O Lord, Thou Hast Searched Me

Use: General
Required Resources: 3-pt equal voices
Language: English

O Lord, Thou Hast Searched Me is a setting of Psalm 139 (verses 1-2, 4, 7-10, 23-24 ) for three equal voices (women or men). The composer has used homophonic texture and subtle counterpoint to highlight the text, a beautiful prayer of confidence in God's providence.

The text:

O Lord, Thou hast searched me; Thou hast known me.
Thou knowest all my sitting down and all my rising up.
Thou knowest all my thoughts from afar off.
For not a word is in my tongue before I speak, but lo, it is well known to Thee.

Whither can I go from Thy spirit or whither can I flee from Thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there.
If I make my bed in hell, Thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
  even there shall Thy hand lead me.
Thy right hand shall hold me.

Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Try me and know my thoughts;
  and see if there be any wicked way in me;
  and lead me in the way everlasting.

O Lord, Thou Hast Searched Me, by Carrie Nixon, would make an appropriate motet for Lent, particularly in RCIA settings. A lovely text set to well-crafted music ... a CNP trademark!