"AMAMI" by Joy T. Nilo

Amami in Ilocano means “Our Father”, referring to God as our Parent. The text is taken from “The Lord’s Prayer” juxtaposed with faith statements from a child to his Father. The first anthem puts the child in front of his father saying, “Holy is your name Father. You created me in your own image, in mind and even in emotions. You gave everything I need. The power of your word alone creates things into being. I will praise your Name as long as I live. Your loving-kindness I will proclaim.”

The second anthem puts the child on his Father’s lap as he reminisces his Father’s love for him. “One day in your presence is like a thousand days without end. Whenever I see your creation, sadness departs, especially whenever I feel you close by. My heart’s rejoicing overflows. They hear me speak of only you. Tell me what else to do to serve you. I am always listening. It is my joy to obey you because you are the embodiment of heaven on earth.”
The third one is an affirmation of the Father’s faithfulness to his promises. “Why should I worry? Why should I be weakened? If God is my Shepherd, I do not need to cry. You give us our daily sustenance. You gave us everything I need then, why should I doubt now?”

The child makes peace with his siblings on the fourth anthem before asking the Father for forgiveness from his own sins. “May the peace of God be upon you. My sinner sibling, I have sinned against you, too. Why then do we continue fighting, when God, Himself, forgave us? Father, forgive me as I forgive those who wronged me.”

The fifth anthem is a deeper meditation on the Father’s unfathomable love, mending broken lives even at the cost of his own. “You do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from destruction. You created me in your own likeness, yet I’ve sinned and parted from you. Father, you are a loving God, you never abandoned me. I sold myself in sin, you bought me back. You created me, made me. I was lost, you searched for me. For you, I am precious... you bought me back with your own blood.”
Summing it up, all children of the Father affirm his power and glory over his dominion. “For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen!”

It is my hope that through this suite of anthems, we may renew our relationships with our spiritual siblings and especially our own relationship with our heavenly Father who has all the powers to mend our broken lives.

JOY T. NILO is one of the leading choral composers in the country today. His various compositions and arrangements have become favourites among internationally renowned choirs. His works appeared in various publications such as The Philippine Madrigal Singers’ MGA AWITING BAYAN, Singapore Methodist School of Music’s SACRED CHORAL SERIES and HolyMeasures.com. He is at present, the Music Director and Principal Conductor of Central United Methodist Church as well as his very own choir, CHORUS PHILIPPINES.