JESUS, REMEMBER ME

"Jesus, Remember Me" is one of the most recognizable chants from the Taizé community, drawing its central plea directly from the Gospel of Luke. The words are those of the Good Thief on the cross, asking Christ not to forget him as He enters His kingdom. For choirs, this piece is a staple during Lent and Holy Week, especially on Good Friday or during the Veneration of the Cross, where its repetitive, meditative nature helps the congregation enter deeply into prayer.

This particular arrangement by Anderson Eghosa Ogbebor expands the traditional chant by adding three distinct verses for a cantor. While the main choir sustains the familiar four-part ostinato—creating a continuous, gentle wave of harmony—the cantor floats above with personal petitions for mercy and guidance. The verses ask the Father for tender care and recall the Great Son of God who calmed the sea, adding a layer of intimate supplication to the communal refrain.

Rehearsing this piece is an exercise in listening and restraint. The choir must keep the ostinato steady and prayerful without overpowering the cantor's lines. When sung with devotion, the overlapping melodies create a deeply moving atmosphere in the church, allowing the faithful to rest in the simple, profound request for the Lord's remembrance.