THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU

"The Lord Bless You and Keep You" is one of those foundational choral pieces that finds a home in almost every choir loft. Setting the ancient Aaronic blessing from the Book of Numbers, Peter C. Lutkin crafted a gentle, flowing prayer that wraps the congregation in a sense of profound peace. It is a natural choice for the end of Mass, sending the people forth with a true pastoral blessing, but choirs also reach for it during weddings, ordinations, and even funerals when a quiet, comforting farewell is needed.

What makes this piece so moving to sing is its quiet reverence. The voices move smoothly together through the blessing, building slightly as they ask God to "make His face to shine upon you," before settling into the famous, overlapping "Amen" section. As the different voice parts weave their Amens together, it creates a lingering, meditative close that seems to echo long after the final chord fades. It requires careful breath control and listening from the singers, but when done right, it leaves the whole church in a state of quiet grace.