Today was stake conference. We arrived early to get a "good seat" because Lynae was speaking. (She did a fabulous job by the way.) As I listened to the prelude music, I sang the songs in my head. I knew all the words, and it was like having a mini gospel doctrine lesson on a plethora of subjects. I realized how blessed I am to actually KNOW all the words to so many hymns and primary songs. Instead of just sitting there merely enjoying the lovely melodies, I was taught, and the spirit testified to me of many precious truths, as I mentally reviewed the song lyrics while the organ played.
I was lucky enough to grow up attending church and primary each week where we sang and practiced hymns and primary songs. I was blessed with a mother who knew and sang to us every song imaginable (Not just church songs). And I was blessed with a pretty good memory, so I really DO know the words to many, many songs. It has been a blessing in my life. When I go to the temple and am waiting in the chapel for the session, I usually do NOT read the scriptures (as many do). Instead, I listen to the organ and recite the words to each hymn in my head. (If I don't know all the words-which is seldom-I look them up and follow along in the hymn books provided in the temple chapel.) The Lord's wise counsel to Emma Smith was to prepare a selection of hymns. Of all the directions He could have given, this was one which she was specifically commanded to do because, "the song of the righteous is a prayer" and will be "answered with a blessing."* The Lord WANTS to bless us, and providing hymns and songs for us to sing and learn is one way in which we can merit His blessing in our lives. Knowing the words to many hymns/primary songs has blessed and continues to bless my life.
* See Doctrine and Covenants 25:12
