This benediction begins with Isaiah 41, “Do not be afraid, for I am with with you...” and continues with words of tremendous love and promise. With the entrance of the Matthew text, “Behold, I am with you always...” the mood shifts from uplifting to mysterious as it is sometimes difficult to sense God’s presence in our everyday lives. The basses here represent the everlasting love of God. The words below from Dione and the texts from Isaiah and Matthew served as the inspiration for this piece. SATB Divisi A Cappella.