Want to listen to songs that will help you rest and reflect for the Lenten Season? Here are some OPM songs that will get you in the right frame of mind.

Lead Me Lord

"Lead Me, Lord" was originally written by Arnel de Pano and first recorded by Basil Valdez in 1985. It was later revived by Gary Valenciano in 2000. De Pano composed the song for a competition at Ateneo de Manila University while he was still a Management Engineering student. According to the composer, the inspiration came to him unexpectedly as he was walking down the stairs.

In April 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, de Pano was struck by the virus. While confined at the Marikina Valley Medical Center, medical frontliners sang “Lead Me, Lord” for him. In a previous interview, he shared that he never imagined the song would become a source of comfort and strength during the COVID-19 crisis.

Tell The World of His Love

This Trina Belamide composition was used as the official theme song of World Youth Day 1995 held in Manila, which coincided with the second visit of the late Pope John Paul II to the Philippines. According to the composer in a previous interview, the song was originally written for a songwriting contest, inspired by the World Youth Day theme: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).

The song was first performed by Carelle Mangaliag and Jeff Arcilla, and was later interpreted by Jamie Rivera. It was also performed multiple times during the state and apostolic visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines in January 2015.

Take Me Out of The Dark

This song marks Gary Valenciano’s first inspirational composition. In a previous interview, Gary shared that the music came to him first, until the lyrics followed. He even prayed for guidance, asking to be blessed with the right words.

The OPM icon considers this song one of his most impactful works, as it has continued to create a positive effect through the years. He described it as instrumental in helping people rise from difficult moments and find hope.

Hesus

You might’ve first heard this powerful song popularized by the band Aegis in the 1990s, originally composed by Andrei Dionisio. It was first produced in 1981 as part of the Papuri! Vol. 3 album—a collection of original Christian songs.

Thanks to Aegis’s heartfelt rendition, the song reached an even wider audience and became a staple not just in churches, but also on mainstream television. It has since been used as a contest piece in various singing competitions, including Tawag ng Tanghalan on It’s Showtime.

Tanging Yaman

The Tagalog classic “Tanging Yaman” was written by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ in 1986. In a previous interview with ABS-CBN News, he shared, “The first line, ‘Ikaw ang aking tanging yaman,’ was sort of a mantra that I kept repeating.” According to him, the lyrics were inspired by the spirituality of the great Carmelite mystics St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.

The song was popularized by Carol Banawa, whose heartfelt rendition helped bring the piece into mainstream recognition. “Tanging Yaman” went on to become the title of an award-winning family drama film in 2000 and was later used as the theme song and for a 2010 teleserye of the same name, starring Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee. It has also been interpreted by Jamie Rivera and Agot Isidro.

Panunumpa

People who have seen the 2000 film Tanging Yaman may remember being moved by Carol Banawa’s rendition of the song “Panunumpa.” The song became a deeply emotional piece associated with Lola Leleng, portrayed by Gloria Romero, who was battling Alzheimer’s in the film. Carol, who played Chona, one of Lola Leleng’s granddaughters, sang the song in a heartfelt scene—one that momentarily brought back Lola’s memory.

“Panunumpa” was composed by Fr. Jboy Gonzales, SJ. It was originally included in the self-titled debut album of Hangad, a Philippine-based vocal ensemble known for their inspirational music. The album also featured other well-loved songs like “Pananatili.”

May Bukas Pa

The song “May Bukas Pa” was composed by the late Ernesto de la Peña, in collaboration with Charo Unite, and was said to be one of De la Peña’s personal favorites. He was also a close friend of the late OPM icon Rico J. Puno, who originally interpreted the song. In a previous interview, Rico praised De la Peña for his dedication and described him as someone who truly understood the essence of the music.

Rico also shared that he owed a lot to the composer, as “May Bukas Pa,” released in 1978, helped revive his career during a low point. The song became a hit and was later revived by several OPM artists, including Erik Santos.

In 2009, “May Bukas Pa” was also used as the title and theme of a beloved teleserye that catapulted Zaijian Jaranilla to stardom in his iconic role as Santino.