A new song in the hymnbook has been looping in my head recently. It’s catchy, adorable, and emphasizes the importance of daily scripture study.
“Read the Book of Mormon and Pray” by Teresa Toone Barlow was added to the hymnbook last summer. If your kids, grandkids, or Primary children haven’t heard it yet, do them a favor and play this recording for them. With its strong rhythmic pattern and meaningful message, it’s bound to become one of their new favorite Church songs.
“Read the Book of Mormon and Pray”
Inspiration Behind the Song
Teresa says she was first inspired to write this sweet piece while listening to Elder Joaquin E. Costa’s April 2017 general conference talk.
In it, Elder Costa recalls his own experience investigating the Church and entreats others to “read, ponder in your hearts, and ‘ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, … with a sincere heart, with real intent, a having faith in Christ’ (Moroni 10:4) if the Book of Mormon is true, if this is the true Church.”
As Teresa listened to Elder Costa’s talk, she recalled something her son had said at the end of his mission: “Mom, if someone wants to know the Church is true, all they have to do is read the Book of Mormon and pray about it, and they will receive an answer every time!”
Teresa was struck by the simplicity of this promise. She then realized there wasn’t a Primary song that taught this truth, but “she was filled with a strong desire to write one.”
When she began writing, she also found inspiration in these words from a conference talk by Elder Kevin W. Pearson: “Search the Book of Mormon and the words of the living prophets every day, every day, every day!” (emphasis added).
The Most Important Part of Our Day
The song is a fun way to help children (and adults) remember the power of reading the Book of Mormon daily—a principle that Church leaders have consistently invited us to prioritize in today’s world.
Our prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks, has counseled us to fill our time with things that are of highest importance, saying, “When the Lord told us to seek learning, He said, ‘Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom’ (D&C 88:118; emphasis added).”
And President Russell M. Nelson taught:
“I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day, even the gripping plague of pornography and other mind-numbing addictions.”
As we study the Old Testament this year, let’s not forget to also study out of one of the best books, the Book of Mormon. It has the power to draw us and our families closer to Heavenly Father and our Savior—and thus, change our lives for the better.
Read the lyrics to “Read the Book of Mormon and Pray” below:
- I want to learn to choose the right
And follow in the Savior’s light.
And I want to know the gospel’s true.
With faith in Christ, here’s something I can do:
Read the Book of Mormon and pray
Ev’ry day, ev’ry day, ev’ry day!
God will bless me with His pow’r,
Teach and guide me hour by hour
When I read the Book of Mormon and pray
Ev’ry day, ev’ry day, ev’ry day! - The Book of Mormon helps me see
The ways of Christ, His love for me.
When I have a question or a choice,
I read this book and listen to His voice.
Read the Book of Mormon and pray
Ev’ry day, ev’ry day, ev’ry day!
God will bless me with His pow’r,
Teach and guide me hour by hour
When I read the Book of Mormon and pray
Ev’ry day, ev’ry day, ev’ry day!
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