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FAITH IS BELIEVING, THE PROMISE IS TRUE!
    Anthem for Unison Choir (with optional descant), Organ, and 1-2 Instruments*

* VERSIONS AVAILABLE:
  • Solo Instrument (Flute, Clarinet, Violin, or Viola)
  • Two Instruments [Violin (or Flute) and Viola (or Clarinet)]

LEVEL: EASY (for choir) and MEDIUM (for instrumental parts)
Music by Christopher M. Lee (2011)
Text by Daniel Otis Teasley (1876-1942), alt., sts. 1-3; Peter Abelard (1076-1142), tr. John M. Neale (1818-1866), alt., st. 4
Themes/imagery in text: faith, trust
Scriptural Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:13

Description:
This anthem offers a versatile and accessible setting of the beloved Irish folk tune, SLANE. Unison choral statements of the melody are complemented by flowing countermelodies from the instrumental part(s). Following a rousing modulation, the closing stanza "pulls out all the stops" with fortissimo organ chords and an exuberant descant.

Text:
1. Faith is believing, the promise is true,
trusting in Jesus your strength to renew;
resting so sweetly, secure on his word,
shielded from danger with Jesus the Lord.

2. Faith is believing in times of distress,
and in believing the soul finds its rest;
singing in triumph whatever assail,
high on the mountain or low in the vale.

3. Faith is believing, then doubt God no more,
sell all your sorrows, your troubles give o'er;
soar in the sunlight above every cloud,
and triumph forever, believing in God!

4. Thus let us worship our Lord and our King,
now joyfully raising our voices to sing;
sing praise to the Father, sing praise to the Son,
and praise to the Spirit, to God, Three in One!

                                   - Daniel Otis Teasley, alt., sts. 1-3;
                                     Peter Abelard, tr. John M. Neale, alt., st. 4
Hear music:
Click to see SOLO INSTRUMENT version:
Click to see TWO INSTRUMENT version:
* Features performance by the choir of Bethesda Lutheran Church, New Haven, CT; Lars Gjerde, Music Director.

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