Psalm 67 (God be merciful unto us and bless us)

"Psalm 67 (God be merciful unto us and bless us)" is a classic Anglican chant setting by the English composer Edward C. Bairstow. In the choir loft, this piece is often sung as a responsorial psalm or a canticle of praise during the Liturgy of the Word or Evening Prayer. The text is a universal prayer for God's blessing and guidance, asking that His "saving health" be known among all nations.

Bairstow's chant formula provides a dignified, flowing structure that allows the natural rhythm of the words to shine. Choirs singing this in solfa notation focus heavily on clear diction and unified phrasing, especially during the reciting notes where multiple words are sung on a single chord. The addition of the special coda after the third verse brings a moment of solemn reflection before the choir launches into the final, joyful "Glory be to the Father."

It fits beautifully into the Mass, serving as a meditative response after a reading. The repeated call, "Let the people praise thee, O God," makes it an uplifting piece that draws the congregation into a shared spirit of thanksgiving and reverence.