Ash Wednesday Choral Music: A Featured Collection at Popplers Music
Lift your worship services with meaningful, accessible, and beautifully written choral selections.
As choirs prepare for Ash Wednesday and the reflective weeks of Lent, Popplers Music proudly highlights a curated collection of anthems that enrich worship with scriptural depth and musical artistry. Our century-long commitment to supporting music ministries continues with titles that meet the needs of church choirs of all sizes.
Below are several standout selections for Ash Wednesday, drawn directly from our featured collection. Each title is available on our website, and our team is always ready to help you select the perfect fit for your ensemble.
Create in Me a Clean Heart – Matthew Culloton
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Topics: Confession/Forgiveness, Dedication
Voicing: Soprano Solo, SATB, Piano
Culloton’s setting of Psalm 51 is accessible and sensitive, making it ideal for the beginning of Lent or for other reflective moments throughout the church year. The established melody supports a beautiful descant, creating a moving and expressive conclusion.
👉 Shop “Create in Me a Clean Heart” on our website.
Kyrie Eleison (A Lenten Prayer) – Brian Childers
Voicing: SATB
Run Time: 0:03:00
Format: Octavo (8 pages)
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 51:1-2
Childers creates an expressive and contemplative setting of the timeless phrase “Kyrie eleison.” Waves of melody and a dialoguing piano accompaniment form a gentle, ancient-future aesthetic. Hints of counterpoint add interest while maintaining accessibility.
👉 View the full listing for this SATB octavo on our website.
Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days – Arr. John Leavitt
Voicing: SAB
Run Time: 0:02:00
Format: MP3 Bass Dominant
Author: Claudia Hernaman
Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11
Leavitt’s arrangement elevates this important Lenten hymn through thoughtful choral writing and a supportive, creative piano accompaniment. This approachable SAB scoring works beautifully during the forty days of prayer and purpose.
👉 Listen and order this arrangement on our website.
Forty Days and Forty Nights – Matthew McConnell
Voicing: SATB
Category: Choral/Vocal
Format: Octavo (8 pages)
A solemn and powerful arrangement of the familiar hymn, this anthem is especially suited for the first weeks of Lent. McConnell’s writing balances accessibility with expressive depth, allowing choirs to communicate the season’s contemplative tone.
👉 Preview this SATB octavo on our website.
Return to the Lord, Your God – Carl Schalk
Voicing: SATB a cappella (optional keyboard)
Scripture Reference: Appointed Verse for Ash Wednesday (Joel 2:13)
This simple and effective 4-part motet reflects Schalk’s refined, liturgical writing style. Perfect for Ash Wednesday, the anthem offers flexibility with an optional keyboard accompaniment.
👉 Order this SATB motet for your Lenten worship services.
Create in Me – Michael Larkin
Voicing: SATB and Piano
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Scripture: Psalm 51:10-12
Michael Larkin delivers accessible choral music that both choirs and congregations love. This flowing, homophonic setting of Psalm 51 is ideal for Ash Wednesday, Lenten observances, and general worship. The piano part is adaptable for organ use if preferred.
👉 Explore this setting of Psalm 51 on our website.
Have Mercy on Me – Clayton White
Voicing: SATB
Scripture: Psalm 51
White’s gentle and reverent Gospel ballad features alternating lines between choir and soloist. The psalm text forms the central message, with the soloist responding, “Have mercy, O God.” Accessible choral writing makes this piece fitting for services emphasizing confession and renewal.
👉 Find this Gospel-style Lenten anthem on our website.
To Dust – Karen Marrolli
Voicing: SATB
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
A lyrical and heartfelt prayer suitable for multiple worship moments throughout the year. Marrolli’s expressive text setting creates a reflective atmosphere that resonates deeply with both singers and congregations.
👉 Order “To Dust” for your Ash Wednesday or general worship music library.
Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God – Carl F. Mueller
Scripture: Joshua 5:9–10-12; Malachi 3:1-4
This beloved setting of Psalm 51 features original music by Carl Mueller and is supported by an organ accompaniment that may also be played on piano. Its timeless character makes it a strong fit for choirs seeking a traditional, expressive Lenten anthem.
👉 Shop this classic Mueller setting on our website.
Prepare Your Choir for Ash Wednesday and Lent With Popplers Music
For over 100 years, Popplers Music has been a trusted resource for church musicians across the Midwest. Our team is committed to supporting your ministry with high-quality choral music, expert guidance, and a welcoming experience online and in-store.
🎶 Browse all Ash Wednesday and Lenten choral titles on our website today.
🎶 Visit our Grand Forks or Sioux Falls locations for personalized recommendations.
🎶 Contact our choral specialists for help selecting music for choirs of all sizes.
Let us help you bring meaningful, transformative worship music to your congregation this season.