Think a Sacred Song
There is power in sacred music. This kind of music—found in great hymns—can lift our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action. It can bring us peace, build our faith, comfort the weary, console those who mourn, and inspire us to endure to the end. In short, sacred music has “boundless powers” to spiritually move us and help us feel closer to God.[1]
Sacred music is powerful, filled with beautiful and soothing melodies. There is something about inspired music that resonates in our souls, connecting us with heaven. It’s remarkable that a simple combination of notes creates a melody that speaks to us all, regardless of our language or culture. When combined with lyrics that promote faith, hope, and trust in God, sacred music becomes truly powerful.
It’s been said that “some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns.”[2]
Take, for example, the hymn “Be Still, My Soul”:
Be still, my soul! The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.[3]
Or, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”:
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy way and defend thee.
Surely his goodness and mercy shall ever attend thee.
Ponder anew
What the Almighty can do,
Who with his love doth befriend thee.[4]
Sermons taught through sacred music stay with us long after the music fades. The lyrics, the melody, and the feelings they inspire can remain in our hearts, ready to be called upon as we encounter the challenges of life.
Even when we feel alone, afraid, or weak, we can draw strength from sacred music. One hymn offers this simple invitation:
Think a sacred song; the words will give you pow’r.
Think the melody, and in that very hour
Your heart and mind will open to let the Spirit in,
And you will feel His comfort again.
Think a sacred song when scared or feeling bad.
Hum the quiet tune whenever you are sad.
Your heart and mind will open to let the Spirit in,
And you will feel His comfort again.[5]
[1] See First Presidency Preface in Hymns
[2] See First Presidency Preface, Hymns
[3] “Be Still My Soul,” Hymns, no. 124.
[4] “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” Hymns, no. 72.
[5] “Think a Sacred Song,” Hymns, 1006.
August 02, 2026
Broadcast Number 5,055
The Tabernacle Choir
Orchestra at Tempe Square
Conductor
Mack Wilberg
Organist
Brian Mathias
Host
Derrick Porter
Praise the Lord! Ye Heav’ns Adore Him
William Moore, arr. Mack Wilberg
Lord, Through Changing Days, Unchanging
Henry Smart, arr. Mack Wilberg
In Christ There Is No East or West
African American spiritual, arr. Gilbert M. Martin
How Excellent Thy Name, from Saul
George Frideric Handel
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
Charles H. Gabriel, arr. Mack Wilberg
Think a Sacred Song
Marlene Summers Merkling, arr. Mack Wilberg
How Firm a Foundation
J. Ellis, arr. Mack Wilberg