INSTRUMENT OF PEACE

"Instrument of Peace" takes the beloved prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and wraps it in gentle, flowing harmonies. The melody carries a quiet plea for grace, asking God to replace hatred with love and pride with unity. In the choir loft, this piece requires a tender, blended sound—the sopranos lead the familiar petition while the lower voices provide a soft, steady foundation.

It is a fitting choice for Communion or as a reflective prayer during Mass. The verses build a contrast between the struggles of the world and the healing light of Christ, reminding the congregation of their call to be peacemakers. Singing through lines like "where there is blindness we will pray for sight," the choir invites the whole church into a moment of deep, shared intercession.

As the voices unite in the final coda, the text shifts from a collective "us" to a deeply personal "Lord make me instrument of peace." It is a simple but profound ending that leaves a quiet, lingering thought with everyone in the pews as they prepare to go forth.