The Beatitudes

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Composer: Ellen Koehler

Arrangement Samples - Click pdf link(s) below to view

Lead Sheet

PDF icon beatitudes_the-lead-sample.pdf

Sheet Music Category:

Available Arrangements:

  • Liturgical
  • Lead Sheet

The Beatitudes

Cantor (optional):
And seeing the multitudes, Jesus went up on a mountain,
and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him.
Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying–

All (sung):
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,
    for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 

Cantor (optional):
Blessed are you when people insult you,
persecute you and say falsely all kinds of evil against you
because of Me.
Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven;
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets
who were before you.

Setting: Ellen Koehler Copyright ©2010 Ellen Koehler.
All Rights Reserved.

Commentary -

The Beatitudes is a setting of the much loved words of Jesus that open the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12). The verses which comprise the Beatitudes (the eight promised blessings, verses 3-10) are set in two stanzas and sung in the style of chant. The piece begins and ends with optional Cantor’s introduction and concluding declaration of blessings. (The Cantor sections can be sung by an individual or a group of singers.) When sung as part of the liturgy, it is a compelling sung Profession of Faith; and because the text calls our attention to our relationship to God and with one another, The Beatitudes is a wonderful Call to Confession or Assurance of Pardon.

Key: E

Liturgical year season: all year, but especially during Epiphany. (The Revised Common Lectionary places this section of Scripture on the fourth Sunday of Epiphany, Year A, and on All Saints, Year A.)

 

Sample arrangements are not for reproduction.
Copyright ©2016 Ellen Koehler.  All Rights Reserved.