Words of the prophet Joel are the basis for this Lenten song, focusing on topics of conversion, forgiveness, God’s love for us, and mercy over the course of its three verses. The lengthy introduction foreshadows the expansive proportions of the piece, unfolding in a leisurely 3/4 meter, with held notes at the end of each phrase to let the meaning of the words truly resonate with the assembly. Though rooted firmly in D minor throughout, a couple of surprising modal shifts to the major IV chord (G major) in the refrain hint at the redemptive arc of the piece, which ends on a Picardy third. It is scored for two-part choir, piano, and guitar.
