Blest Are You, Lord

When the choir sings "Blest Are You, Lord" during the Preparation of the Gifts, they are echoing the very prayers the priest prays at the altar. The words are drawn directly from the Offertory rite, acknowledging that everything we have—the bread from the earth, the wine from the vine—comes first from God's own goodness.

This arrangement by Andrew Adedero sets the familiar liturgical text to the classic, beloved melody by Jessie Irvine (the tune "Crimond," most famous for "The Lord's My Shepherd"). It begins with a simple, unison declaration for the verses, allowing the congregation to clearly hear and reflect on the "work of our hands" being offered up to the altar.

As the piece transitions into the refrain, it blossoms into a rich, six-part harmony (SAATBB). The repeated, joyful acclamation of "Blessed be God forever! Amen!" builds in the choir loft, turning a quiet moment of preparation into a resounding chorus of praise before the Eucharistic Prayer begins.