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Beckenhorst, 2016

A musical unfolding of the balance between anything we could possibly offer and Christ’s supreme sacrifice. Scored for SATB chorus with piano and optional chamber orchestra (BP1964A), this piece is suitable for any occasion of worship.

Instrumentation: flute, oboe, Bb clarinet; horn, 2 trombones, tuba; strings. (Piano should play original accompaniment as part of the chamber orchestra).

Text:

O Christ, Who spared not any cost,
Nor any grace withheld,
But poured forth Your redeeming blood
In love unparalleled;
What would you have me offer, Lord?
What must I count as loss
That I may taste the fellowship
That brings me near Your cross?

Why should I cling to gifts You give?
Why grasp in foolish pride
What You who gave Yourself for me
Now bid me lay aside?
To know You is my highest gain
Worth any sacrifice,
A treasure worthy to possess
At any earthly price.

Yet if behind my open hands,
My heart shrinks from the cost,
Teach me that nothing offered You
Is ever truly lost.
A hundredfold reward awaits
In one glimpse of Your face,
My sacrifice forgotten
In the riches of Your grace.

-Eileen Berry

Tags: Dedication, Worship

Instrumentation: Piano