Hear the Prayers that Rise

Barbara Bridge, Oregon Catholic Press

These are fresh tunes for the setting of the sung Eucharist, among other things. There are tuneful short prayers for most of the liturgy of the church year.

The settings are frequently harmonised in two parts but can be sung in unison and are simple enough to be sung a cappella by more experienced singers.

The lyrics are mostly in English, although the proper parts of the Mass — The Kyrie, the Sanctus, the Gloria — are in Latin. There are some songs translated from Spanish or Vietnamese.

These are mostly simple, Taizé-like sung prayers and chants. Almost all are based on scripture passages, especially the psalms.

This is a wonderful resource for the small choir or singing group: easily achievable and reverent.

Lyn Housen