Part of a project for Emmanuel Music's 50th anniversary season that included commissioning four local composers: John Harbison, Kati Agocs, Jonathan Bailey Holland, and Yehudi Wyner, to create a cappella motets directly inspired by four cantatas (BWV 1, 4, 14, and 140). The project was delayed by COVID.

This short motet, commissioned by Ryan Turner for Emmanuel Music of Boston, was designed to precede a performance of Bach's Cantata BMV 14, Wär Gott nicht uns diese Zeit. The text of the Bach cantata ends with praise and thanks to God who did not let our foes devour us. My motet, "O Lord, do not forsake me," is a desperate appeal for God's salvation.