TURN TO US, LORD

"Turn to us, Lord" is a solemn and deeply moving Lenten hymn, specifically marked for Ash Wednesday. The piece captures the very heart of the season's call to repentance, grounding the choir and congregation in the stark reality of our mortality with the words, "For dust we are and dust we shall return." It is a gentle but urgent plea for God's saving grace during the penitential season.

In the choir loft, this composition by Sanctus Oleka offers a reflective, unhurried atmosphere—marked Adagio ma non troppo and Espressivo. The refrain establishes a communal cry for salvation, while the verses become more personal. The first verse asks that this holy season be a true time of grace and repentance, acknowledging the temptation to turn away from sin and back to God. The second verse shifts to an eschatological tone, reflecting on the unknown hour of our meeting with the Lord and asking for His saving hand.

Liturgically, this piece is perfectly suited for the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday or as an Offertory or Communion meditation throughout the season of Lent. The simple, pleading melody allows the faithful to internalize the gravity of the Lenten journey, making it a fitting addition to a parish's repertoire for the weeks leading up to Holy Week.