Be Still (arr. Ponniah)
03:16 duration|Composed in 2025|Difficulty: Advanced
In 2019, Be Still for the Presence of the Lord was voted one of the top ten most popular hymns on Songs of Praise, a testament to its enduring impact. It has been sung in churches all over the world and translated into many languages. Aled Jones said, ‘whenever I sing it, I can feel I’ve got a connection with a spiritual being.’
I first sang this hymn in primary school in the late 1980s, and its gentle melody and profound message left a lasting impression on me. Years later, as I heard it played on the organ during communion, I felt inspired to create a choral arrangement that honours its simplicity while adding rich harmonic colour to enhance the beautiful text.
In the spirit of sharing and spreading calm in the chaos, I’ve decided to offer this choral arrangement as a free download. It is my hope that this music brings a moment of stillness and reflection to those who listen, offering a brief escape from the noise of the world. May it offer a sense of peace, serenity, and connection in a world that so often feels overwhelming.
Text
Be still, for the presence of the Lord,
the holy One, is here;
come bow before him now
with reverence and fear
in him no sin is found
we stand on holy ground.
Be still, for the presence of the Lord,
the holy One, is here.
Be still, for the glory of the Lord
is shining all around;
he burns with holy fire,
with splendour he is crowned:
how awesome is the sight
our radiant king of light!
Be still, for the glory of the Lord
is shining all around.
Be still, for the power of the Lord
is moving in this place:
he comes to cleanse and heal,
to minister his grace –
no work too hard for him.
In faith receive from him.
Be still, for the power of the Lord
is moving in this place.
David Evans (b. 1957)
