This last Sunday, the sacrament song was #195–there are a total of 5 verses-two are in text under the staff. These lower verses are usually optional, and not used except if the preparation of the sacrament isn’t done and more time is needed.
After these initial verses in the staff, out of habit, we close the hymnbook and put it away to be ready for the sacramental blessing of the bread. Some times the sacrament isn’t finished and the organ player plays more of the hymn we just sang until it is time. Today was no different, except the chorister continued to lead us on to sing the additional verses. Many of us were hurrying to get the book back out.
There are so many hymns that have some extra verses. Even some of the hymns that are not used for the sacrament, for example #6 Redeemer of Israel. It doesn’t mean those verses aren’t as important as the other verses, most often having the extra verses used regularly would make the song really quite long. I’m not sure how they decide which ones to do in the staff and which ones to do below, really to me personally, it doesn’t matter. Each hymn is inspired of God. “For 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)
I need to take the time to read those extra verses. A good time is when we don’t go on to sing, I can read while the organ is playing, or during the passing of the sacrament. What a wonderful way to invite the spirit. In the First Presidency Preface, under the heading, Music in Our Personal Lives it says: “Hymns can life our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action. They 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 you mind, sing a hymn to yourself, crowding out the evil with the good.”
verse 5: In mem’ry of the broken flesh
We eat the broken bread
And witness with the cup, afresh,
Our faith in Christ, our Head.
Verse 6: How great, how glorious, how complete
Redemption’s grand design,
Where justice, love, and mercy meet
In Harmony divine!
When not at church I can even use my Latter Day Saint Music app to play it while I sing. Oh how I love to sing. You don’t need to sing it either. The app can be played where a group will sing it for you. Any way you choose how and when to do it is up to you. I hope to choose to do it more often so that I can invite the spirit to be with me at any time, any where, especially when I am struggling and need him the most.
I testify that there have been many times when my heart was weighed down, and I would sing a hymn to myself, my heart would be lifted and many times my mind would be inspired as to what I need to do.
May these practices help on the journey to help become ‘Who I Am’
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
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