Voicing: SATB, keyboard, opt oboe or violin
Music by Russell Schulz-Widmar
Text by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
translation by Fred Pratt Green
By Gracious Powers is a musical setting of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's touching prayer, written shortly before his death. The text is deeply reflective of the comfort of Christ's gift and God's unfailing presence. This is made even more stirring with the knowledge of what Bonhoeffer faced at this time. The optional C instrument adds much to the piece, giving occasional echoes of A Mighty Fortress.