"Be Still, for the Presence of the Lord"

[LoyalViews]

Is this an appropriate hymn for Mass? I’m thinking about introducing it to my choir. We need a few more anthems to learn for a prayer service we are holding - not in the context of Mass, but a prayer service for the soul of an ill parishioner. When I brought up the hymn to our priest-in-charge, he said it would be lovely for Mass as well. I don’t know, however, because it has protestant themes. What do you think? And if I were to have my choir sing it during the Holy Sacrifice, when would it be appropriate?

Here are the words:

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.

(Lyrics courtesy of this website)

 

[liturgyluver]

It is a wonderful hymn and we often use it as a post-communion hymn after the choir has sang its anthem. I think overall the themes in it - talking of bowing before him and the presence of Christ - are completely compatible with Catholicism. The only think I would say is that it is not something for the choir alone to sing - really it has a simple tune that the whole congregation should participate in.

 

[GLam8833]

As one who came from a Protestant background and
who “Catholicize” Protestant Hymns, I find NO need
to change the lyrics!!

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

I see no “Protestant themes” in the lyrics you shared. Also, how could any hymn be appropriate for your prayer service and simultaneously inappropriate for Mass?

 

[randirhoades]

I like it sung during Communion. For the Presence, body and blood of Christ is there in the wine and Eucharist. Plus, it gives credence to our belief of those things being true.

I thought it wonderful!

Love, hugs and prayers,
Sheila

 

[peter26]

We used this at my parish a couple of weeks back at Mass, and also for Adoration recently. Its a lovely hymn and I don’t see what’s overtly protestant about it. Used at the proper time during the Mass, the “presence of the Lord” could refer to presence in the Blessed Sacrament.