In Quiet Peace Forever comes from the inspiring images of Isaiah. In Isaiah 32:18 and 65:24-25 he describes God-loving people dwelling in safety, security and peace in his whole ‘Holy Mountain,’ and promises that he will hear and answer our prayers while we are yet speaking. I love that image. It also references John 14:26-27 where Christ promises to send us Peace and the Holy Ghost.
This piece is written for a medium to good quality church choir; it has a few measures of divisi and split vocals. Although adapted for choir, the basic melody and most of the Piano part come from two pieces written by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (1843 – 1907): In My Native Country, from ‘Lyric Pieces’, Book 3, Op. 43, No. 3, and Sarabande, from ‘From Holberg’s Time’, Op. 40, No. 2.
Oh, when I seek the Lord and I listen to his word, I walk within his sunlit path of meekness, and peace fills my mind, as a witness from my God. I’ll rest within that quiet peace forever.
Growing Peace by Peace with each kindness that I speak as I yearn for the Prince of Peace!
For Love fills my heart, joyful service to my God, to nurture those in need of tender blessing. I find within my heart blessed peace that fills the soul —a hope of Life Eternal
Peace I send. Peace is a gift I send. Peace is a gift sent as the Holy Ghost. A world needing peace will need the Holy Ghost!
Peace I send. My Peace I send to you. Peace I send you as the Holy Ghost! So, be not afraid! No, be not afraid! I send The Comforter! I send the Holy Ghost!
Growing Peace by Peace with each kindness that I speak as I yearn for the Prince of Peace! The Prince of Peace!
He will hear before you speak and will answer as you call, and none shall hurt in all his Holy Mountain. Let peace fill your mind as a witness from our God, and rest within that quiet peace forever.
And rest in quiet peace forever, in quiet peace forever.
-- WT Stephenson, May 2025