The Results are In: Favorite LDS Hymns
It wasn’t very scientific… only around 340 responses…and yeah, I only let you choose one! Totally sadistic. 🙂
There are so many hymns in our current hymnbook that the overall winner garnered only 6% of the vote, and since you only got one choice, many lovely hymns had no votes at all. **sniff**
Here are your top 10 choices for non-Sacrament hymns, i.e., those lovely, general-purpose hymns we use for worship. Click the toggle to listen and for more information. (Mine didn’t make the top 10, did yours? 🙂 )
#1: How Great Thou Art
Hymn #86
I couldn’t resist this men’s chorus version, barbershop style by Vocal Majority, from the 2015 Barbershop Harmony Society Convention. The rendition is beautiful–and some of those faces are priceless.
#2 The Spirit of God
Hymn #2 … is #2 in the hymnbook. That’s got to be significant somehow. Maybe.
#3 Because I Have Been Give Much
Hymn #219
Here’s a lovely version by Thurl Bailey. Because I love Thurl’s voice. And basketball. 🙂
#4 Be Still My Soul
Hymn #124
#5 Lord, I Would Follow Thee
Hymn #220
#6 Where Can I Turn for Peace?
#7 A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief
Hymn #29
Please make sure you include the very last verse. Every. Time. 😉
#8 Press Forward, Saints
Hymn #81
Anything with a bunch of alleluias in it is good by me!
#9 How Firm a Foundation
Hymn #85
I know these recordings are getting a little MoTab-heavy, but … those horns… mmmmmmm.
This less-often-sung verse is one of my favorites:
The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake
I’l never, no never, no never forsake.
That verse starts at about 2:40. <3 <3 <3
#10 I Know That My Redeemer Lives
Hymn #136
This one has been sung at many of our family funerals… and probably some in your family too. Such a hopeful, uplifting song.
Now it’s time for Sacrament hymns. (In the LDS Church “Communion” or “The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper” is usually referred to as simply “the Sacrament.”)
Since there are fewer of these, the overall winner took a whopping 27% of the vote, and considering it’s so beautiful, it’s no wonder.
#1 I Stand All Amazed
Hymn #193
#2 As Now We Take the Sacrament
Hymn #169
#3 In Humility, Our Savior
Hymn #172
This hymn is often sung as “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” at Christmas time, with words by Charles Wesley.
#4 There Is a Green Hill Far Away
#5 Reverently and Meekly Now
#6 How Great the Wisdom and the Love
#7 With Humble Heart
Hymn #171
#8 Jesus, Once of Humble Birth
Hymn #196
#9 We’ll Sing All Hail to Jesus’ Name
Hymn #182
#10 O Savior, Thou Who Wearest a Crown
Hymn #197
This is some of the most gorgeous poetry in the entire hymnal, but it’s often not sung because the Hassler/Bach setting is difficult for organists and congregations alike.
So there you have it. If you want the whole list, here’s my raw data as an Excel file (.ods actually… I’m cheap like that).
If you would like the sheet music for the standard hymn setting of any of the above songs, you can see them, listen to them, print them for free, transpose them, learn your part… whatever your heart desires… here: Hymns at LDS.org.
With the announcement of a new LDS hymnal (which is probably still some years down the road) I should have made the poll something along the lines of “DON’T YOU DARE REMOVE THIS HYMN FROM THE NEW BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Or maybe, “Can we PLEEEEASE get rid of (Insert Least-Favorite Hymn Title Here).” (On that topic… no way was I going to go that direction! One person’s least favorite is usually someone else’s favorite, and it’s waaaay to easy to be negative instead of positive.. 🙂 )
In case you’re wondering, the Church music office gets at least two calls a day asking (demanding?) that “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” be put back in this edition. They’re on it. 🙂
Handy info…
Since you asked: How to Find Translations on This SiteFinding translations here is super easy. This is what you do: […]
Resizing Scores Using the Personal Composer DemoStep by step instructions on resizing scores or text using the Personal Composer demo. […]- Transposing Using Personal ComposerHow to transpose .pc scores using the Personal Composer Demo. Step by step instructions. […]
I am so happy that we have some new hymns, in particular the sacrament hymns. They are all truly lovely. While the old standby hymns like How Great Thou Art and A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief can never be replaced, having some new hymns is like a lovely Spring breeze.
I really hope Be Thou My Vision is in the new hymnbook
We live in a Military Stake in Columbus Georgia There are a lot of Military Family in our Ward. I would love to see more Patriotic Hymns in the new Hymn book.
Thank you so much if my suggestion gets approved.
I want the arrangement of Savior Redeemer of My soul that is in Ephraim’s rescue or 17 miracles… I am not sure what instruments could make it sound like what was in the movie, but it just brings my heart so much joy. Do you have any arrangements that have the extra notes? I am not talented in music at all, but love it sacred music to a fault.
I have a ward members that play the bassoon, clarinet, flute, cello and piano that I can ask to participate. I wouldn’t mind paying, but of course want it yesterday as the bishop just asked for a special musical number for Easter. Do you know who did the arrangement for the movie?
You Are most generous with your great talent and I appreciate being able to come here and download for free. It’s remarkable. thank you for sharing all that you do
So sad that How Great Thou Art, Be Still My Soul, and Because I have Been Given Much are all probably NOT going to be included in the new hymn book. On electronics it looks like the church doesn’t have the copy rights for it.
If they want to include it, I don’t think purchasing the copy rights will be any obstacle for the print volume. I would be surprised if those were left out. 🙂
It is already in the current hymnal.
Thank you so much for your generosity in providing beautiful arrangements for many genres. We are serving a mission in Mexico and I am introducing them to your music. I randomly found O Holy Night in Spanish. Is there an easy way to find which songs have been published in Spanish on your site? Thanks again for your goodness.
I, too, am grateful to you for all the music and the ideas. You are a blessing to all of us who love music. It is so generous of you to provide free musical arrangements. I wish I could know you personally.
I love the hymn “Lead Kindly Light”
I was wondering which music system you use to compose your music: Finale or Sibelius or something else?
Elsewhere on her site, Sally has mentioned that she uses Personal Composer, which is no longer available for purchase.
When adding/subtracting hymns toward the creation of a new hymn book, I would love to see our Church Music Dept. include a very old hymn which my parents sang in early 20th century and which appears in hymn books of other denominations. It is entitled, “In the Garden.” The first 2 verses are: (1) “I come to the Garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses. And the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses..” And He walks with me and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own. And the joys we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”
(2) He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing. And the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing!.. And He walks with me….(same as above).
I am still uplifted by these words as I write to you, Sally! Thank you for your lovely music. I am quietly playing your recent gift to your grandchild, “Close as a Silent Prayer” each Sunday as we prepare for our ward’s Relief Society hour. It’s precious!
“In the Garden” was one of my Mom’s most favorite songs. She passed away in 2018 at age 100 and I sang this at her funeral. So, of course, I also would sure love it if this were included in the new hymnal !
I love that song.
Sally, I LOVE YOU!!! We have a family mantra that you will understand…”Music isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am”. I have loved and used many of your hymns, songs in Church, at home, with our Elijah choir while on my 11 1/2 yr Family History Mission. To have the “gift” and to share it with others “free of cost” is ?? I don’t have the words to say how much you are appreciated. God Bless You. Dorothea
Awww… it’s so nice to be loved!
Sally, you have many wonderful arrangements and pieces–I sure hope that something of your gets in the upcoming hymnal!
Oh – I So hope they reinstate “Come thou Font…” as a standard again. Fingers crossed!!
Oh, please! Abide With Me, ‘Tis Eventide HAS to be on the all-time list. Have you ever taken the time to read the words? And the music’s beautiful.
Abide with Me, ‘Tis Eventide is one of my favorite hymns, as well. The music is so pleading, so longing for the Savior. When the husband of a friend of ours died many years ago, she commented how long the nights were. Ever since then, I have thought of her whenever I sing this song. I pray she is enveloped in His love as much as I feel cared for when I sing this song.
My favorite ” Lead Kindly Light” did not make the top 10 but my fave Sacrament Hymn is “I Stand All Amazed” so I feel pretty good about picking the #1 choice there. I was really gratified to have “How Great Thou Art” added to the 1985 edition; I had sung it as a Protestant for years before my LDS baptism and missed it. It is a sacrifice to have it in our book as it requires special licensing and a large chunk of change to include it. Thanks for a fun poll!
I did my survey from the church music department and started listing off all the songs I don’t think I’ve ever sung. There were so many I quit and deleted the list. Sad but true.
Have I Done Any Good, is a must
Put Your Shoulder To The Wheel is a Keeper
I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go
How Gentle God’s Commands
Abide With Me
All are keepers for me, plus many more.
Always enjoy your blogs. Esp. liked this. !n 1981(?) our small study club had a session on the changes in the “new green” hymnbook; new hymns, left out hymns, changed wording, etc. Would be interesting to do again – maybe as
a committee. I’d be happy to do a part
Im hoping that some of your hymns along with some other current composers hymns will make it!
Is there anyplace on your site that has a general ‘Search’ box, where a person could see all your arrangements for all instrumental music or vocal music?
There are a few ways you can do that.
First, there’s a link under “Sheet Music” at the top called “Songs by Category/Voicing.” It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a start.
Next, there’s a link under “Sheet Music” at the top called “Song List.” On that page, you’ll see a box labeled “Refine this list.” Try typing the instrument or voice type you’re looking for into that box. The list should shrink to show you only songs containing your choice. (If there is nothing left, it found nothing.)
Lastly, at the top of each page there is a magnifying glass. If you click it, you can search the entire site. I find that the least friendly option. Since it’s a simple word search, it usually returns too many results to be really useful.