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Lyrics
Text: Numbers 6:24–26
The LORD bless you, and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
About the Music
A setting of the iconic text from the book of Numbers, this benediction requires dynamic phrasing to breathe life and intention into every line. Staggered entrances between the parts and frequent divisi create a rich, layered texture.
Behind the Music
The LORD Bless You and Keep You is one of the most iconic texts set to choral music. Whether it’s a setting by Peter C. Lutkin, John Rutter, or someone else — there’s a good chance you’ve sung it before. And it’s for this very reason that I never planned to create my own setting; I didn’t feel like I needed to because of all the great versions that already exist. Then one day, as I was reading my Bible, I arrived at Numbers 6:24–26 — the verses that this text comes from. And something that has never happened to me before… happened. I heard the music as I read the text. Instantly. I didn’t hear every part or every intricate detail, but I heard enough. All I had to do was write it down. A couple hours later, I had the first full draft done in its entirety. It’s the only time I can recall that a piece came together so naturally. And while I will never claim to have written a setting as iconic as the previously mentioned composers’… I do hope that this one can at least serve an important role in your program.
Additional Content Featuring The Lord Bless You and Keep You
The online premiere of the ’26–’27 CFM Choral Catalog, which features ten never-before-released choral compositions by Christian Fortner. During this online event, Christian speaks about the primary uses for each piece in your choir program. Whether you direct a middle school, high school, or college-level choir, there is something here for you!
