On the evening of Sunday the 24th June, I was lucky to be able to attend the now annual Songs of Praise service at the church of the Resurrection where all the congregations from each of the different churches of Caerau and Ely, of any denomination (Baptist, Anglican, Catholic, Salvation Army etc) joined together in a wonderful act of worship.

There are many different activities during the Ely festival, but I really feel this is such a highlight, and as some will know, I used to be a parishioner at the Church of the Resurrection so it is always good so many familiar faces, as well as having the opportunities to meet new people from different backgrounds.

For anyone unfamiliar with the form the service takes, it runs fairly simply. A member of each of the different churches chooses their favourite hymn which is introduced by them, and then sung, ably accompanied by Mr Huw Wilton, on the organ and with a small band of instruments and the resident choir.

This year the hymn for our parish was chosen by Roy Cox and his hymn of choice was, “Be Still for the Presence of the Lord”
This hymn was written by David Evans, a Welsh musician and composer born in Glamorgan, and subsequently professor at the University of Wales Cardiff.

These days, often when I hear this hymn it is sung in a rather quickly with band and or percussion, however, it is one of those rare hymns that I think is better sung slowly and prayerfully (we are very lucky to have Nicola who is an amazing organist but how often have we heard hymns in other parishes that really need speeding it up to convert them from saddening to gladdening ?).
This hymn has such strong words, and you find that very few words are wasted as all the words are used to focus on worshipping and praying to God.

When I am finding it hard to focus on prayer, I use the words of this hymn, sitting and recite them slowly. I really commend them to you, through them hear and feel the power and love of God around us

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 – the 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: