This expressive SATB setting of Psalm 4 opens with a quiet, pleading tone, “Hear me when I call, O Lord” (page 1). The voices move together in a clear, homophonic texture, allowing the sincerity of the text to come through with warmth and clarity.

In the middle section (page 2), the choir moves into broader phrases such as “have mercy on me, and hear my prayer,” with a slightly heightened emotional intensity created by the unified rhythmic pacing and rich, open harmonies. The text continues into admonitions from the Psalm — “O you sons of men…” — set with steady declamation and uncluttered part-writing (pages 2–3).

The final section (page 4) closes with a calm ritardando and the line “the Lord will hear when I call,” ending the piece with a sense of assurance and quiet confidence. Accessible for church choirs of many levels, this anthem is ideal for worship services focused on prayer, trust, and divine faithfulness.

Voices:

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass