Every Sunday, we pick up the hymnal and sing a variety of songs meant to encourage the Holy Spirit to join us in our worship. We also use these beautiful songs in our family home evenings, and listen to them throughout the day. The Lord has told us that “the song of the righteous is a prayer unto (Him),” and we try to utilize these wonderful expressions.
But there are a few songs that we won’t ever find between the covers of our little green books, and I would like to share just a few of them with you. For some reason, the church leadership has rejected these fine suggestions, and I’m not completely sure why. Perhaps you can shed a little light on their decision.
1. We Thank Thee, O God, For a Profit – Written by those living in the time of President Lorenzo Snow, this song celebrates the tithe-paying Saints and how they have kept the church out of debt for many years.
2. I Stand All Flabbergasted – We all have people we don’t really like. This song questions why the Savior would bother saving them, of all people?
3. Jesus Wants Me For a Stormcloud – A hymn acknowledging the need for righteous anger in our lives.
4. Families Don’t Have to Be Together Forever – Sure, we want to be with our families for all eternity, but it’s nice to know we don’t have to be. This song recognizes the gift of agency, and celebrates our ability to finally escape that pesky younger sibling.
5. A Mighty Fortress Is Our Bank – This hymn celebrates the fact that, when you have lots and lots of money, nothing really bad can happen to you. After all, you can just pay someone else to experience your trials.
6. Leave, Leave, Ye Saints – Penned by early Utah settlers, this beautiful tune admonishes the British Saints to stay put and not venture into America. The trials and tribulations, it warns, are just too great.
7. Long Hour of Prayer – Have you ever knelt in family prayer with someone who just never seems ready to end? This song celebrates your frustrations towards those family members who think you need to share every last thought you have with the Lord, instead of keeping your prayers short and sweet.
There they are, seven beautiful hymns that were rejected for some unknown reason. Perhaps we can all lobby together and have them added to the hymnal. I’m sure the Lord would enjoy hearing us sing them.
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