So much in the world is vying for our caring attention these days. For many of us, our hearts and prayers are turned toward the war in the Ukraine. Many resources and opportunities to support those most vulnerable in this conflict are available via our website and our Diocesan Facebook page. One beautiful and moving offering is the attached composition (linked below) by renowned and faithful composer, John Rutter (and the Cambridge Singers).
John writes: “How can a composer respond to a global tragedy? By writing music is the most obvious thing. Like everybody, I’ve been shocked and dismayed by the events of recent days, and the first thing I wanted to do was write some music that would respond in my own way.
I went to a late-night service in my old college chapel, where they sang a setting of a lovely Ukrainian prayer. So, having encountered the text in another musical setting on Wednesday night, on Thursday, I wrote my own music. I hope the meaning of the text will resonate in people’s hearts.’
The text of this simple prayer is:
Good Lord, protect the Ukraine.
Give her strength, courage, faith, hope. Amen.