Why Do You Peer into the Skies?

A new text by Lisa M. Clark receives a bold tune and accessible setting for two-part mixed voices and organ. A welcome addition to the Ascension repertoire, this anthem provides celebratory treatment to the significant Feast Day of the Church Year.

Why do you peer into the skies,
Staring with open, wond’ring eyes?
See and believe that Christ came down,
Now claims again His holy crown:
Dying that all should be fulfilled,
Living as God the Father willed.

Why are you waiting on this hill?
This is no time for standing still.
Soon to receive the Spirit’s pow’r,
Pray and prepare for that great hour.
Filled with the Word, go out and tell:
Jesus defeated death and hell.

The reign of Satan now dispelled,
The reign of God is still upheld.
Shout to the Lord great songs of joy;
Reaching new ears, all fears destroy.
When trumpets sound, the great surprise:
He will return, and we will rise.

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