Repentance

"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" (Handbook 2: Administering the Church 14:1).

Bishops, as you ponder how to help those who are seeking to repent, consider the following counsel from Section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants: "...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).

Participating in music can be a source of great spiritual strength to those walking the path of repentance. The hymns of the Church were written and compiled to provide encouragement and strength to those who feel weak and without hope.

As you "reason together" with those seeking to repent, consider the following suggestions:

1. Memorize the words of a favorite hymn and recite them when temptations arise
2. Arrive early to sacrament meeting and ponder while listening to the prelude music
3. Learn and sing the hymns with the congregation each week in sacrament meeting
4. Enjoy hymn arrangements and other inspirational music in the car on a daily commute or when running errands
5. Join the ward choir (my personal favorite)
6. Sing hymns or selections from the Children's Songbook with your family in FHE

As they do so, they will feel again to "sing the song of redeeming love" (Alma 5:26).

I believe in Christ--my Lord, my God! My feet he plants on gospel sod. I'll worship him with all my might; He is the source of truth and light. I believe in Christ; he ransoms me. From Satan's grasp he sets me free, And I shall live with joy and love In his eternal courts above.