Every week in Church meetings we participate in a medium of art that dates back to ancient times — music. One of the first forms of artistic endeavors mentioned in the scriptures, music is a vital part of sacrament, quorum and auxiliary meetings in our own day.
The first reference to music in the Bible is mention of instruments, the harp and organ, the latter of which most likely was a pipe. (See Gen. 4:21.) Other instruments are mentioned. For example, "And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals." (2 Sam. 6:5.) Other instruments in Old Testament times included the viol, ten-stringed lute, trumpet and horn. (See "Music," Bible Dictionary, 1979 LDS Edition of the King James Bible, p. 735.)
One of the earliest passages pertaining to singing is the account of Miriam, with a timbrel in her hand, leading the women in singing praises to the Lord after the safe passage of the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. (See Ex. 15:20-22.)
The book of Psalms, for the most part, is a collection of "praises" set to music. Many of the psalms admonish people to "sing praises," "make a joyful noise," "sing . . . with the harp, and the voice." (See Ps. 95:2; 98:5; 105:2.)
In the meridian of time, a few simple shepherds heard a heavenly chorus singing praises to God when Jesus was born. (See Luke 2:8-14.)
Is there any greater endorsement for the role of music and singing than the fact that Jesus and His apostles spent some of their last precious moments together singing a hymn after the Last Supper? (See Matt. 26:30.)
In our own dispensation, the Lord emphasized again the importance of music and hymns when He said: "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.) He directed that Emma Smith, the Prophet Joseph's wife, compile a selection of sacred hymns for use in the Church. (See D&C 25:11.)
"Inspirational music is an essential part of our Church meetings," wrote the First Presidency in 1985 for the preface to the hymnal currently in use. "The hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord.
"Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end.
"We hope to see an increase of hymn singing in our congregations. We encourage all members, whether musically inclined or not, to join with us in singing the hymns."
When we sing a congregational hymn at the opening of a sacrament meeting we take an active role in inviting the Spirit of the Lord to attend that sacred service. We also participate in a great act of fellowship when we sing along in the congregation or in a ward or branch choir. In both instances, we elevate our thoughts and stimulate our souls. When we sing hymns we experience a truth taught by President Spencer W. Kimball, who said, "Some of the greatest sermons that have ever been preached were preached by the singing of a song." (New Zealand Area Conference Report, Feb. 20-22, 1976, p. 27.)
Further in the preface to Hymns, the First Presidency wrote: "Music has boundless powers for moving families toward greater spirituality and devotion to the gospel. Latter-day Saints should fill their homes with the sound of worthy music. . . . Teach your children to love the hymns. Sing them on the Sabbath, in home evening, during scripture study, at prayer time. Sing as you work, as you play, and as you travel together. Sing hymns as lullabies to build faith and testimony in your young ones."
The First Presidency wrote also about how hymns benefit individuals: "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.
"Hymns can also help us withstand the temptations of the adversary. We encourage you to memorize your favorite hymns and study the scriptures that relate to them. Then, if unworthy thoughts enter your mind, sing a hymn to yourself, crowding out the evil with the good."
When we sing hymns, whether in congregations or choirs, with our families or alone, we draw nearer to the Spirit of the Lord.
