6 Worship Songs For A Time Of Stillness (Abide)

In a loud, fast-paced world, stillness is a rebellion. Psalm 46:10 commands us to “Be still and know that I am God.” Worship services often focus on high energy and loud declaration, but there is a profound power in slowing down and simply sitting at the feet of Jesus.

These songs are designed to lower the heart rate of the room. They are invitations to stop striving, stop performing, and start abiding. They create the necessary space for people to hear the whisper of God.

Why These Songs Quiet The Soul

We selected these songs because:

  • They are simple. They don’t have complex bridges or driving drums; they work best with just a piano or guitar.
  • They are relational. They focus on intimacy (“I just want You,” “Turn your eyes”).
  • They are lingering. They aren’t meant to be rushed; they are meant to be repeated until the truth sinks in.

6 Songs To Be Still

  1. Abide – “You’re the kindness that draws us in.” This song by The Worship Initiative is the theme song for this category. It invites the weary believer to stop working for God’s approval and start resting in His presence. It is a beautiful call to just “be.”
  2. Nothing Else – “I’m caught up in Your presence.” Cody Carnes’ song is a reset button. It moves us away from the “noise” of asking for blessings and brings us back to the silence of just enjoying the Blesser.
  3. Turn Your Eyes – “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.” Anxiety comes from looking at the storm; peace comes from looking at the Savior. This song is a gentle directive to shift our focus from the chaos around us to the face of Jesus.
  4. Give Me Jesus – “You can have all this world.” There is a stark, quiet power in this spiritual. It clears the room of every other ambition and leaves us with the only thing that matters. It is perfect for a moment of hushed dedication.
  5. Lord I Need You – “My one defense, my righteousness.” Confession requires stillness. This song allows the church to admit their neediness. It is a vulnerable prayer that sounds best when the band drops out and the voices carry the melody.
  6. The Heart Of Worship – “I’m coming back to the heart of worship.” Matt Redman’s classic is about stripping away the noise. It reminds us that the music ultimately fades, and all that remains is our response to Jesus.

Example “Be Still” Setlists

Setlist 1 (The Reset)

  1. The Heart Of Worship – Fading the music.
  2. Nothing Else – seeking the Person.
  3. Abide – Resting in Him.

Setlist 2 (Quiet Focus)

  1. Turn Your Eyes – Shifting the gaze.
  2. Lord I Need You – Confessing the need.
  3. Give Me Jesus – The final choice.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Use silence. Don’t feel the need to fill every second with a pad or a strum. After singing Abide, let there be 30 seconds of absolute silence. It trains the church to be comfortable with stillness.
  • Sit down. Invite the congregation to sit for this entire set. Standing can sometimes feel like “work” or “performance.” Sitting encourages a posture of receiving and listening.
  • Minimal production. Turn the lights down and the volume down. Let the vocals lead. The environment should match the message: less is more.

Next Steps

We cannot run on empty. This Sunday, use Abide to give your church permission to stop running and start resting in the Finished Work.