Be Still for the Presence of the Lord

This is a hymn about God's presence in Jesus. It is based on Exodus 3:1-6, in which God is seen by Moses in the burning bush - but contains many other scriptural references.

It was written in the 1980s by English music teacher and contemporary Christian music worship leader and composer David J. (Dave) Evans (b. 1957) - ref. The song was first published by Kingsway's ThankYou Music in 1986, has crossed denominational boundaries, and is widely published and included in various hymn books.

The tune is is set to is called BE STILL, and was also written by by Evans. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are D D FG AA AB D_, with accompanying chords D / F#m7 / Bm.

1 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. 2 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. 3 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.

Image based on this work by Jhong Dizon.
Licensed CC 2.0

Downloads

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Sheet music is included in this collection of worship songs arranged for organ

Interactive downloadable sheet music, with lyrics and score for Piano/Vocal/Guitar

Examples

Solo singer, self-accompanied on guitar:

Large choir with organ:

Large choir with piano:

Solo singer with guitar, professional recording:

Instrumental - classical guitar:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here;
... 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;
... Be still, for the glory of the Lord ....

Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place;
.. Be still, for the power of the Lord .....