Occasionally a piece of music crosses my path that touches me and enriches my spiritual journey. Such a piece is Baba Yetu

The words of Baba Yetu are the Lord’s Prayer in Swahili. The piece is composed by Christopher Tin and, believe it or not, was first part of a video game — Civilization IV. Since then, it has become a widely recorded piece.

The international multi-racial tone of Baba Yetu is inspired by African music. As such, it speaks to the common ground we can all find through prayer. The Lord’s Prayer, after all, was presented to us by Jesus as His guidance on how to pray. To hear His words communicated in the words and tones of Africa is a reminder to us all that it is a universal prayer, not a strictly English one.

I find it comforting, especially the first version I share below. The fact that this version in itself is multi-national speaks to me that peace is still possible, that hope is alive. The fact that children of many races and countries can come together and sing a song of prayer should have meaning to us all.

Music is the universal language that inspires us in so many ways. The second version below includes many interpretations of Baba Yetu, ranging from a large yet athletic man doing an interpretive dance to a group of women ice skating, all done to the Lord’s Prayer.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I have. If you’re familiar with Baba Yetu, pass it on.

This version is conducted by Christopher Tin and featuring Joel Virgel, Nominjin, and the Welsh National Opera Orchestra, with the Celebration Chorus and KwaZulu-Natal Youth Chorus.

Reflection: What one piece of music speaks to you spiritually?