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Think a Sacred Song

Originally aired August 2, 2026
MACK WILBERG
Conductor

BRIAN MATHIAS
Organist

DERRICK PORTER
The Spoken Word

PRAISE THE LORD! YE HEAV’NS ADORE HIM
Music: William Moore
Text: Psalm 148
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

LORD, THROUGH CHANGING DAYS, UNCHANGING
Music: Henry Smart
Text: Walter Russell Bowie
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

IN CHRIST THERE IS NO EAST OR WEST (ORGAN SOLO)
Music: African American spiritual
Arrangement: Gilbert M. Martin

HOW EXCELLENT THY NAME
from Saul
Music: George Frideric Handel
Text: Charles Jennens

HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW
Music: Charles H. Gabriel
Text: Civilla D. Martin
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

THE SPOKEN WORD
“Think a Sacred Song”

THINK A SACRED SONG
Music and Text: Marlene Summers Merkling
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION
Music: J. Ellis
Text: attr. Robert Keen
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg




THINK A SACRED SONG
The Spoken Word
August 2, 2026
By: Derrick Porter

There is power in sacred music. This kind of music—found in great hymns—can lift our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action. It can bring us peace, build our faith, comfort the weary, console those who mourn, and inspire us to endure to the end. In short, sacred music has “boundless powers” to spiritually move us and help us feel closer to God.1

Sacred music is powerful, filled with beautiful and soothing melodies. There is something about inspired music that resonates in our souls, connecting us with heaven. It’s remarkable that a simple combination of notes creates a melody that speaks to us all, regardless of our language or culture. When combined with lyrics that promote faith, hope, and trust in God, sacred music becomes truly powerful.

It’s been said that “some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns.”2

Take, for example, the hymn “Be Still, My Soul”:


Be still, my soul! The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.3


Or, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”:


Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy way and defend thee.
Surely his goodness and mercy shall ever attend thee.
Ponder anew
What the Almighty can do,
Who with his love doth befriend thee.4


Sermons taught through sacred music stay with us long after the music fades. The lyrics, the melody, and the feelings they inspire can remain in our hearts, ready to be called upon as we encounter the challenges of life.

Even when we feel alone, afraid, or weak, we can draw strength from sacred music. One hymn offers this simple invitation: Think a sacred song; the words will give you pow’r.


  1. See Hymns, First Presidency Preface.
  2. Hymns, First Presidency Preface.
  3. “Be Still, My Soul,” Hymns, no. 124.
  4. “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” Hymns, no. 72.