The Lord Bless you and keep you

Peter C. Lutkin's setting of "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" is one of those choral pieces that instantly brings a sense of profound peace to the church. Based on the ancient Aaronic blessing from the Book of Numbers, the music wraps the congregation in a warm, comforting embrace. For many choir members, singing this piece feels like offering a gentle, musical prayer over the people, asking God to lift His countenance upon them and grant them peace.

In our parishes, this anthem is most often heard at the very end of a Mass or special service, serving as a perfect recessional or dismissal prayer. As the voices layer and swell on the words "be gracious unto you," it creates a moment of quiet reverence before everyone steps out of the church doors. The true emotional peak, however, arrives with the famous "Sevenfold Amen." The choir weaves through seven distinct, overlapping Amens, each one resolving into the next, leaving the congregation with a lingering, quiet assurance of God's blessing.