Encourage Uplifting Music in the Home

“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” (Hymns, x).

Among other responsibilities related to music, the Bishopric is directed to "...encourage members to use uplifting music in their homes" (Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 14.2.1). A few counselors in our stake have shared with me how music has blessed their families. As described below, these experiences are inspirational and a great example to us all.  I encourage Bishoprics, as they counsel with families, to encourage them to weave the hymns of the church into their family life.

"The hymns definitely hold a special place in our hearts! We love listening to the Choir before General Conference and the Christmas Devotional. We like to add to the spirit in our home by listening to LDS church hymns at various times during the week. It always helps us relax and feel comforted by inviting the Holy Ghost."

-- Richard Hopfer (Olympia Ward)

"During my mission in England, we had a conference about Jesus Christ. The closing hymn, I Know that my Redeemer Lives, was the most spiritual part of the entire meeting. I never really understood how powerful hymns could be until that moment. As I sang the words, “Oh sweet the joy this sentence gives: I know that my redeemer lives!” The Spirit overwhelmed my entire being and testified of the truthfulness of what I had just sung. When I feel doubt or discouragement in my life, I often think back to that moment when I sang that hymn and my doubts disappear."

-- Josh Read (Lake Crescent Ward)

"Music has a way to bring light into every home. It brings happiness, warmness, and comfort. In our home music helps us prepare for a beautiful Sabbath day. It helps us have a clear mind and an open heart. It's a way to connect with our Father in Heaven. To me every music has a story and with the right lyrics it has a way to touch you in the most powerful way. Uplifting music has a way to make the darkest days, the brightest days."

-- Greguerre Pierre-Jules (Ocoee Ward)