PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

When the time comes for the Universal Prayer, the choir and congregation need a response that feels both earnest and grounding. Tony Fatuki’s "Prayer of the Faithful" provides exactly that—a gentle, melodic petition that anchors the intercessions. Singing "We raise our voices to You O Lord, answer our prayer," the community unites its many different needs into one shared plea.

The score includes a thoughtful structural detail for the liturgy. A handwritten note directs the choir to sing both the first and second endings to frame the very beginning and the conclusion of the intercessions. For the repeated responses in between each reader's petition, the choir uses only the shorter second ending. This approach gives the entire rite a clear musical shape, starting with a fuller choral statement and settling into a familiar, prayerful rhythm before closing out the intercessions.

Written in 6/8 time, the gentle sway of the solfa notation allows the voices to blend naturally. It is a practical and beautiful setting that helps the congregation enter more deeply into the prayers of the Mass, turning a simple spoken response into a moment of genuine sung devotion.