Hymn Written by President Nelson Included in Latest Release

The release of the new hymnbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues with the addition of 12 songs to the collection, “Hymns—For Home and Church.” The lyrics are in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. These songs will be available on the online Music Library, Gospel Library and Sacred Music app within the next 24 hours.

Church President Russell M. Nelson wrote the lyrics for the hymn “Our Prayer to Thee,” which is included in this release. First published in the “Ensign” (now the “Liahona”) magazine in 2003, the hymn was also performed at general conferences in October 2018 and April 2022.

“It’s a super, super special song,” said hymnbook singer Emily Winters,18, who sings on the new batch’s English recordings. “It’s very sacred, talking about us and God. It’s a beautiful representation of our relationship.”

The new hymns now available are:

• “Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends”
• “Help Us Remember”
• “How Did the Savior Minister”
• “Jesus Is the Way”
• “Can You Count the Stars in Heaven?”
• “He Cares for Me”
• “Our Prayer to Thee”
• “Joseph Prayed in Faith”
• “Stand by Me”
• “This Day Is a Good Day, Lord”
• “Go Tell It on the Mountain”
• “Little Baby in a Manger”

These additions bring the total number of songs in “Hymns—For Home and Church” to 60 in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. Today’s release also includes 15 new hymns in German, Korean and Tagalog, for a total of 37 in those languages. Church members and leaders are invited to incorporate this music into their worship at home and at church.

“We hope that as people [sing] these songs, they feel closer to Jesus Christ,” said Elder Matthew L. Carpenter of the Seventy, an advisor on the committee overseeing the new hymnbook. “And by singing these new songs people become acquainted with them, and they’ll remember them for the rest of their lives. And by doing that, they will feel like they are closer to Jesus Christ.”

This latest batch of hymns adds to the global feel of the new hymnbook. “Jesus Is the Way” is a popular hymn from the current Tongan hymnbook, and “Can You Count the Stars in Heaven?” is a well-loved German children’s song. “Stand by Me” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain” are both African American spirituals that are well known and beloved across Christianity.

The Power of Sacred Music

The committee is selecting hymns with young people in mind. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inviting youth to experience the power of sacred music in a personal way.

Katie Giles, 14, an instrumentalist for the new hymnbook, encourages listeners to approach the hymns with open hearts. “Just let the Spirit come to you when you listen,” she said. “Don’t take it for granted. Don’t just take it as a Christmas song. Take it as a message from Jesus Christ.”

Jake Despain, 15, another vocalist for the hymnbook, emphasized the depth of the lyrics. “I would encourage people to really take in the meaning of these hymns. The lyrics are beautiful.”

Music plays a central role in hymnbook singer Naomi Perkin’s life, and she is grateful for the guidance it can bring. “We listen to music to do basically anything,” said Perkins, 19. “It keeps us going. Having spiritual music to guide you is so helpful. It helps me — and I know it helps others — feel God’s love throughout our lives.”

Primary General President Susan H. Porter, who oversees the faith’s work with children and also serves on the hymnbook committee, shared how music can teach children.

“We want every child to feel the joy of singing songs that teach of Jesus Christ and His gospel,” President Porter said. “As the Holy Ghost confirms the truth of what they are singing, they will grow in their testimony of Heavenly Father and His Son. The beautiful melodies and lyrics will stay in their hearts and minds throughout their lives, helping children desire to be disciples of Jesus Christ.”

President Timothy Farnes, who leads the global Church’s Young Men organization, echoed President Porter’s emphasis on the spiritual power of the new hymns.

“I am grateful for the hymns of the Church. Hymns invite the Spirit into our meetings and into our lives,” President Farnes said. “They can be a form of protection and praise or a source of comfort and healing. Jesus Christ prepared for His greatest sacrifice and suffering using the influence of music. Mark 14:26 reads, ‘And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.’”

Elder Carpenter shared similar thoughts, noting how music has helped him personally.

“I still remember singing Primary songs in my head,” Elder Carpenter said. “When I felt temptation or discouragement, I’d sing a song and feel the peace of God. These new hymns are carefully reviewed doctrinally. They’re designed to help us overcome temptation, worship God, and feel peace, hope, and joy.”

“As we all sing together,” he added, “we are united in our love of God and of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.”

Playlist Feature for Gospel Library App Coming Soon

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The Sacred Music app will retire in January 2026, but the features are being integrated into the Gospel Library app.

Coming in October 2025, individuals will be able to create a playlist of songs in the Gospel Library app.

If members of the Church are logged into both apps with their Church Account, their playlists will be synced before the Sacred Music App is retired.

For more information about this change, see this article.