Choirs

A choir is the iconic symbol of humankind. The different sections represent the diversity yet perfect unity that God intended in the creation of humanity. The 4 major sections, Bass, Tenor, Alto and Soprano combine together to paint a perfect audio picture of humanity. Sometimes the sections clash, sometimes they blend beautifully, sometimes they overlap and sometimes they do their own thing, sometimes they sing unison, sometimes they sing their own parts; just as humanity interacts with itself.

(2010/2011 Providence Chamber Singers)

Choral music represents the most complete, perfect way to pray that humanity can possibly accomplish. Starting with the foundation of the Bass section, one hears the deep earthiness that is reminiscent of the gritty lowness of our human condition. Next come the Tenor and Alto parts, playfully intertwining with each other, sometimes carrying the main theme but always adding color and variety to the song. Finally the Soprano's high angelic voices fly above the rest of the song to reach up to the very throne room of God, carrying the rest of the sections up and presenting this outcry of praise and emotion to the composer and conductor of the songprayer. The prayer that flows from the lips of each member of a choir completely captures every aspect of human existence; conflict and unity, force and peace, love and hate, life and death. I can only imagine that when God hears the notes of choir rising into his throne room he leans back and with a smile says, "It is very good".

The Shield of St. Patrick

I bind unto myself today

The strong Name of the Trinity,

By invocation of the same,

The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this day to me for ever.

By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;

His baptism in the Jordan river;

His death on Cross for my salvation;

His bursting from the spicèd tomb;

His riding up the heavenly way;

His coming at the day of doom;*

I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power

Of the great love of the cherubim;

The sweet 'well done' in judgment hour,

The service of the seraphim,

Confessors' faith, Apostles' word,

The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls,

All good deeds done unto the Lord,

And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today

The virtues of the starlit heaven,

The glorious sun's life-giving ray,

The whiteness of the moon at even,

The flashing of the lightning free,

The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,

The stable earth, the deep salt sea,

Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today

The power of God to hold and lead,

His eye to watch, His might to stay,

His ear to hearken to my need.

The wisdom of my God to teach,

His hand to guide, His shield to ward,

The word of God to give me speech,

His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,

The vice that gives temptation force,

The natural lusts that war within,

The hostile men that mar my course;

Or few or many, far or nigh,

In every place and in all hours,

Against their fierce hostility,

I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan's spells and wiles,

Against false words of heresy,

Against the knowledge that defiles,

Against the heart's idolatry,

Against the wizard's evil craft,

Against the death wound and the burning,

The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,

Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,

Christ behind me, Christ before me,

Christ beside me, Christ to win me,

Christ to comfort and restore me.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,

Christ in hearts of all that love me,

Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name,

The strong Name of the Trinity;

By invocation of the same.

The Three in One, and One in Three,

Of Whom all nature hath creation,

Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:

Praise to the Lord of my salvation,

Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

Amen