Sacred Music that lifts our souls

The Church has its standard sacred music, as well as other special music.  For those times when meetings are going a little slow, or I feel too fidgety or distracted to just listen to the speaker, I often take a moment to scan through some of the music in the LDS hymnal.

For example, in days (mostly past) when I was working out my repentance over my behavior and how it aligned with my beliefs (or otherwise) the song entitled "Prayer is the Soul's Sincerest desire" was one of my favorites.  It told me that I was not alone, and that Heaven was there to help me.  Here are two key verses:

5. Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice, 
Returning from his ways,
 While angels in their songs rejoice
 And cry, “Behold, he prays!”
7. Nor prayer is made on earth alone:
 The Holy Spirit pleads,
 And Jesus at the Father’s throne
 For sinners intercedes.

Just as in the song above, LDS music is so uplifting.  It testifies to basic tenets of the Church; it elevates the spirit; and gives calm and peace.   Some of the most fervent sentiments of the Saints were created in music, as they spoke of their faith and belief while they endured their greatest hardships.

Come Come Ye Saints, is perhaps one of the most profound example of how, when pushed beyond their human abilities to endure hardships, the Saints sang of their sincere belief while reciting the phrase:

"And should we die before our journey's through,
 Happy day! All is well!
 We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
 With the just we shall dwell!"

I sang this song at the hospital bedside of my beloved, late Grandmother, Johanna Buhl Von Christenhoven, as she was succumbing to a stroke.  As I sang to her, she raised her hand, and held mine tightly.  It brings a tear to my eye as I think of the tenderness of that moment, as this wonderful LDS hymn helped us connect one last time.

For almost any time and condition in your life, there is sacred music offered by the Church, to lift your spirits, to provide peace and comfort, and instruction when you need it.  Beyond standard LDS hymns, there is so much more, too.   I really love the Messiah by Handel.  Here is a link of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah.  From the song: "He shall feed his flock" comes the following:

Come unto Him, all ye that labour, come unto Him that are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take his yoke upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (Matthew 11: 28-29)

This is particularly sweet, and it soothes my soul like a healing balm.

Please take a moment to think about some of your favorite religious music, and share a note with us - what is it, why do you like it, and how does it help you?