative anthems with themes of mercy, surrender, prayer, communion, love, grace, and redemption.

If you’re looking for a few new Lenten anthems to add to your library this year, here are a few of my favorites for SAB and SATB choirs:

13 Contemplative Choral Anthems for the Season of Lent

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God So Loved the World (John Stainer)

SATB Choir, a cappella

A classic. This setting of John 3:16 is particularly effective as part of a Good Friday service.

Poor Wayfaring Stranger (arr. Victor C. Johnson)

SATB Choir with Piano

A sophisticated yet simple setting of the traditional spiritual with unique harmonies and rich piano accompaniment.

Mercy (Craig Courtney)

SATB Choir with Piano

A reflective, heartfelt prayer for mercy, incorporating the familiar phrase, "Kyrie Eleison" (Lord, have mercy).

Come, Come Unto Me (Ken Dosso)

SAB Choir with Piano

Based on Matthew 11:28, this lyrical anthem has beautiful lines, nice harmonies and counterpoint, and a supportive (but interesting!) piano part.

An Hour of Hallowed Peace (Steve Danyew)

SATB Choir with Piano

A flowing accompaniment and simple verse-chorus structure make this anthem appropriate and accessible for any Sunday during Lent, but especially Maundy Thursday or Good Friday.

And Can It Be? (Dan Forrest)

SATB Choir with Piano

A new setting of the old, familiar hymn text, this anthem begins quietly and gradually builds to a full chorus - "Amazing love, how can it be?" and draws to a reflective close.

His Eye Is on the Sparrow (arr. Mark Hayes)

SAB Choir with Piano

A straightforward arrangement of this well-known hymn with a great, jazzy piano part and interesting counterpoint between the voices.

I Saw the Cross of Jesus (Victor C. Johnson)

SATB Choir with Piano

A moving anthem for Lent with powerful, stirring text:

“I saw the cross of Jesus, when burdened with my sin; I sought the cross of Jesus, to give me peace within. I brought my soul to Jesus, He cleansed it in His blood; And in the cross of Jesus I found my peace with God.”

Jesus Paid it All (arr. Howard Helvey)

SATB, SSAA, or TTBB Choir with Piano

A traditional setting of this 19th-century hymn, with elegant accompaniment.

Lamb of God (arr. F. Melius Christiansen)

SATB Choir, a cappella

A simple, yet profound setting of this well-loved German chorale.

Abide with Me (arr. Victor Johnson)

SAB Choir with Piano

An accessible arrangement of this hymn with fresh, surprising harmonies in the piano. The middle verse is particularly lovely!

Immortal Love, Forever Full (Dan Kreider)

SATB Choir with Piano

Beautiful harmonies, delicate melody, and powerful, poetic text.

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (arr. Lloyd Larson)

SATB Choir and Solo, a cappella

A quiet, beautiful setting of this well-known hymn text. I like the theme of God as Shepherd during Lent.

I’d love to hear from you:

What are your favorite Lenten anthems? Please share in the comments below!

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