PEACE! BE STILL

"Peace! Be Still" (widely known by its opening line, "Master, the Tempest is Raging") is a deeply comforting hymn that speaks directly to the heart in times of overwhelming trial. The text draws on the biblical account of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee, translating that physical tempest into the spiritual and emotional storms we face in our own lives. For a choir, singing this piece is an exercise in dynamic storytelling—moving from the frantic, urgent plea of the verses to the majestic, commanding calm of the chorus.

In Nigerian parishes, this hymn is often chosen for moments of deep reflection, prayer, or during funerals, where its message of divine reassurance is most needed. The stacked verses allow the congregation and choir to journey through fear, anguish, and finally, profound peace. When the voices unite on the refrain, "The winds and the waves shall obey my will," it serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how fierce the storm, the Master of ocean, earth, and skies remains in complete control.