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 →

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 →