The Lord Bless You and Keep You

There are few choral blessings as deeply loved in our parishes as Peter C. Lutkin’s setting of "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." Drawn from the ancient Aaronic blessing, this anthem is a staple in the choir loft, often sung to send the congregation forth in peace. It is frequently chosen for the end of a wedding Mass, an ordination, or a special Sunday celebration, wrapping the listeners in a profound sense of divine care.

The arrangement is known for its quiet reverence, building from a smooth, deliberate opening into a warm declaration of God's grace. As the voices weave together, asking the Lord to "make His face to shine upon you," the harmony swells and then softens, demanding careful breath control and listening from every section of the choir.

What truly sets this piece apart is the magnificent "Sevenfold Amen" at the close. The Amens cascade across the voice parts, rising and falling in a meditative sequence that feels like a lingering embrace before the final dismissal. It is a deeply moving way to end a service, leaving the faithful with a quiet assurance of God's enduring protection.