rutter, who had studied at clare college, cambridge, composed the anthem in 1998 in honour of his alma mater, setting his own words. it is one of several choral benedictions, always for persons or institutions with special significance to the composer. rutter's text, beginning "may the lord show his mercy upon you", is a prayer for protection and guidance, when sleeping or awake, in life and after. the rhymed poem is in four stanzas of four lines each. two verses are sung by the high voices, followed by two sung by the low voices, alternating. the harmony is in tonality, with chromaticism used to intensify the words "may his spirit be ever by your side", a verse sung by all voices.