May Our Hearts Sing of Peace was written in 2023 for SATB choir with piano accompaniment. I fell in love with this text from John Birch and knew right away that I wanted to create music for it. If you have followed my compostions you know that I have used his lyrics many times.
John Birch is a Christian pastor who reports being dissatisfied with the available prayers and litergy for daily use or specific situations. He describes prayer as a conversation with God that is natural, honest, and touches the heart. He generously gave me permission to use any of the prayers on his website as the basis for my compositions.
Here are the lyrics for May Our Hearts Sing of Peace:
May our hearts sing of peace that can calm an angry sea.
May our hearts sing of joy in forgiveness, grace, mercy.
May our hearts sing of faith in a God who sets us free.
May our hearts sing of life lived well and abundantly.
May our hearts sing always.
The piece is clearly a prayer that is welcoming the Creator into our lives. But, it is also a praise song, reminding us that in all things we praise God. I envisioned this as a choral benediction or choral prayer response for use in worship.
Set in the key of C Major, with moderate vocal ranges and short phrases, it is easily accessible for the volunteer church choir. The piano accompaniment flows, and also supports the vocals. It is my hope that when you sing this you will feel the presence of God in your life while you sing His praise.
If you would like to see the score click HERE.