The Lord Bless You And Keep You

Peter Lutkin’s setting of "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" is one of the most beloved choral benedictions sung by choirs today. Drawing its text directly from the ancient priestly blessing found in the Book of Numbers, the piece wraps the congregation in a profound sense of peace and divine protection. For many Nigerian choirs, this is the ultimate sending-forth anthem, often sung to close a deeply moving service, a wedding, or an ordination Mass.

The music begins with a gentle, flowing simplicity that allows the comforting words to speak for themselves. As the voices move through the promises of God's shining face and graciousness, the harmony swells and deepens. The true hallmark of Lutkin’s arrangement, however, is the magnificent "Sevenfold Amen" at the end. The voice parts weave in and out of each other in a cascading polyphony, building to a rich, resonant final chord that lingers in the church long after the voices stop.

Singing this piece requires careful attention to dynamics and breath control, especially during the overlapping entrances of the Amens. When a choir gets it right, it feels less like a performance and more like a collective prayer, sending the faithful out into the world with a true sense of grace.