As the Deer

When the choir begins "As the Deer," a quiet reverence usually settles over the congregation. Based on the opening imagery of Psalm 42, the song captures a deep, almost physical thirst for God's presence. It is a gentle confession of faith, moving from the picture of a deer seeking water to a direct, personal prayer: "You alone are my heart's desire."

In the choir loft, we often bring this piece out during Communion or as a meditation after the homily. Tom Fettke’s choral arrangement treats Martin Nystrom’s melody with a lot of tenderness. It starts in unison, allowing the simple sincerity of the words to speak clearly, before opening up into warm harmonies. The shift in the second section—"You're my Friend and You are my Brother"—brings a wonderful intimacy to the piece, reminding us that the Almighty God is also our closest companion.

Singing this requires restraint and breath control. The flowing lines and gentle crescendos ask the choir to blend smoothly, carrying the prayer forward without ever overpowering it. It is one of those pieces that does not need heavy volume to be profound; its strength lies in its quiet, earnest devotion.