This is a new children’s song in our Hymns for Home and Church #1036. Here is the background story to the creation of this song.

One morning in 2017, author and composer Teresa Toone Barlow was listening to a general conference talk in which Elder Joaquin E. Costa explained that he had gained his testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel by reading the Book of Mormon and praying about it. This reminded Sister Barlow of a conversation she had had with her son at the end of his mission. He had said, “Mom, if someone wants to know the Church is true, all they have to do is read the Book of Mormon and pray about it, and they will receive an answer every time!”

Reflecting on her son’s testimony, Sister Barlow thought, “It really is that simple!” She realized she couldn’t think of a Primary song that taught that plain and simple truth, and she was filled with a strong desire to write one. As she began writing, she remembered another general conference talk in which Elder Kevin W. Pearson said we should read the Book of Mormon “every day, every day, every day.” Sister Barlow composed “Read the Book of Mormon and Pray” hoping that children would want to sing it over and over again and then be led to the pages of the Book of Mormon daily.

Gospel Teaching

Sometimes we are asked what we want for our birthday or Christmas. It is fun to share our ideas of gifts or experiences that are on our wish list. Our Heavenly Father wants to give us gifts too, so it is important to think about what we want from Him and what is important to us.

verse 1

Place the words, “What do you want?” on the board.

This sweet little song can help us identify some things we might want. You could ask the children to raise their hands if they want “to learn to choose the right” or if they want to “follow in the Savior’s light”? Do you want “to know the gospel’s true?” Does anyone want to use “their faith in Christ”? You could pretend to count their hands and be amazed at how (hopefully) everyone wants these things! 🙂

As your pianist plays the melody for the first phrase, you might have the children pass around an object. When the music stops, have the child holding the object tell you how he or she could choose the right. When you feel they feel comfortable with that part, do the same exercise on the next phrase. (This exercise can be used with both verses if desired)

verse 2

Place the words, “How can this help me?” on the board.

Another question this song can answer is: How can this (reading The Book of Mormon and prayer) help me? Jesus is our Friend and is there to help us. He has given us tools to guide and teach us about Him. Some of these tools are The Book of Mormon and prayer.

This book can help teach us Christ’s ways (temple, family, gospel), help us feel His love (goosebumps, peace), and help us receive answers for our questions and choices (ideas or inspiration as we read).

When you are teaching, you can ALWAYS add personal stories for each of these ways that the Book of Mormon and prayer has helped you, or ask the children for their experiences!

The flipchart includes a page with these two questions (What do you want? How can this help me?) if you want to use these ideas to teach the verses of this song.

Download a copy of the flipchart here.

A Few Tips for Teaching

As always, I recommend starting with the chorus of this song. This song has some fun rhythms that will make you want to stand up and move your body. I plan on using actions for the chorus.

Read the Book of Mormon and pray: These words use a melody that steps up the scale. Using this climb is a wonderful way to teach about crescendos. A crescendo is an increase in volume. I plan on bringing my hands together in front of me and slouching small, then as we sing the words Read the Book of Mormon and, spreading my arms out and circling above my head and getting louder in volume (cresendo). Right as we sing the word pray, we will bring our palms together in front of our body.

Every day, every day, every day: Since this is talking about days, let’s use the sun’s path to help us remember. Using your pointer fingers on both hands, point to the left –day, up above –day, then to the right – day.

God will bless me with His power: Use one hand to point towards heaven on the word God. Then use your muscles pose with both hands to help them remember the words with His power. You could mention that God can give us strength as we obey His commandments and learn about Him.

Teach and guide me hour by hour: I will be using my pointer finger on one hand for this phrase. I will tap the air in front three times (like a teacher trying to emphasize an important concept) on the words teach and guide. Then I will tap my arm three times (where a watch would be) for the words hour by hour.

Then back to the crescendo on Read the Book of Mormon and pray and the pointing of the sun’s path on every day, every day, every day!

Here is a video for you to practice with!

Happy Singing!