The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Thursday that 12 more songs have been added to its collection, “Hymns — For Home and Church,” including one with lyrics written by President Russell M. Nelson.
The hymn penned by President Nelson is a “super special song,” explained 18-year-old Emily Winters, who sings on the new batch of songs’ English recordings.
“It’s very sacred, talking about us and God,” she said. “It’s a beautiful representation of our relationship.”
President Nelson’s hymn, titled “Our Prayer to Thee,” was first published in a church magazine in 2003, and was later performed at general conferences in October 2018 and April 2022, according to the church’s Thursday announcement.
Now, the hymn joins 11 others which, comprising the fifth batch of songs the church has released for its new hymnbook, have brought the collection’s total to 60 songs available in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.
These songs include:
- “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”
“We hope that as people (sing) these songs, they feel closer to Jesus Christ,” said Elder Matthew L. Carpenter, a General Authority Seventy and an advisor on the committee overseeing the church’s new hymnbook.
“I still remember singing Primary songs in my head,” he said, noting how hymns and music have helped him personally. Whenever ”I felt temptation or discouragement, I’d sing a song and feel the peace of God.”
Elder Carpenter explained each song added to the new hymnbook is “carefully reviewed doctrinally” and designed to help individuals “overcome temptation, worship God and feel peace, hope and joy.”
The hymnbook committee is also “selecting hymns with young people in mind,” according to the church’s Thursday announcement,
“We want every child to feel the joy of singing songs that teach of Jesus Christ and his gospel,” said Primary General President Susan H. Porter who, overseeing the church’s work with children, also serves on the hymnbook committee.
“As the Holy Ghost confirms the truth of what they are singing, they will grow in their testimony of Heavenly Father and (Jesus Christ). The beautiful melodies and lyrics will stay in their hearts and minds throughout their lives, helping children desire to be disciples of Jesus Christ.”
Of the 12 songs recently added to the new hymnbook, “Jesus Is the Way” is a popular hymn from the church’s current Tongan hymnbook, “Can You Count the Stars in Heaven?” is a well-loved German children’s song, and “Stand by Me” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain” are both African American spirituals that are well known and beloved across Christianity.
Church members and leaders are invited to incorporate the new songs into their worship at home and at church.
“As we all sing together,” said Elder Carpenter, “we are united in our love of God and of his beloved son, Jesus Christ.”
About the playlist feature coming to the Gospel Library app
Coming this October, the church’s Gospel Library app will have a playlist feature that will enable individuals to create a playlist of songs from within the app.
This new feature will accompany others being integrated as the church prepares to retire its Sacred Music app in January 2026.
Church members that are logged into both apps with their Church Account will have their playlists synced before the Sacred Music app is retired.