A Ukrainian Prayer, John Rutter

How can a composer respond to a global tragedy? The first thing I wanted to do was write some music that would respond in my own way. I hope the meaning of the text will resonate in people's hearts and reach out to the people of Ukraine in their hour of need. JR
Боже, Україну храни
Дай нам силу, вірі, й надії
Отче наш, Отче наш
Амінь
A literal translation of the text is:
Lord, protect Ukraine. Give us strength, faith, and hope, our Father. Amen
The score is available for free by submitting this form to the team: bit.ly/Request.... You are welcome to duplicate the score for the sole use of your own choir. You may like to make a donation to a Ukrainian relief charity, perhaps equivalent to the approximate cost of the copies had you purchased them. If you wish, you are free to make an audio or video recording of the piece without a special licence to do so.
For more information, visit John Rutter's website: johnrutter.com...

[@jaroslaval9159]

Dear, dear, Mr. Rutter! If you see this- I am Ukrainian. I used to have a girl's Madrigal choir whom I taught to sing many- if not all- of your settings of carols, and we did a "Christmas in April" project to give the girls plenty of time to learn the pieces. I have a great fondness for your music! I am also a singer/song writer in the Ukrainian language, though I am not known too much outside my own church. Your words resonated with me! I know EXACTLY of what you speak. One wants to respond to this tragedy, and the only way I know how is through music as well. It was so moving to actually see the face of one of my most favorite composers and to know you are thinking of my people! God bless you, sir! And dear sir, if you wish to ever hear the person whom I consider the John Rutter of the Ukrainian people, look up Roman Hurko. I think you will appreciate his work. I think, in him, you will find a kindred spirit.

[@annamason7738]

What a wonderful response.

[@KarenKennabyEllev8]

What a beautiful response 💖

[@jaroslaval9159]

@@KarenKennabyEllev8 Awww....it was from the heart and you sent a heart.

[@jaroslaval9159]

@@annamason7738 I am moved.

[@hilarybee1797]

Indeed John Rutter is one of my favourite composers too. May you survive this dreadful atrocities and sing together again. Blessings and thank you. Fiat lux 🕊

[@ihvoron3138]

I am Ukrainian and I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to Maestro John Rutter for his kindness and his willingness to support Ukraine! His Ukrainian Prayer is a great masterpiece and also a powerful message to all humankind. I am grateful to good people in UK and UK government who has courage and determination to support Ukraine at this terrible time of horror and death.

[@qqq1q1qqqqqqq]

How kind you are. Blessing to you and prayer for a safe and secure future for Ukraine!!! 💖

[@aariley2]

Stand strong. The whole world is praying for you. ❤️

[@tcharles2466]

I totally agree with you! Since you posted, there is another comment (above) from a Russian citizen - citing his anger, shame, and helplessness - for what is happening in the Ukraine! There is hope! God bless the brave people of Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@peacebe9518]

God will defend Ukraine dear friend. We are praying constantly everyday. Waiting for God's hand over Ukraine.

[@pologal2763]

We support you brother. I would like to know how you feel about war in Ukraine. Would you please share your views on this political situation. What the Ukrainian people want for their country

[@user27di93ru]

I am Russian. It's so hard to say what you feel in this tragic moment... Anger, pain, shame, helplessness. Please forgive me. If you could. And I pray for my country. God Almighty forgive us our sins! 😭

[@tcharles2466]

God bless you, Dmitry! The world knows that ordinary Russian citizens aren't the enemy in this frightening tragedy!! I pray for you all - in particular the many thousands of innocent young Russian soldiers who have died, so far, in this pointless (and evil) aggression!! Please stay safe. May God give strength to the brave and inspirational people of the Ukraine .... 🇺🇦

[@qqq1q1qqqqqqq]

Dmitry.... please, do not accept guilt that is not yours. God knows who is at fault. Unlike those of us here on Earth, He knows the WHOLE truth. Our Father knows what is in the heart of every man and He is quite aware of who is to blame. It pains me to know that people like yourself and a young woman I saw in Mexico trying to come into the U.S. are bearing the guilt of others. She was in tears asking forgiveness from a Ukrainian woman she met there at the border crossing. This is no more either of your faults than it is mine (I am from Texas). I have worked with several people from Russia and they are not to blame either. You, my friend, are a kind person. You have a heart and a conscience. It breaks my heart just as much to see/hear your pain. My mind's eye imagines your face and the grief it bears. Please smile dear Dmitry, for it because of people like you that we can hold on to our belief in the basic goodness of man. We can hold on to our belief in humanity. I too pray for your country. That your chains will be broken and you will know freedom. God bless and keep you and your family. I will be lifting your name up in my prayers now. When God's people humble themselves, come together and cry out to Him, He will hear our prayers and heal our lands. We must, if in nothing else ever, unite in Him and give Him the glory. He will never forsake us. That IS His promise!!! ❤️

[@tropenator]

+We don't see this as an act of the Russian people, but as a dictator.

[@peacebe9518]

You are not guilty dear brother. We know you people are victims too of this war done by the leader. God alone in Christ Jesus we all find unity and comfort

[@km38334]

It is a mistake to absolve the entire Russian people. And an insult to the bravery of those Russians like Dmitry who accept their share of the responsibility and do speak out. We all have a duty to be active stakeholders in our societies.

[@rafiachmary]

Dear, Mr Rutter, I'm seeing the hands of God through every single piece of your music. May God bless you and save Ukraine. Amen

[@torstentietze1554]

Danke, J. RUTTER♥️

[@violetjames3863]

Amen and amen!

[@indianheart2432]

Read understand : Turkey was slaughtering Orthodox Christians in Assyria and Armenia, Russia came to help them. WEST i.e. Britain, France and Savoy i.e. Italy went and fought on the side of Turkey against Russia... WEST sided with Muslims who were killing Christians.. Study Crimean War.. USA nuclear bombed Christian Nagasaki and gave some flimsy excuse of weather as the reason... Real reason is that WEST is evil. Italy under Benito Musolinni used Chemical warfare against Orthodox Ethiopians... Yet foolish Catholics support the WEST, they support NATO.. But let me tell you the real reason these people support west is because they are as wicked as the WEST. Why dont catholics pray for VENEZUELA a catholic country 71% catholics, where USA sanctions are denying them medicines and both people and children are dying from lack of medicines... BUT no catholic is praying for VENEZUELA... Why do you support EVIL people, because u are EVIL?

[@franciscoc.s1056]

La música es -¿cómo definirla? Imposible definirla en lengua alguna. Sólo escuchándola con el alma se puede valorar su existencia. ¡Vivan los pentagramas vacíos y las inteligencias capaces de rellenarlos sabiamente.

[@stanimir1111]

Ha ha ha...

[@2Hearts3]

Wow... St Augustine is often credited with the quote, "To sing is to pray twice." May our hearing of your beautiful, moving, inspired prayer multiply it that much more, as our hearts join you in raising this plea to God Our Father in Heaven. Thank you, dear Maestro Rutter. May God bless you 🙏✝️♥️🎶🌹

[@indianheart2432]

Read understand : Turkey was slaughtering Orthodox Christians in Assyria and Armenia, Russia came to help them. WEST i.e. Britain, France and Savoy i.e. Italy went and fought on the side of Turkey against Russia... WEST sided with Muslims who were killing Christians.. Study Crimean War.. USA nuclear bombed Christian Nagasaki and gave some flimsy excuse of weather as the reason... Real reason is that WEST is evil. Italy under Benito Musolinni used Chemical warfare against Orthodox Ethiopians... Yet foolish Catholics support the WEST, they support NATO.. But let me tell you the real reason these people support west is because they are as wicked as the WEST. Why dont catholics pray for VENEZUELA a catholic country 71% catholics, where USA sanctions are denying them medicines and both people and children are dying from lack of medicines... BUT no catholic is praying for VENEZUELA... Why do you support EVIL people, because u are EVIL?

[@naomiarmstrong751]

It’s true. 🌻❤️

[@Teevtube]

Our Choir sang this piece in church this morning. I was sitting beside, Yanina and Yehor, the Ukrainian refugees that arrived with us on Monday night here in Linlithgow, Scotland. There are no words, there were tears, incredibly moving and emotional. Thank you

[@jimmykouba4494]

Anything John Rutter composes is a blessing from God. God's word to John's vision to our ears a touch of heaven.

[@jillhutton643]

Deeply moving. God bless and save the Ukrainian people.

[@markemanuele1929]

This had me sheding many tears. How beautiful. God save Ukraine.

[@markemanuele1929]

@Unvaccinated Pencilboi The tears were from the beauty of the music.

[@monikarauflajsz6501]

I was deeply moved by this prayer. I had a feeling I listened to the angels crying over every Ukrainian child who died in this land of sorrow. Save the children Lord!

[@nancybates5497]

John Rutter never disappoints! Glorious!!

[@indianheart2432]

Read understand : Turkey was slaughtering Orthodox Christians in Assyria and Armenia, Russia came to help them. WEST i.e. Britain, France and Savoy i.e. Italy went and fought on the side of Turkey against Russia... WEST sided with Muslims who were killing Christians.. Study Crimean War.. USA nuclear bombed Christian Nagasaki and gave some flimsy excuse of weather as the reason... Real reason is that WEST is evil. Italy under Benito Musolinni used Chemical warfare against Orthodox Ethiopians... Yet foolish Catholics support the WEST, they support NATO.. But let me tell you the real reason these people support west is because they are as wicked as the WEST. Why dont catholics pray for VENEZUELA a catholic country 71% catholics, where USA sanctions are denying them medicines and both people and children are dying from lack of medicines... BUT no catholic is praying for VENEZUELA... Why do you support EVIL people, because u are EVIL?

[@svitlanam._musik4665]

We truly thank you for your prayer! I hope that God will give peace and tranquility soon! Ми щиро вдячні за ваші молитви! Ми всі сподіваємося на те, що Бог це почує, і швидко настане мир і спокій! Kyiv, Ukraine

[@leahtahiry5542]

God bless and keep the Ukrainian people. The indomitable spirit has inspired the world.

[@tcharles2466]

Mr Rutter, this was so utterly beautiful and appropriate. Your opening comments, too, were truly moving. I met you once at a choral 'workshop' (in Manchester) in the 1990's - and it was a great honour. Thank you, so much, for setting this text to your inspiring music! May God bless the brave - and inspirational - people of Ukraine!!! 🇺🇦

[@Irina-fw5xf]

Many thanks from Kyiv, from the bombshelter. In peacetime, I had the good fortune to sing along with the choir your beautiful song Look at the world!

[@ЛюдмилаМудра-ш3ъ]

ВЕЛИКЕ СПАСИБІ ЗА ВАШУ ПІДТРИМКУ! Нехай Бог віддасть Вам сторицею на многії і благії літа!!! ВСЕ БУДЕ. УКРАЇНА!!!💙💛

[@joemahlerng]

God bless Ukraine, amen🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💪💪💪

[@valeriejones9487]

So tender. God bless the Ukranian people.

[@malcolmmarionclayton636]

Thank you Mr Rutter for responding to the Ukrainian crisis in such a beautiful way.

[@Videostowatch24]

God bless Ukraine. Pray for light, pray to be able to be light and share light 🤍

[@jandickinson4422]

May God watch over the people of Ukraine and fill them with courage and hope and always His grace. ❤️🙏🏻

[@ShenanChou1]

Pray for Ukraine , from Taiwan , may God be with every people forever ！！🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@td370]

Taipei*

[@gerarddelpech9213]

Bravo mister Rutter, i will pray with you during i listen your song

[@audspod1]

Beautiful. God bless the people of the Ukraine and keep them safe.

[@svenarnstein6966]

So beautiful and so heartfelt. I am so glad we were asked to film this unique premiere. God save Ukraine

[@anngerard9408]

Absolutely beautiful! May God protect the people of Ukraine who need help and safety .End the war now!

[@bedecentbesincere8829]

Hope the beautiful music can help not only the Ukrainians, but also the Russians, Americans, British, Europeans and so, let' pray for the world, be genuine and kind to each others, Amen

[@evadnecoetzee3934]

We Pray for Ukrainians 🙏

[@paulchappelhymns]

My dear John, this is simply stunning in every possible way. With this kind of call for hope and peace, and a call to action and prayer you've presented to us all, you've given the world an enormous gift. God bless the Ukraine and her people, and thank God for John Rutter.

[@karencampbell4251]

Yes.

[@8Ayelet]

Praying with you all, as you sing this prayer for Ukraine ❤️🙏✝️

[@jeanbartle9464]

Tears....what an inspiration. Such beauty in the midst of this horror. Thank you, thank you, thank you, John Rutter.

[@riverwildcat1]

God Bless You, and keep you all.

[@dianaford9040]

My tears came as I listened….the perfectly helpless tears that can be helped only by prayer and music. Thank you to you and the singers. God help Ukraine. 🙏

[@chantellea3751]

Please release the sheet music for free so other choirs can support Ukraine with this lovely music. 🇺🇦

[@JillVic]

Or a donation to a charity helping Ukraine?

[@toniperullesrull4916]

How to get these parts Thank you for your constant altruism. I al punt 5:13 del vídeo indicat al web llegim el text corresponent.

[@agathavandoesburg7297]

Don't mind paying and money donated??? John is a wonderful man ❤💙💛

[@doriscook64]

"The score is available for free by contacting the team (johnrutter.com/contact-us), and we suggest that you may like to make a donation to the Disaster Emergency Fund instead: www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine..."

[@lindaj5492]

The link for the score is in the Description under the video.

[@charlesrae3793]

The world's prayer for Ukraine, beautifully rendered here.Anyone who can hear this and not feel a tear or two is dead.

[@Appassionato]

Dear Mr Rutter and Choir, thank you for using your gifts in prayer for Ukraine. May the words of this prayer bring comfort and strength to the people of Ukraine in their hour of need.

[@FarReacher41]

Too beautiful. A fervent plea for peace, thank you so much Mr Rutter and the Cambridge Singers

[@johnroberts8413]

Oh, my dear Lord Jesus, save the people of Ukraine, and preserve Your church there, which has been sending missionaries around the world for several decades. Thank you, Mr. Rutter, for composing this piece, for making this video available, and for the kindness of downloadable music. You are a blessing to the Lord's church.

[@TheASSedoTV]

Thank you very much, Sir! From a Ukrainian

[@joyanngoddard2033]

God Bless and protect Ukraine.

[@sanyasuk.8003]

Thank you, Mr Rutter.

[@eileensinclair9642]

A voice at a time of great darkness. May God bless the Ukrainian people and restore them to their homeland.

[@jakedurup8394]

God be with you Mr Rutter...such talent and empathy.

[@MarthalieThurstonSachemPiper]

A year later, I ask how much more suffering is needed for all to witness or will eyes remain blind. John Rutter has done his part. God help us all.

[@Helena-lt8gs]

Щиро вдячна за Вашу молитву. 💛💙🇺🇦

[@hyoseongkim741]

so heartfelt, so beautiful. God save Ukraine

[@juliemurray7973]

Simply beautiful!!! thank you, Mr. Rutter!

[@davidgreg7454]

Hello Julie how are you doing today How's everything going?

[@faithh8569]

Dear Mr. Rutter, Thank you for your compassion for the Ukrainian people. This sounds very much in line with their stunning church choir music we hear every Sunday. I'm sure our Lord heard and loved this beautiful prayer. Slava Ukraini!

[@laukeys1]

Beautiful. May this prayer float up to Heaven and may God hear and save Ukraine.

[@ravensong24]

Thank you Mr Rutter. I'm praying for Ukraine everyday.

[@otterberry49]

From their lips to the ears of angels……blessed are voices of peace

[@davidgreg7454]

Hello Lynne how are you doing today How's everything going?

[@justinw8512]

Peace on earth 🌍

[@guscairns1]

I'm mainly impressed by his dashing this off in one day! That's proper composing.

[@patwhite6713]

How absolutely wonderful! Thank you, Mr. Rutter, for making such amazing music using the talents the Lord has given you.

[@garyhinkle5736]

Mr. Rutter Thank You For The Continuing Gifts Of Music You Give To The World..

[@dslids225]

Amen,, Lord Jesus Christ hear our prayers...Amen

[@StrahlerAchtundsechzig]

Thanx John - may the ukrianian prayer spread all over the world - with a powerful mandate for peace

[@joycearscott4204]

Dear mr Rutter thank you for the most moving piece of wonderful music I also see the hands of God my he be blessed and help Ukrainian people .

[@davidgreg7454]

Hello Joyce how are you doing today How's everything going?

[@brandywineblogger1411]

Mr. Rutter - your music as always, is truly inspired. The word "inspired" comes from "in the spirit." I do believe when I die the heavenly hosts will be singing your music. God bless you sir.

[@marionmartijn7774]

May peaceful days return as soon as possible.

[@janiefields7957]

Beauty song and singers. May God bless Ukraine!

[@davidgreg7454]

Hello Janie how are you doing today How's everything going?

[@janepierrepont7624]

Thank you John Rutter for such a glorious and heartfelt anthem for Ukraine. I hope I have the opportunity to sing it. What Ukraine is going through is unimaginable and this music will keep them in our hearts and prayers. Thank you!

[@Don5345]

So beautiful, God Bless Ukraine.

[@MS-nk7bj]

God bless you🌹👏👏👏👏👏

[@carolinemaddick5502]

A truly extraordinary experience to take part in this John Rutter World Premiere at St Mary Magdalene Church, Wandsworth Common, London last Saturday - echoing our own prayers to the -people of that beleaguered country

[@rafiachmary]

May God bless you and Mr Rutter..

[@PennyWheeler]

Thank you so much

[@federazionecampanaribergam8066]

Thank you much indeed Mr. Rutter for your inspiring words. What a deeply moving hymn. May God bless Ukraine and all those who believe in peace.

[@jesseliau7398]

Great piece Mr Rutter! This music for the bravest human beings the Ukrainians! Deep into my heart, as deep as I sang your pieces for every Christmas Eve choir! Thank you! God bless Ukraine🇺🇦! Love from Taiwan🇹🇼!

[@lizzieovermeyer2986]

Thanx for sharing Mr Rutter. The hymn touches my heart!!(Im from Cape Town South Africa)

[@justmustswim]

I am told there is a bayan accordionist in every town in Ukraine and I’ve copied this to one of the best defending his country. May your good work inspire them all.

[@loesvandermark8007]

This is so beautiful, thank you Mr. Rutter! Let the world unite in prayer for peace in Ukraine and for all people of good will, they will win!

[@eugenstaats738]

Absolutely great. Thanks so much. Let's all pray for Ukraine 🙏

[@suefirth9558]

A very moving, prayerful and loving tribute to Ukraine in her time of need. Thank you Mr Rutter.💙💛

[@robertgee1468]

Words alone cannot express our sorrow and concern at this time but this goes a long way… Thank you and bless you. And may God bless the people of Ukraine and Russia.

[@prof.emmanuelekanem8820]

I joined in the prayers. Lord be a shield for them, their glory and the lifter up of their heads, amen. God bless the good old gentleman.

[@christinepappas6769]

God bless you, Mr. Rutter.

[@catnap387]

So moving. "God save Ukraine"

[@robinworth7142]

Dear John as always your music touches the soul and at a tragic end sad time in the Ukraine we can find peace with God ?

[@martinaverkamp4006]

Thank you very much for this hopeful song! Save all Ukraine people!

[@Merike7173]

God help Ukraine! Honour to Ukrainean Heroes!🙏🇺🇦

[@katydickson5547]

WOW!!! What a beautiful prayer for Ukraine. Set to beautiful music. Thank you John Rutter for this. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@diddlebob44]

💕Sending Loving and Peaceful Thoughts and Prayers.💕

[@ComposerRocks]

Wonderful prayer in musical form. As a composer who is also working on music as the only way I can truly express the sorrow I feel for the Ukrainian people, I thank you for creating this music and leading your wonderful choir in singing it.

[@rkgrow]

Your talent is divine. Thank you again for all you do.

[@bikdav]

I hope this song makes it to "With Heart and Voice" radio program here in the US.

[@juliehanns802]

So beautiful and moving. A truly fitting expression of our support for the people of Ukraine. Our thoughts and hearts are with them constantly.

[@teetetomenon5658]

Dear Mr. Rutter, thank you so much! ♥️

[@julietalmage3173]

Such a haunting piece but very beautiful. God save Ukraine.

[@lynngilliland2155]

Beautiful. God save Ukraine and its people.

[@alext7268]

Obliterate the Nazi nest in ‘ukráina’.

[@magdalenepusch1257]

Thank you so much, John Rutter, for this prayer. May it reach God that this terrible war ends. Magdalene

[@mremiord116]

God bless you. It was like hearing the choirs of angels from heaven singing.😇❤ God bless you 🙏 Glory to God, glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦 🙏

[@junebarrett1903]

So beautiful. Thank you

[@patriciaschuster1371]

I have ways loved your music. Now I love you more. Blessings!

[@matthewlaurence3121]

One of my favourite composers since performing some of his work in my school's choir for several of our concerts. One of the best in our time, and certainly where Britain is concerned. A meaningful, considerate work. Proof of the goodness that every woman born creature is capable of.

[@elizabethrobertson5252]

Beautiful, heartbreaking but filled with the love of Heaven. The choir and your music is certainly heavenly Mr Rutter thank you for using your great God given gift in this way.

[@ATENMIN4]

You wrote my favorite choral piece ever, Canticle of Praise. But this prayer is dear to my heart. We were to be in the Ukraine working with pastors and wives and orphans this month. Thank you for this cry to God.

[@sharondavis8728]

Fasting praying and singing for our church and friends in Mariupol. Love everything written by Ritter. Glorious

[@naomiarmstrong751]

Love this. My mother is singing praises in heaven. This is amazing! Prayers for Ukraine. 😢

[@cathrinbantjes6870]

Filled with the sweetest emotions .. and peace. Thank you Mr Rutter 🙏

[@brucewilliams8714]

Thank you John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers. You reach into the soul of Orthodox choral tradition and bring forth this moving tribute. Amin.

[@nancyloomis3046]

Thank you John Rutter and choristers. I will be passing this evocative and important piece of music on. God help the #Ukranians. You are constantly in our prayers!

[@nikodemusdamar217]

So beautiful.. God bless.. Indonesia love Ukraine