Hymn #185 in the current hymnbook is entitled, “Reverently and Meekly Now.” The words are written from the Savior’s viewpoint, which is unusual when compared to our other hymns, which speak about the Savior from a third-person viewpoint. As we study the words, we can imagine our Savior pleading with us to more fully accept His sacrifice as we partake of the sacrament. Think of me, thou ransomed one; Think what I for thee have done. How truly He did ransom us. He paid the price for our sins so we, if we choose to repent, don’t have to endure … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →

We have been told by the Lord that “the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me” and that it will be answered upon the heads of those who perform the music. We are also told that we draw closer to God through music than through any other means save it be for prayer. Music is a powerful tool, one that can be used to bring us near to the throne of God or one that can be used to drive us away from the Holy Ghost. My great-great-grandmother was converted to the Gospel by the power of the … Continue reading →