A little while back, I had the honor of composing the Responsorial Psalm for Palm Sunday, and I’m so grateful to share that it was performed this year by the St. Philip Parish Choir, Use Offot in Uyo, Nigeria.

This piece came straight from the heart, truly inspired by the Holy Spirit. The lyrics moved me deeply, and that’s what led me to composing it.

During the performance, I played the flute and sang solo on verses 1 and 3, while the rest of the choir beautifully carried the remaining verses and response.

Here are the lyrics to the Psalm:

R. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

All who see me deride me;
they curl their lips, they toss their heads:
“He trusted in the Lord, let him save him;
let him release him, for in him he delights.”
R.

For dogs have surrounded me;
a band of the wicked besets me.
They tear holes in my hands and my feet;
I can count every one of my bones.
R.

They divide my clothing among them,
they cast lots for my robe.
But you, O Lord, do not stay afar off;
my strength, make haste to help me!
R.

I will tell of your name to my kin,
and praise you in the midst of the assembly;
“You who fear the Lord, give him praise;
all descendants of Jacob, give him glory;
revere him, all you descendants of Israel.”
R.

Here is the script of the song:

I hope you enjoy it!

Take a listen, close your eyes, and let the music take you away!

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you
That is how I know you go on
Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on

[Chorus]
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more, you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

[Verse 2]
Love can touch us one time
And last for a lifetime
And never let go 'til we're gone
Love was when I loved you
One true time I'd hold to
In my life, we'll always go on

[Chorus]
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
(Why does the heart go on?)
Once more, you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

Link to my promotional video on Tiktok - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMB52jdFG/

Thank you @lordbutterfly @verbal-d and other admins for sustaining this initiative.

What draws me to this instrument is the serene calmness it brings. The soothing sounds that fill the air as I blow into the flute are truly therapeutic. My love for the flute has led me to explore various musical pieces, including the timeless classic "Amazing Grace" by John Newton, written in 1772 and published in 1779. See ref

I'm excited to share my rendition of this iconic hymn with you. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed playing it!

Lyrics

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believ'd!

Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

For my first post on this community, I'd like to share my cover of "It Is Well with My Soul," a song composed by Philip Paul Bliss, with the lyrics by Horatio G. Spafford. This song invites us to reflect on life's unpredictable nature. Indeed, life can be cruel, shattering our dreams and plans in an instant.

The lyrics of this song offer comforting words of hope, reminding us that life's journey is punctuated by storms, challenges, and tragedies. So, how do we cope? We place our trust in God, affirming with conviction: "It is well with my soul."

Lyrics of It is Well with my Soul

When peace like a river attended my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh, my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
Oh it is well, it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul

Here is my promotional tweet - https://x.com/willo_patrick/status/1899697527479205901