I love the LDS hymns. Nothing brings the Spirit of the Lord and the peace that always follows, into my heart quicker than the singing of hymns. My testimony has been strengthened more in church by the singing of hymns than by listening to the sermons given. (Is that terrible to admit? Maybe so, but it's nevertheless true). There is something about sacred words put to music that bespeaks holiness and sinks the reality of the truths sung deep into my heart and soul. Truly "the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me" [Doctrine and Covenants 25:12]; and many's the time that my heartfelt singing of hymns has been answered with "a blessing upon (my) head".
We went to choir practice after church the other day, something I really didn't want to do. I was tired. We were all hungry. I had to drag all of the kids with me, and two of the three really didn't want to go. But we went. We only sang two songs, both hymns of the restoration. As we sang I again felt the witness that our Redeemer truly is our "shadow by day and our pillar by night" That he saves us today, just a literally and readily as he saved ancient Israel. That the "tokens already appear" and so, we can be sure that "the hour of redemption is near." It's all stuff that I already know and love, but to have it reafirmed as we sang was a sweet and tender mercy from a loving Father.
It's interesting to me that the spirit speaks so powerfully in such quiet ways. No one sitting near me had any idea that anything beautiful and sweet was being experienced nearby, but I came away from that practice refreshed, uplifted and more sure than ever that God is intimately acquainted with me and my struggles. All just from a hymn. "By small and simple things..." [Alma 37:6].
I'm a music person too, and most readily feel the spirit through music. There are many, many songs that I can directly link to an individual element of my testimony.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I feel that way too! That is one of my favorite hymns. Oh, and I am quite impressed with your "hot" text skills. Way to be, yo!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful that our Heavenly Father finds so many ways to give us comfort and joy just when we need it or maybe just to reverify what we already know. You make me so happy. Love you so much
ReplyDeleteHey Sis!, Okay, so this is going to be an extremely long comment... I appreciate your blog. I also love music. I was asked to fill in as choir director while the current one is out of town, and to select what the choir will sing in 2 weeks. Sunday morning I was working on the music, and I decided to use the meters at the back of the hymn book and match the words from one hymn with the music of another. As I was humming and singing to myself, I was overwhelmed with feelings of love. I love when it feels like we are the most important child Heavenly Father has. I just wish those glimpses would last longer. It seems like the most overwhelming experiences I have always involve music. Music sure is a blessing.
ReplyDeleteNice blogg you have
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