Psalm 51

Each year, Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent and churches around the world incorporate Psalm 51 into special services for this holy day. At the beginning of 2018, I was working on a choral piece based on verses 10-12 of that psalm.

 Create in me a clean heart, O God,

                  and put a new and right spirit within me.

            Do not cast me away from your presence,

                  and do not take your holy spirit from me.

            Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

                  and sustain in me a willing spirit.

As I continued to work on the piece, I eventually decided to change tracks and create and organ solo rather than a choral anthem. Ash Wednesday was rapidly approaching, and I needed a piece to play during the imposition of ashes, so the timing was perfect. Since then, I have used the piece for Lenten services and throughout the year as a prelude, offertory, or communion piece.

Perhaps someday I will return to the original plan and turn it into a choral piece, but for now, here is a contemplative reflection on the psalm for solo organ.