Prayer of the Children | By Kurt Bestor, arr. Andrea S Klouse | Trinidad & Tobago (2014)

Details

Description

Originally composed as he saw Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian children (and adults) ravaged by the Yugoslav wars in the 1990s, Kurt Bestor later also dedicated the song to the children lost to gun violence in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in the United States in December 2012. It remains so heartbreakingly resonant, decade after decade. Here, it is performed by the Marionettes Chorale’s adult and youth choirs (Musical Director: Gretta Taylor), and conducted by Dr Roger Henry at Queen’s Hall, Trinidad & Tobago in the Caribbean.

LYRICS

Can you hear the prayer of the children?
On bended knee, in the shadow of an unknown room
Empty eyes with no more tears to cry
Turning heavenward toward the light

Crying Jesus, help me
To see the morning light…of one more day
But if I should die before I wake,
I pray my soul to take

Can you feel the hearts of the children?
Aching for home, for something of their very own
Reaching hands, with nothing to hold on to
But hope for a better day a better day

Crying Jesus, help me
To feel the love again in my own land
But if unknown roads lead away from home,
Give me loving arms, away from harm

Can you hear the voice of the children?
Softly pleading for silence in a shattered world?
Angry guns preach a gospel full of hate,
Blood of the innocent on their hands

Crying Jesus, help me
To feel the sun again upon my face,
For when darkness clears I know you're near,
Bringing peace again

Dali cujete sve djecje molitive?
(Croatian translation:
'Can you hear all the children's prayers?')
Can you hear the prayer of the children?

Composer’s note:
Originally, the song was written with the lyrics “Crying Jesus…” Bestor now recommends substituting the words “Crying softly…” enabling people to subconsciously substitute “Jesus, Allah, Yahweh, etc.” This way, the song's universal message of love will be felt without any barriers or limitations.