A batch of 12 new hymns has been added to Hymns—For Home and Church, continuing the gradual release of sacred music for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While no accompanying news release has yet been issued, the selections are now available digitally through the Church’s Music Library and the Gospel Library app.
The newest additions include 11 hymns in the main collection and one Easter hymn. Together, they reflect themes of covenant discipleship, revelation, family worship, scriptural narrative, and devotion to Jesus Christ.
The Newly Released Hymns
Covenants and Daily Discipleship
One of the most doctrinally layered additions is “Joyfully Bound,” written by Anna M. Molgard with music by Molgard and Rachel Pettit Mohlman. The hymn traces the covenant path through baptism, sacrament, and temple worship, declaring, “We are joyfully, joyfully bound / By cov’nant to the Father!”
Sister Molgard wrote the text during a prolonged season of personal trial while reflecting on President Russell M. Nelson’s teaching that joy depends more on spiritual focus than circumstance. Anchored in Mosiah 18 and Doctrine and Covenants 45, the hymn teaches that joy flows from covenant connection rather than changing conditions.
“My Covenants,” by Hanna Josephine Saffer, reinforces that same steady discipleship. “Ev’ry day, I will keep my cov’nants with the Father,” the hymn affirms, tying obedience to the promised companionship of the Holy Ghost. Sister Saffer completed the song when her daughter prepared for baptism, and mother and daughter sang it together as a duet in 2019.
“When I Am Baptized,” long beloved in Primary, returns with a subtle but meaningful lyrical update. The original line, “I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away, and I can be forgiven and improve myself each day,” now reads, “I know when I am baptized I choose the Savior’s way, and I will be forgiven as I turn to Him each day.”
The change shifts the emphasis from self-improvement and a single cleansing moment to covenant choice and the ongoing, daily practice of turning to Jesus Christ.
The Voice of the Spirit
“The Power of the Holy Ghost,” written and composed by Delys Waite Snyder, draws heavily from 2 Nephi 31–32. Its refrain—“Now we can speak with the tongue of angels”—echoes Nephi’s invitation to rely on the Spirit for guidance and endurance. Sister Snyder drafted the text while studying scripture beside her husband during illness, deepening her understanding of the Spirit’s purifying role.
“Elijah and the Still, Small Voice,” by Alan L. Patterson, revisits 1 Kings 19, contrasting dramatic natural events with the quiet whisper through which revelation ultimately came. Inspired in part by raising two deaf children, Brother Patterson emphasized that God communicates in ways suited to each individual.
Trusting the Father and the Savior
Several hymns center directly on the Savior’s care, and that of our Heavenly Father.
“Jesus Is My Shepherd,” written by Tammy Simister Robinson, draws on Psalm 23 to affirm that Christ knows His sheep by name and lovingly gathers them. Inspired by childhood experiences caring for sheep, the hymn reinforces personal belonging: “Jesus is my Shepherd. He loves me.”
“My Song in the Night” blends historic Christian texts, drawing its title from Psalm 77. Combining verses inspired by Joseph Swain with text by Frederick A. Graves and set to an American folk tune, the hymn moves from anguish to reassurance, affirming Christ as comfort “by day” and sustaining song “in the night.”
“This Is My Father’s World,” a widely cherished Christian hymn by Maltbie D. Babcock, celebrates God’s presence in creation while acknowledging that “though the wrong seems oft so strong, / God is the Ruler yet.” Its inclusion broadens the collection’s connection to the larger Christian hymn tradition.
Scripture and Story in Song
“Build an Ark,” by Marianne Porter, uses Noah’s example from Hebrews 11:7 to teach proactive faith. “I will build an ark before it starts to rain,” the chorus declares, urging preparation through obedience and prophetic guidance. Originally written for her children to sing in sacrament meeting, the hymn extends a familiar Primary message into congregational worship.
“Long Ago, Within a Garden,” by R. Devan Jensen and Daniel Lyman Carter, traces salvation history through three sacred gardens: Eden, Gethsemane, and the garden tomb of the Resurrection. Inspired by Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s teaching about “the three gardens of God,” the Easter hymn culminates in an invitation to partake of the fruit of the tree of life, testifying that “Jesus came to set us free.”
Worship in the Home and in Offering
“Love Will Bless Our Home,” with text by Marvin K. Gardner and music by Ryan Murphy, reflects teachings from “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Each verse pairs simple, Christlike actions with the promise that love transforms imperfect homes. The melody, titled Liefde—the Flemish word for “love”—honors Murphy’s Belgian heritage and underscores the hymn’s central theme.
“Lord, Accept Our Humble Fast,” written by Nathan P. Howe, functions as a congregational prayer. Each verse offers fasting, tithes, contrition, and service to the Lord, asking Him to consecrate what disciples bring. Composed during a period of personal uncertainty, the hymn affirms that the spirit in which an offering is given matters more than its size.
Continuing the Rollout
As the Church continues releasing hymns incrementally, this batch strengthens the collection’s emphasis on covenant living, revelation, Christ-centered faith, and worship in both home and congregation.
Sacred music teaches doctrine, shapes memory, and anchors testimony. With each addition to Hymns—For Home and Church, Latter-day Saints receive new language and renewed perspective, through which to praise and testify of Jesus Christ.
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