Close as a Quiet Prayer
“…for he is not far from every one of us.”
Acts 17:27 (JST)
About the Song
When my son was young, he taped a poster to his closet door. I didn’t have the heart to complain about the tape, because he had been given the poster in Primary (the children’s organization of the LDS Church), and at the bottom was a section that looked something like this:
What a privilege and blessing to know that our Heavenly Father is never far away from us, and that He will hear us pray anytime, anywhere, whether we are kneeling or standing or running or playing… or driving or studying or working or…
This song was written for my grandson, Killian, so that he would always remember that Heavenly Father is always near, and always listens.
The solo version was recorded using the obbligato for two cellos. Some(!) of us may not have two cellists at hand, so I’ve included an obbligato for a single cello, as well as the two-cello version scored for violin/cello and viola/cello. The full score includes the parts as written for two cellos.
Sheet Music Downloads
PDF:
(Also included in the “My Heart Sings”elementary piano book.)
Personal Composer:
Transpose/resize .pc files using the Personal Composer Demo. (Help)
Spotify, Soundcloud (inc. free downloads)
Click the 
to download the free track for personal use.
Recording featuring vocals by Allyse Smith Taylor:
Cello by Ramona McConkie
Accompaniment track:
Cello by Ramona McConkie
Apple Music, Amazon
These files may be copied/shared in any quantity in any physical format unless otherwise noted. They may not be re-sold or offered for download.
YouTube
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Lyrics
Moment by moment, by night or by day,
My Heavenly Father is not far away
And He will be near when I whisper His name,
He is close as a quiet prayer
Close as a quiet prayer.
When I am thankful for blessings He sends,
He smiles as I offer my praises to Him,
And when I’m alone and in need of a friend,
He is close as a quiet prayer
Close as a quiet prayer.
I can pray to my Father above anytime, anywhere
When I call, He will always be
Close as a quiet prayer.
Whether I’m kneeling to seek Him in words,
Or silently praying, my heart will be heard.
His love will enfold me, His promise is sure
He is close as a quiet prayer
Close as a quiet prayer.
If you have questions, please check the FAQ.
If you don't find your answer there, feel free to post your question here. 🙂
16 Comments
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Such a beautiful song! My husband and I are trying to have children and this song is definitely one I want to teach them when God finally brings them into being. Thank you for sharing it so freely. The LORD bless you!
You are so special to share your music talents freely with others. I thank you and feel grateful everytime i sing one of your songs. i can feel the spirit with which you wrote them. Thank you!!!
I LOVE your music, arrangement, and your generosity to share. I am a primary chorister and our ward choir director and I use your beautiful music all the time! Thanks Thanks Thanks!
Where is the piano accompaniment on this song?
God bless you
Thank you for sharing your talent. I have used many of your pieces in sacrament meeting. Beautiful.
I am in love with your music Sally! Each week I try to find a song to boost my spirit and it puts me in a peaceful, happy mood. Thank you for composing such beautiful songs. I can’t live without them!
We loved learning of this beautiful song from the March 2019 Friend! Is the sheet music arrangement for piano available that is used in the accompaniment recoding above? We love that version because it allows for the cello/viola obbligato to follow along properly. They can’t do that when I play the children’s arrangement for piano. Thanks for sharing your talents!
Yep… right up at the top under “Sheet Music Downloads.” 😉
Can’t seem to find the full score although I checked each version listed under sheet music downloads. thanks
https://defordmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/solo-close-as-a-quiet-prayer-use-with-optional-obbligato-any.pdf
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful song – may you be blessed as I am by it – will definitely make sure to share ^_^
So beautiful. I think I am going to teach it to my 9 yr old granddaughter who has the sweetest voice and have her sing it in Sacrament meeting.
Sally,
Thank you, You never cease to amaze me at your talent.
You are awesome for writing a cello obbligato. I guess now I have a reason to get my cello out of the closet and start practicing! Thank you.
In view of a new grandson on the way in early July, this beautiful song will be a wonderful melody to sing at his dedication to God.