Search Results for: blog latter day hymns the morning breaks the shadows flee

Gospel Questions—Why Do We Have the Doctrine and Covenants?

My nonmember friend asked me: Why does every Prophet change or add to the rules? I thought everything I needed to know was in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, but then I found out about the Doctrine and Covenants. That’s a BIG book of additional teachings. One of the things I love so much about the Gospel is the fact that we have a prophet living on the earth today. This means we are privileged to have continuing revelation. I’m reminded of the scripture in 1 Corinthians 3:2 which reads: “I have fed you with milk and not … Continue reading →

Latter-Day Hymns: Israel, Israel, God is Calling

Hymn #7 in our current LDS hymnbook is “Israel, Israel, God is Calling.” When I think of this hymn, I remember sitting in the old chapel on 100 West in Logan, Utah, with my Grandma Norton. This chapel has a lovely painting of a pioneer woman standing in front of a covered wagon, and this song so closely fits the message of that painting, it almost seems too much of a coincidence that I remember singing the song in that location. The lyricist, Richard Smyth, served three missions for the Church and often entreated new converts to “come to Zion.” … Continue reading →

Latter-day Hymns: Redeemer of Israel

Hymn #6 in the current LDS hymnal, “Redeemer of Israel,” is one of the classic LDS hymns and is frequently sung at General Conference by the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Written by William W. Phelps with music by Freeman Lewis, it is a stirring song which always hits my heart in a poignant way. The melody is worshipful, but also invigorating. The lyrics to the hymn speak of the Redeemer of Israel who is our only delight. When I sing that line, it reminds me of the joy our relationship with our Savior brings us. The word “delight” invoke … Continue reading →

Latter-Day Hymns: High on a Mountain Top

The fifth hymn in our current Latter-Day Saint hymnal is “High on a Mountain Top,” a stirring song which cheers the soul and uplifts the mood. Also a popular choice of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to perform in General Conference, it’s more up-tempo than most of our hymns, although still dignified. This hymn is sometimes used as a “stand up and stretch your legs” song in longer meetings like Stake Conference and General Conference. The hymn was written by Joel H. Johnson with the music by Ebenezer Beesley, and is based on the scripture in Isaiah 2:2-3 which prophecies that … Continue reading →

Latter-day Hymns: Truth Eternal

“Truth Eternal” is the fourth hymn in our current hymnal. Composed by Parley P. Pratt, a deeply religious man who used poetry as a means to express the feelings of his heart, this poem set to music contains beautiful visual imagery of the power of truth in our lives. The first verse reads: Truth eternal, truth divine, In thine ancient fulness shine! Burst the fetters of the mind From the millions of mankind! Brother Pratt shares his belief that as we learn truth and embrace it, our minds will become free of our old patterns, which, if incorrect, can hold … Continue reading →

Latter-day Hymns: Now Let Us Rejoice

My husband and I were on a long car trip toward the beginning of our marriage and were bored out of our minds. We had a hymnbook along with us in the car and he suggested that we memorize a hymn together. To be honest, I thought it was kind of an odd idea, but I went along with it (we were newlyweds and I didn’t want to rock the boat). My attitude going into it wasn’t the best, but I was amazed at how simple a thing like singing a hymn can bring in the Spirit. My heart was … Continue reading →

Latter-Day Hymns: The Spirit of God

The second hymn in our current hymnal, “The Spirit of God” is perhaps the most powerful, tear-producing, and beloved hymns we as a Latter-day Saint people possess. Written by William W. Phelps, it invites all who hear it to sing and shout with the armies of Heaven, and indeed, as you sing it, you feel as though legions of angels have joined you in song. The first line reads, “The Spirit of God like a fire is burning. The latter-day glory begins to come forth.” Oftentimes, when someone receives a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel, they feel the … Continue reading →

LDS Week in Review: January 7th – January 12th

Life sure has gotten hectic with the start of a new year! Were you too busy to join us here in LDS? If so, here’s a quick recap so you don’t miss anything. Tristi started a new series about the hymns. In “Introduction to the Latter-day Hymns Series,” she discussed the value of hymns in our lives and how they can help us to feel the spirit and to worship more effectively. She then followed up with a review of the hymn “The Morning Breaks, the Shadows Flee,” a standard for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and frequently sung in General … Continue reading →

Latter-Day Hymns: The Morning Breaks, the Shadows Flee

The first hymn in the LDS hymnal is penned by Parley P. Pratt and set to music by George Careless. Often performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I have fond memories of hearing it sung during the opening session of General Conference. We would travel to Logan to watch Conference with my grandmother, and hearing this song brings to mind memories of lying on her carpet, waiting for the talks to begin. The television cameras usually panning Temple Square while this song is sung, so I always associate it with the gorgeous flowers that grow all over the Square. First … Continue reading →