DAY 31 of #100daysofJesus
Uplifting music can connect us to heaven.
At the conclusion of what is known as the Lord's Supper or the Last Supper, both Matthew and Mark record that Jesus with his disciples "sang a hymn."
It appears the singing of the hymn was their final action before Jesus ventured to the Mount of Olives with Peter, James, and John, to pray and begin His atonement for us.
Why is this significant?
Jesus knew what the evening would have in store for him, as well as the next few days. While the disciples still seemed uncertain about the events that would follow, there was no doubt a feeling of anxiousness among the group. The music touched to their souls, brought calmness and peace, and gave Jesus an added measure of strength to take the next step.
Boyd K Packer taught, "There are many references in the scriptures, both ancient and modern, that attest to the influence of righteous music. The Lord, Himself, was prepared for His greatest test through its influence."
Similarly, in our church meetings we sing sacred hymns as part of our worship. In particular, we sing a sacramental hymn that focuses on Jesus Christ to prepare us for partaking of the sacramental emblems (bread and water), which we do to remember Him and renew the covenants we have made with Him.
Just as Jesus prepared for his great sacrifice by singing a hymn, we prepare to make our own sacramental offering of a broken heart and a contrite spirit by singing of a hymn.
In 1830, Jesus revealed through the prophet Joseph Smith, "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."
Music is an important part of worship because singing praises God and connects us to heaven. It strengthens our souls just as it did for Jesus who set the example for us.
(References: Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26, D&C 25:12, Inspiring Music- Worthy Thoughts by Elder Boyd K Packer (Oct 1973))
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