Listen to the Music

by Tamara Leatham Bailey

Through the Prophet Joseph, the Lord told Emma Smith, “My soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads” (D&C 25:12). Since it is the “song of the heart” that is important, it is not necessary to have a great voice to worship with song. Here are some musical ways to draw the Spirit near, no matter how musically talented (or untalented) you might be.

Hum hymns or Primary songs to clear away unclean or unwanted thoughts.
Listen to your ward choir attentively. Focus on the music and the words. Thank the individual members for the time and effort they give to provide worshipful music.
Concentrate on the words of the sacrament hymn.
Put forth the effort to sing, even if you don’t think you have a great voice.
If you are working, hiking, or traveling for a long time, see how many hymns and Primary songs you can remember and sing.
If you are asked to plan family home evening, always use a hymn or Primary song to invite the Spirit.
Ponder the messages of the songs you sing in Church meetings.
When you have a gloomy day or face disappointment, use a song like “Scatter Sunshine” (Hymns, no. 230) to lighten your mood.
Think about hymns to help you fall asleep at night.
When you are working on a goal, choose a hymn or Primary song that will inspire you and sing it, hum it, or just think of the words and tune several times each day.
If you play an instrument, learn to play hymns and Primary songs.
Follow the First Presidency’s counsel found in the front of the hymnbook: “Hymns can lift our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action. They can fill our souls with heavenly thoughts and bring us a spirit of peace. … Let us use the hymns to invite the Spirit of the Lord into … our personal lives” (Hymns, x).

Illustrated by Scott Snow