“Lord of the Small,” composed by Dan Forrest with lyrics written by Johanna Anderson, was originally commissioned as an SATB anthem by the Chancel and University Choirs of A&M United Methodist Church, College Station, Texas. Today you will hear a tenor/bass arrangement commissioned by the Baylor University Men’s Choir.
Forrest captures the gentleness of each phrase in the piece with lilting melodies and warm, spacious harmonies. The texture changes from verse to verse, starting unison, then moving to simple two-part counterpoint and gradually building in intensity. Towards the end of the piece, the music modulates to a higher key, sung with a majestic and soaring descant. Following the climax, the piece ends with a unison assurance of mercy, sung with hushed dynamics.
The text is a humble expression of praise to God who takes delight when we offer to him our brokenness and frailty. We cannot claim to offer only our very best, because that is not a full representation of our fallen condition. We know God to care for all humanity - especially the poor, the lame, the sick, and the despised. When we offer praises to God on behalf of these, where some of the descriptions could very well apply to ourselves, we know
God will respond with love and mercy as “He pours out His Spirit on vessels so weak.”
~ Notes by Philip Thomas