Holy Week is the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. It’s the time in the church year when we remember the Last Supper, Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal, the denial, the crucifixion.
Some churches have several Holy Week services: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil. Others alternate between having a Maundy Thursday service one year and a Good Friday service the next. Still others have one combined Holy Week service that touches on all the events of the week: the Last Supper, Jesus praying in the Garden, and the Crucifixion.
Last year, I shared my service outline for a combined Holy Week service that incorporated music, art, and poetry. I used symbols to guide us through the events of the week: Light, Water, Table, Garden, Courtyard, Cross, Darkness. Download a copy for free here.
Looking for a few anthem ideas for your Holy Week service(s)? Here are a few to consider:
16 Meaningful Choir Anthems for Holy Week
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Immortal Love, Forever Full (Dan Kreider)
SATB Choir with Piano
Beautiful text, rich with meaning. The melodic writing is a little challenging, at times (a few large leaps), but the piece is well-crafted overall, featuring warm harmonies and beautiful piano accompaniment that supports the text.
God So Loved the World (John Stainer)
SATB Choir, a cappella
A Lenten classic, this anthem highlights text from John 3:16-17. Very effective for Good Friday.
God So Loved the World (John Horman)
Unison/2-Part or SATB Choir with Piano and opt. C Instrument
A lovely setting of this great Scriptural text—perfect for Good Friday. Use both the unison/2-part and SATB versions for a meaningful intergenerational experience.
Come to the Cross (from Colors of Grace) (Joseph Martin)
SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Orchestration
An invitation to come to the cross and experience God’s love, grace, and salvation, including emotional swells of “Kyrie Eleison” and the poignant words of Jesus from the cross, “Father, forgive them.”
Cleft for Me (Daniel Greig)
SATB Choir, a cappella
A moving anthem quoting the traditional hymn, “Rock of Ages.”
O Sacred, Wondrous Love (Heather Sorenson)
SSA or SAB Choir with Piano and opt. Cello
A stunning medley for a women’s trio/choir or SAB choir, this anthem features both “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” and “What Wondrous Love Is This.” Exquisite piano accompaniment.
Pie Jesu (Mary Lynn Lightfoot)
2-Part, 3-Part Mixed, or SATB Choir with Piano
Great for youth choirs! This accessible anthem comes in a variety of different voicings and includes a few simple phrases of Latin text.
I Saw the Cross of Jesus (Victor Johnson)
SATB Choir with Piano
A new melody paired with the traditional hymn text, also incorporating a stanza of “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” Great part-writing and beautiful piano accompaniment.
“I saw the cross of Jesus, when burdened with my sin; I sought the cross of Jesus, to give me peace within. I brought my soul to Jesus, He cleansed it in His blood; And in the cross of Jesus I found my peace with God.”
Free Resource
Create a meaningful, unique Holy Week service.
Use this 2-page service template as a starting place for planning a unique Holy Week service that incorporates art, music, and readings.
The PDF download also includes a Lenten Resource Guide, with a few handbell and choral music suggestions and related worship-planning links.
Lamb of God (F. Melius Christiansen)
SATB Choir, a cappella
A simple, beloved setting of this traditional German Chorale. Listen to it sung by the St. Olaf Choir here.
A Lenten Love Song (Helen Kemp)
Unison Choir with Piano
A simple Lenten anthem (great for children’s choir) based on descending scale patterns. The text tells the story of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley (Victor Johnson)
SATB Choir with Piano
A traditional and accessible setting of this spiritual with flowing accompaniment and rich part-writing.
Come Just As You Are (Benjamin Harlan)
SATB Choir with Piano
A beautiful invitation to come to the table, just as you are. Great for Maundy Thursday or paired with communion during another Holy Week service.
Set Me As a Seal Upon Your Heart (David Childs)
SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Trombone
A lovely setting of this old, familiar text (based on Song of Solomon 8:6).
Mercy (Craig Courtney)
SATB Choir with Piano
A reflective, heartfelt prayer for mercy, incorporating the familiar phrase, "Kyrie Eleison" (Lord, have mercy).
Ah, Holy Jesus (John Ferguson)
SATB Choir with Oboe
A simple and effective setting of this traditional Lenten text, featuring a recurring bass ostinato and expressive oboe lines throughout.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Gilbert Martin)
SATB Choir with Organ
A stirring setting of this familiar hymn with accessible part-writing and powerful dynamic swells.
Looking for more Lenten anthems? See Ten Church Choir Anthems for Lent.
I’d love to hear from you:
What are your favorite anthems for Holy Week?
