written by Stacey Jenkins, Primary President
I’d like to introduce you to Eva, who is almost 6, and Addilyn, who just turned 3. They are two sweet sisters who love to dress up as princesses, color, watch Frozen II, color their nails, go on bike rides, and visit their Nana and Papa.
Recently, they have just begun to learn about Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation. Their Aunt introduced them to the song, “I am a Child of God” to help teach them about their divine association to Heavenly Father. They were immediately drawn to the beautiful tune and the lyrics. Not knowing the real title of the song, they constantly asked for “The Song” to be sung or played on YouTube so they could learn it. “What Song?” their mom would ask. “The ‘Who You Are’ Song” was the response. (Link below)
Now this song has a new name among the family members and is a favorite song that is sung all day and as they go to sleep they ask, “Please sing the ‘Who You Are’ song”. They have felt a connection with Heaven through the simple messages of this song that we are loved by parents not only on this earth but also by a Father who is in Heaven and that our lives have meaning and purpose. That feeling is just the beginning to learn how to Hear Him and it started with music.
A Prophet’s Plea
Our prophet, President Nelson has said, “As we seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ, our efforts to hear Him need to be ever more intentional. It takes conscious and consistent effort to fill our daily lives with His words, His teachings, His truths”
“I renew my plea for you to do whatever it takes to increase your spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation. [i].”
In an effort to help you and your sweet children learn how to “Hear Him”, there will be monthly topics discussed in the blog to focus our efforts in a specific way to recognize and teach how we can recognize His voice and influence in our lives.
Hear Him through music
The Bible teaches us in Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Music is powerful, not only teaching the gospel in a touching and meaningful way, but also connecting our spirit in a way that we can “Hear Him” on a new level. Elder Boyd K Packer (a member of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles) said that “we are able to feel and learn very quickly through music…some spiritual things that we would otherwise learn very slowly.”[ii]
I encourage you to use music in your home to help teach, invite the spirit, lift your spirits, give you courage, connect to Heaven and “Hear Him.” It will take effort but it is so worth it!
Here are a few ideas for how to do this:
*Sing a Hymn or Primary song before family prayer, during Family Home Evening, and Come Follow Me Studies. Did you know there are primary songs that go with the main themes in the Come Follow Me Studies? Your children are probably learning them during Singing time in Primary, you can find the links to the music here:
*Use a song to teach a principle: you might ask questions to help reflect on the message of the song or to encourage a discussion.
*Play arrangements of Hymns and Primary songs on Sundays and during the week. Pandora (MOTAB station), YouTube (LDS Primary songs playlist) and others have stations and lists that are dedicated to uplifting spiritual music that invites the spirit wherever you listen to music. Here are some great ones to start with:
There is Peace in Christ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Waitmz6C100
LDS primary song playlist (variety of songs): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PlyzaKkzTQ&list=PLSSIP3U3gG6_b2N8PpXJJL9gS3uZvMaDO
Gentri The Gentlemen trio, Hymns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs0xmdpjV2g&list=PL_QERHnox29xSknjq9ItgCxzl3jAzeE3P
*If your child plays an instrument, encourage them to learn a Hymn or Primary Song
*Learn and know the lyrics yourself. They can help you teach Gospel principles to your children in a simple way.
*Participate as a family in preparing a musical number for Sacrament meeting.
*Sing in the Ward Choir and ponder on the meaning of the lyrics and let the lyrics strengthen your testimony.
*Memorize the words to a favorite song to help give strength, comfort and withstand temptation.
*Sing primary songs as you work, travel, and as lullabies.
I believe God is real and that as our Father he wants so much to communicate with us but will not force himself on us. We need to choose to put ourselves in positions to Hear Him. I truly believe music invites His spirit in ways that we couldn’t do otherwise. I believe the spirit works with music to help us feel peace and comfort, motivate us and teach us and it is a wonderful way to be connected to God. There is a reason why music is such a huge industry in the world and we can choose to use it in a way to help us draw closer to our Father in Heaven and his Son Jesus Christ.
[i] “Hear Him”, April 2020 General Conference, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/45nelson?lang=eng [ii] “The Arts and Spirit of the Lord, Ensign, Aug. 1976, 61
Comentarios