Relieve the troubles of my heart and bring me out of my distress, O Lord.

Tallis occupies a primary place in anthologies of English church music, and is considered among the best of England's early composers.

Henry Purcell wrote this anthem for the funeral of Queen Mary in 1694. He died himself a year later.

The Cambridge Singers perform the 8-part and the most famous setting of Antonio Lotti's (1667-1740) "Crucifixus."

Henry Purcell's penitential motet, "Hear My Prayer, O Lord," evokes a pleading tone, breaking the stony heart.

The chant, "Domine, non secundum peccata nostra," is taken from Psalm 102 and Psalm 78, This penitential chant is sung on Ash Wednesday.

Conductor Paul Van Nevel directs the Huelgas Ensemble in a 24 voices motet by Josquin des Prez.

The anthem, For Lo, I raise up, by Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, is sung beautifully by the Choir of New College, Oxford.

Thomas Mudd (1560-1619) composed the Lenten anthem, "Let Thy Merciful Ears, O Lord," to express the pleading prayer of the humble heart.

Richard Farrant's word-setting in his motet, "Hide not Thou Thy Face" is especially direct, declamatory and expressive.

To thee, Redeemer, King of highest heaven, lift we our eyes in grief and deep abasement: listen, O Saviour, to our supplications.

Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.

The Crucifixus comes from the Credo of the Mass. Bach's setting dates to 1714.

Be my rock of refuge, God, a stronghold to give me safety. You are my rock and my fortress; for Your name’s sake You will lead and guide me.

A boy trapped in a war zone takes a rifle barrel and transforms it into a flute. By the beauty of his music, the light of Christ enters in.

St. Paul presents for us today the importance of the singing of sacred music in church. He exhorts us to do this in the “name of Jesus."

The late Renaissance composer, Lassus, represents the mature polyphonic style of the Franco-Flemish school. His prayerful music calms souls.

Poulenc wrote Timor et tremor in Noizay (1939) for Monsieur l'Abbé Maillet. It was sung in Paris, by Les Petits Chanteurs at Holy Week 1939.

In Psalm 43, the soul cries out to the Lord: "Awake! Why are You asleep, O Lord? Arise! Cast us not off forever!"

William Byrd presents a stunning setting of the first verse of the penitential Psalm 50 (Miserere mei Deus). It stills the soul to prayer.