Barbara composed this tune at her first Music That Makes Community workshop: a setting of a well-known prayer from the Compline service in the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. She writes, "while a bit of a mouthful for most contexts,  my Taizé Group has really taken to it." 

While longer than most paperless tunes in our repertoire, with careful teaching and repetition, this tune could easily find its way into the voice of a praying community. 

MMC is pleased to share this tune as part of ongoing efforts to disseminate new paperless songs , as well as support the musicians creating them! The composer has given permission for communities to use the song free of charge.

For more about Music That Makes Community, including more songs and resources, visit www.musicthatmakescommunity.org

Keep watch dear Lord
With those who work
Or watch or weep this night
And give your angels charge
Over those who sleep.
Tend the sick, Lord Christ,
Give rest to the weary,
Bless the dying,
Soothe the suffering,
Pity the afflicted,
Shield the joyous,
And all for your love’s sake.
Amen.

- from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer

Keep Watch, Dear Lord

Music that Makes Community is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people connect and learn through singing. We do that by developing and teaching a practice of paperless song leading grounded in a theology of welcome and generosity for the benefit of musicians, clergy, congregants, students and lay leaders who want to use the practice to enrich and enliven their worship and community life.

You can find out more at musicthatmakescommunity.org.