Ordinary Time, for most Protestant churches, begins the week after Pentecost and runs until the beginning of Advent.
Some churches also consider the period between Epiphany Sunday and Lent Ordinary Time, making it the longest season of the liturgical year (source).
Are you doing the math? That's 33-34 Sundays in Ordinary Time in any given year.
That's a lot of anthems!
I thought today would be the perfect time to share some of my favorite anthems for Ordinary Time. Most of them work really well with small choirs (or large choirs—whatever you've got!).
Without further ado, my top 25 anthems for Ordinary Time:
25 Choir Anthems for Ordinary Time in the Church Year
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
1. All Things Bright and Beautiful (John Rutter)
SATB Choir with Piano
A lovely setting of the familiar text—works well as a joint anthem with children's choir.
2. At the River (arr. Aaron Copland)
SATB Choir with Piano
A classic setting of the hymn, “Shall We Gather at the River,” this piece works well for All Saints' Day.
3. Ave Verum (W. A. Mozart/ed. Muller)
SATB Choir with Organ
A choral classic (and an easy way to introduce your choir to Latin!). I think this one is perfect for a Communion Sunday.
4. Christ Has No Hands But Ours (Tom Porter)
SATB Choir with Organ + Opt. Brass Quintet and Congregation
A simple, hymn-like anthem based on the Beatitudes. Great for the beginning of a new program year!
5. Climbin’ Up the Mountain, Children (Larry Shackley)
SATB Choir with Piano
Upbeat and fun!
6. Come to the Water (arr. Lynda Hasseler)
SATB Choir with Piano
Gorgeous! A choir favorite. Consider singing it down a half step in A-flat (a warmer, darker key).
7. Draw Us In the Spirit's Tether (arr. Craig Curry)
SAB Choir with Piano
Lovely melody and text. This one works well for a Communion Sunday (perhaps World Communion Sunday?).
8. Filled With His Voice (Steve Danyew)
SATB Choir with Piano and Alto Saxophone
A great anthem for a "Lord is My Shepherd"-themed Sunday.
9. For All His Blessings (Steve Danyew)
SATB Choir with Piano
A new setting of an old hymn text with the Doxology woven throughout. Great for a smaller choir!
10. Gathered As One (Paul A. Tate)
SAB Choir with Piano
A wonderful choice for World Communion Sunday (especially appropriate for an intergenerational or combined choir).
11. Give Me Jesus (arr. Craig Courtney)
SATB Choir with Piano
This arrangement is particularly moving; one of my favorites (plus, it has a great piano part!).
12. God Be In My Head (John Rutter)
SATB Choir, a cappella
A classic! I love doing this one with a small ensemble of 8-12 singers.
13. Grace (arr. Mark Hayes)
SATB Choir with Piano
The text of “Amazing Grace,” sung to the tune O WALY WALY. As is true with most Mark Hayes’ anthems, this one has a great piano part!
14. Hush! Somebody’s Callin’ My Name (arr. Brazeal Dennard)
SATB Choir, a cappella
One of my favorite spirituals.
15. I Believe (Mark A. Miller)
SATB Choir with Piano
Anthem-like in the way it builds to the climax; very powerful. This one works well as an intergenerational choir anthem.
16. Pie Jesu (Mary Lynn Lightfoot)
2-part, 3-part mixed, SSA, TTB, SAB, or SATB Choir with Piano
A haunting requiem with flexible voicing and accessible Latin text. This one works well for All Saints' Day.
17. Shepherd Me, O God (arr. Mark Hayes)
SATB Choir with Piano
A simple, singable melody based on Psalm 23 (also, great piano part!)
18. Song of Joy, Song of Praise (arr. James Brighton)
2-Part Choir with Piano
A traditional Spanish Carol set as a 2-part canon.
19. Soon and Very Soon (arr. Jack Schrader)
SATB Choir with Piano
Flexible voicing makes this spiritual accessible for all groups.
20. The Lord Bless You and Keep You (John Rutter)
SATB Choir with Organ
Sweeping melody and lyrical accompaniment, plus a gorgeous 7-fold Amen to use on its own as a choral benediction (I might like it better than the Lutkin!).
21. The Whisper (Craig Courtney)
SATB Choir with Piano
A quiet, welcoming invitation to "come to the table."
22. We Are Singing, for the Lord Is Our Light (arr. Hal Hopson)
SAB or SATB Choir with Piano
A traditional Zulu song (with English and Zulu text included). This anthem features a recurring congregational refrain and opportunities for improvised percussion accompaniment.
23. Who Will Be a Witness? (arr. Douglas Moore)
SAB Choir with Piano
Fun and energetic spiritual—great for a youth or smaller adult choir!
24. Yes, My Jesus Loves Me (Mary McDonald)
SATB Choir with Piano
Simple, yet beautiful—based on the beloved children's song.
25. Come, Come Unto Me (Ken Dosso)
SATB Choir with Keyboard
A peaceful setting and a gentle invitation with tuneful melody and lyrical phrases.
I’d love to hear from you:
What are your favorite go-to anthems for Ordinary Time?
P.S. Looking for more anthem ideas? Try this list: Top 50 Favorite Anthems for the Small Church Choir
