Joseph Prayed in Faith

This is a new children’s song in the Hymns – For Home and Church. It is Hymn #1049. You can download a copy here.

This is a sweet song talking about Joseph Smith’s journey to his prayer in the Sacred Grove and the answer from God and Jesus Christ. It is a also a reminder that we all can pray to God and Jesus Christ and receive our own answers to prayers. God is the same, so if then, He will now!

Music Method

This song has three verses. There is no chorus, so it is much like a hymn in it’s form.

The rhythm is quite fun on this song and would lend well to some hand actions.

In verse one and two: The first , second and fourth phrase have some moving eight notes where the children could wave both hands back and forth two times in front of their body , then on the slower quarter notes, they could hammer a fist to a palm on each slow word.

The third phrase raises and lowers like an arch. The children could swing one arm at a time in an arch.

In verse three: This verse has a slightly different melody. You could still use the waving hands and fist to palm, but it will be in a different pattern.

Another option would be to roll their hands on those eight note rhythms. On the word vision, place their hands to their eyes (like looking). Roll again. On the word feel, place their hand on their heart. Roll again. On the word Father, raise one hand to the heaven. Roll again. On the word hear me, cup one ear (like listening). Roll again. On the word true, place your pointer finger to lips and then move it outward. (ASL for truth)

Visual Aids

You can download a flipchart for this song here

Gospel Teaching

There are many ways to talk about prayer. You could type up these questions and have the children take turns picking one after they successfully learn a few phrases or a verse. You could also set a timer and see how much they can learn before the timer goes off.

Questions for discussion:

What question did Joseph have? Which religion is right and what church to join

Where did he learn that God would answer prayers? James 1:5 (Bible)

Where did Joseph go to pray? The Sacred Grove (a quiet place around where he lived)

Who answered Joseph’s prayer? God our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ

Where can you go to pray? Any sacred place, in your heart etc

Have you had a prayer answered? What did you feel? What did you do? What should you do if your prayer doesn’t seem to be getting an answer?

Here is a video for you to practice with

Happy Singing!