Tune Your Heart to Jesus Christ: The Sacred Gift of Primary Music
Tracy Y. Browning, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency
Sister Browning emphasizes the power of Primary music in teaching children gospel truths and nurturing their testimonies of Jesus Christ.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by playing a well-known Primary song and ask class members to reflect on the feelings and memories it evokes. Discuss how music has impacted their spiritual journey.
- Share a personal story or testimony about how a Primary song has influenced your faith or understanding of the gospel.
- Invite a few class members to share their favorite Primary song and explain why it holds special meaning for them.
- Start with a brief history of Primary music and its role in the Church, highlighting its origins and evolution.
- Ask class members to think about a time when a song helped them through a difficult moment and invite a few to share their experiences.
Topics
Connect Hearts Through Sacred Music
Sister Browning shared how sacred music, especially Primary songs, transcends language barriers and connects hearts to the love of God and Jesus Christ. These songs have become a part of her personal worship, lifting her soul and teaching eternal truths.
In children’s voices, the love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, has been proclaimed in clear, piercing truth.
- How has sacred music helped you feel connected to God?
- What role does music play in your personal worship?
- Can you share an experience where music transcended language or cultural barriers?
- How do you think Primary songs can influence a child's understanding of the gospel?
- Why do you think music is such a powerful tool in teaching and worship?
Teach Doctrine Through Primary Songs
Primary songs are powerful tools for teaching doctrine. They tell stories of the Savior’s life, teach His attributes, and testify of His Atonement. Music helps children learn gospel truths and develop a testimony.
Primary music is one of God’s most tender tools for planting the seeds of testimony in the hearts of the Savior’s youngest disciples.
- What doctrines have you learned through Primary songs?
- How can parents and leaders effectively use music to teach children about Jesus Christ?
- Why is it important for children to learn gospel truths through music?
- How can music influence a child's testimony as they grow older?
- What are some ways to incorporate music into teaching gospel principles?
Imprint Truths on Hearts Through Music
Primary music imprints gospel truths on children's hearts, staying with them throughout their lives. These songs can serve as spiritual anchors and reminders of God’s promises in times of decision, temptation, or joy.
A song learned at age six has the power to stay with us—and can return decades later in moments of decision, temptation, grief, or joy.
- How have Primary songs served as spiritual anchors in your life?
- In what ways can music help us remember and rely on God's promises?
- Can you share a moment when a Primary song came to mind and provided comfort or guidance?
- How can we encourage children to internalize gospel messages through music?
- Why is it important to have spiritual anchors in our lives?
Prepare for Ordinances with Sacred Music
Sacred music helps write the doctrine of Christ into our souls and prepares us for His ordinances. It connects the Savior’s teachings to our memory and discipleship, helping children prepare for baptism and confirmation.
Sacred music can help write the doctrine of Christ into the soul and prepare us to receive His ordinances.
- How does music help us prepare for sacred ordinances?
- What role does music play in your preparation for the sacrament each week?
- How can we help children recognize the Holy Ghost's influence as they sing?
- Why is it important for children to understand the connection between music and ordinances?
- How can music enhance our understanding of the covenants we make?
Testify of Eternal Truths Through Music
Sister Browning testified that Primary songs teach eternal truths and lead us to Jesus Christ. They are not just traditions but are powerful sermons and testimonies of the gospel.
Primary songs teach eternal truths and doctrine that lead us to Jesus Christ and His gospel.
- What eternal truths have you learned from Primary songs?
- How can music serve as a testimony of the gospel?
- In what ways can we use music to testify to others about Jesus Christ?
- Why is it important to share the truths we learn through music with others?
- How can we ensure that the music we choose to share reflects our testimony?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we cultivate a love for sacred music in our homes?
- What are some ways to keep Primary songs relevant as children grow older?
- How can adults continue to benefit from the lessons taught in Primary music?
- What impact does singing together have on a congregation?
- How can we encourage participation in music among those who may feel shy or reluctant?
- How does music help us feel the Spirit more strongly?
- What are some creative ways to incorporate music into family home evenings?
- How can we use music to strengthen our personal relationship with the Savior?
- What role does music play in your daily scripture study or prayer?
- How can we support Primary music leaders in their efforts to teach children?
