The inspiration for We Pray Thee, Guide Us came very late one evening. I suddenly had the idea of a writing simple melody and reflective words with rich harmonies to accompany. Unusually for me, the whole piece was written at one sitting.

There are some unexpected chromatic twists to contrast with the very basic melodic writing. The performance should be shaped with a natural crescendo leading to notes in the upper register, quietening as the parts fall in pitch.