Prayer

Philip Moody

SATB, Oboe
Duration: 8 minutes Difficulty: 3

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Prayer combines the Kyrie and Agnus Dei portions of the mass ordinary with Psalm 23. As I wrote this piece, the imagery of a large cavernous cathedral formed in my mind as the chanting of a cantor carries through the stone arches high above the congregation. This piece came out of those images and sounds; a piece that allows the listener to transport themselves to a spiritual place of reflection and meditation. The oboe line found within the mass ordinary texts suggests the helping hand of the spirit to lead us through this journey. The chant-like melodies in the oboe and vocal lines should be presented as smoothly as possibly with give and take within the phrase. The piece can be used in concert and also within a liturgical service. The final dona nobis pacem, could be changed to dona eis requiem to provide liturgical context for a funeral service as well.
– Philip Moody

Texts

Kyrie eleison.
   Lord, have mercy.
Christ eleison.
   Christ, have mercy.
Kyrie eleison.
   Lord, have mercy.
– Mass Ordinary, Kyrie

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
   Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,
   have mercy on us.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
   Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,
   have mercy on us.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.
   Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,
   grant us peace.
– Mass Ordinary, Agnus Dei

O Lord, you are my shepherd;
therefore I will lack nothing.
You feed me in green pastures
and lead me beside still waters.
You restore my soul
and lead me forth in righteousness,
for your name’s sake.
Though I walk through the valley of darkness,
I shall fear no evil for you are with me.
Your rod and staff comfort me.
You have prepared a table for me
against those that trouble me.
You have anointed my head with oil
and my cup shall be full.
Your loving kindness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
– Psalm 23