Instruments of Peace

"Instruments of Peace" is a gentle, moving choral setting inspired by the beloved Prayer of St. Francis. Arranged here by Emre Matthew from the original melody by Kirk and Debby Dearman, the piece opens with a tender soprano solo that establishes a mood of quiet reflection. It asks God to replace hatred with love and to break down walls of pride and prejudice.

As the piece unfolds, the full choir joins in a rich, flowing harmony, echoing the solo's petition. The verses create a beautiful call-and-response texture between the soloist and the choir, contrasting human struggles—injury, blindness, and sadness—with the active choice to show love, pray for sight, and bear one another's grief.

In the choir loft, this anthem is especially powerful during Communion or as a meditation after the homily. Its sweeping, lyrical lines and the repeated commitment to be "instruments of peace" leave the congregation with a profound sense of mission and comfort as they prepare to go forth.