Joseph Smith's First Prayer
Anna asked me if I knew of a great arrangement for youth of "Joseph Smith's First Prayer." That night, a tune for this beloved text came to mind and wouldn't leave me alone. I wasn't sure if I could reset this well-known hymn, but Anna encouraged me, and I went to work. I had the feeling my ward choir also needed to sing it, and soon. This came together in just over a week...miraculous. I loved singing these glorious truths over and over again. It was in the air of my home as my children sang it. And then they helped me record it. That's my own 14-year old singing the solo at the beginning.
I testify of these truths. I know that God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the boy, Joseph Smith, who had come to humbly ask of God. And I am so grateful for the truths restored beginning with this reality.
~Rachel
Voicing: SATB (optional divisi)
Accompaniment: Piano
Topics: Faith, God the Father, Joseph Smith, Prayer, Restoration of the Gospel, Trust
Lyrics: George Manwaring, 1854–1889
Music: Rachel P. Mohlman
LYRICS
Oh, how lovely was the morning!
Radiant beamed the sun above.
Bees were humming, sweet birds singing,
Music ringing thru the grove,
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love,
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love.
Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing—
’Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer—
When the pow’rs of sin assailing
Filled his soul with deep despair;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav’nly Father’s care,
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav’nly Father’s care.
Suddenly a light descended,
Brighter far than noonday sun,
And a shining, glorious pillar
O’er him fell, around him shone,
While appeared two heav’nly beings,
God the Father and the Son,
While appeared two heav’nly beings,
God the Father and the Son.
“Joseph, this is my Beloved;
Hear him!” Oh, how sweet the word!
Joseph’s humble prayer was answered,
And he listened to the Lord.
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom,
For he saw the living God,
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom,
For he saw the living God.