A week ago my daughter had the opportunity to participate in a senior Primary children’s choir for Stake Conference. They had two practices beforehand and were asked to bring only scriptures and paper with them to sit on the stand – no toys. They would be up there for two full hours, during which time they were asked to be very reverent, and it was expected that they not leave the stand at all. I was very curious to see how it would turn out.
Every single child there behaved like a little angel the whole time. I saw no over-the-top whispering, they stayed in their seats, and many seemed to be actually listening.
Most touching of all was the sight of all fifty or so children rising on cue from the conductor, raising their voices in song. I understand so well why the Lord says that “the song of the righteous is a prayer unto (Him).” (D&C 25:12) They sang with sweetness as they expressed their belief that they are children of God, and that they had truly been sent by Him to this earth. They sang with gusto as they proclaimed that they have scripture power, and that they are strengthened every day as they seek out the words He gave the prophets to speak. But I could not hold back the tears when they sang “Holding Hands Around the World.”
This song was written by Janice Kapp Perry and was distributed to Primaries all over the world to be learned and sung in many languages. The chorus goes:
We are children holding hands around the world,
Like an army with the gospel flag unfurled.
We are led by His light,
And we love truth and right.
We are building the kingdom of God.
Do these children feel the power of the words they are singing? Do they realize how precious and eternal they are in His sight? I don’t know, but I do know that every time I hear this song, I am reminded of the incredible heritage that is theirs, and it makes me all the more determined to teach them and guide them so they can live up to their potential.
Oh, how sweet the voices of the little children. I think heavenly choirs must sound just like that.
Related Blogs:
Family Home Evening: Music and Worship
General Conference: The Nourishing Power of Hymns