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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.

Spotify, Soundcloud (inc. free downloads)

Click the Soundcloud download icon 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.

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16 Comments

  1. Alexis

    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!

    Reply
  2. Jana Ames

    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!!!

    Reply
  3. Susan Hawkins

    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!

    Reply
  4. Sandi Clayton-Burgess

    Where is the piano accompaniment on this song?

    Reply
  5. Brian Lubasi

    God bless you

    Reply
  6. Debbie Findlay

    Thank you for sharing your talent. I have used many of your pieces in sacrament meeting. Beautiful.

    Reply
  7. Olivia

    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!

    Reply
  8. Trish Freeman

    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!

    Reply
    • sallydeford

      Yep… right up at the top under “Sheet Music Downloads.” 😉

      Reply
      • Leigh Ann Martin

        Can’t seem to find the full score although I checked each version listed under sheet music downloads. thanks

        Reply
        • sallydeford

          https://defordmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/solo-close-as-a-quiet-prayer-use-with-optional-obbligato-any.pdf

          Reply
  9. Alexis

    Thank you for sharing such a wonderful song – may you be blessed as I am by it – will definitely make sure to share ^_^

    Reply
  10. Bonnie

    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.

    Reply
  11. Susan R Smith

    Sally,
    Thank you, You never cease to amaze me at your talent.

    Reply
  12. Noelle Gosnell

    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.

    Reply
  13. Gary Denniss

    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.

    Reply

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