Stories of Song & Scripture is our new blog series through which members of the Huddersfield Parish Church family share their favourite hymns, songs of worship and passages from scripture, giving an insight into what it means to them and why.

Today’s choices come from Christine.

I, like Carol, have more than one favourite hymn and it’s difficult to decide. Perhaps number one is the one below.

A few years ago I was member of a local contemplative prayer group.

We, about ten people from different denominations, met every month when we used the “watchword” for the month as published by The Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer. Such a watchword/phrase may be “My Peace I give unto you”, “Abide in Me and\I in you” or “I am with you always”, always Bible led words. We spent an hour in led contemplation, then used the same word or phrase daily as individuals for the following month.

It was a very special experience and I think the hymn I have chosen reminds me of that time and the importance of silence in our private prayer.

Be still and know that I am God,
Be still and know that I am God,
Be still and Know that I am God.

I am the Lord that Healeth thee,
I am the Lord that Healeth thee,
I am the Lord that Healeth thee.

In Thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
In Thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
In Thee, O Lord, I put my trust.

The hymn is based on verses from Psalm 46, specifically verse 10:

1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields[d] with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.