Christensen: Hymns of praise are a great way to give thanks

Music and the singing of hymns of praise to God have long been part of the Christian religious tradition. The Old Testament alone contains well over one hundred references to singing and music.

Many of the verses reflect the singing of praise to the Lord for deliverance from enemies or other answers to prayer. After Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, escaping the armies of the Pharaoh through the parting of the Red Sea, Israel sang a lengthy song of gratitude: 

"Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea." Exodus 15:1-19. 

References to the role of music continue in the New Testament as reflected in Paul's instruction to the Ephesians regarding the need to be filled with the spirit. To do that, he explained, "[Speak] to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19, 20. 

The scriptures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also contain references to music and to singing hymns. Those in the Book of Mormon are similar to those of the Bible, describing hymns of praise and thanksgiving.

"And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long, and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord." Ether 9:9 

The most familiar quotation regarding music in the Doctrine and Covenants, however, is a revelation given through Joseph Smith to his wife, Emma. She was directed to compile a "selection of sacred hymns" for the newly formed church. In that revelation the Lord says, "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 

The first hymn book, published five years after the church was formed, contained 90 hymn texts. Six years later the second hymnal contained 304 hymns. Music was an important part of the daily lives of church members with bands, choirs, dancing and singing. And accounts of the trek across the plains describe the strength and encouragement the Saints found in music around the campfires in the evening.

Within one month of the pioneers' arrival in Salt Lake Valley, the first choir was formed, followed by a brass band. By 1857 a pipe organ arrived and was installed in the "Old Tabernacle." They were eventually replaced by the current Tabernacle, and a new organ, which has been expanded, refurbished and replaced several times. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has gone on to be known throughout the world for its unique sound and message of faith and hope.

Brigham Young, raised in a Puritan home where music was prohibited, encouraged musical training for his children and music in the church, saying "all good music belongs in heaven; there is no music in hell. We should delight in hearing harmonious tones made by the human voice, by musical instruments and by both combined."

What better way to give thanks than through hymns of praise and gratitude. You can join members of the community for the annual Hymns of Thanksgiving at Qwest Arena at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22. Or attend the 27th annual Thanksgiving Ecumenical and Interfaith Service at St. John's Cathedral at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25.

Take a moment to give thanks through song and praise.

Glenna M. Christensen is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.