New Music
Research Notes

The new hymnal of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hymns—For Home and Church, was announced in June 2018. Starting in May 2024, batches of new music are being released on the Church website and apps, in advance of the full book, which is expected to be ready in four languages in 2026 (English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French), and about 50 languages in 2030.

The “new” music includes hymns and songs that were not in the previous official English Hymns (1985) and Children’s Songbook (1989). Some of the music is familiar from other sources, including Latter-day Saint hymnals in other languages, Church magazines, and general Christian hymnals. A few of the songs are brand new and haven’t been published in other places before.

This page provides short, unofficial notes about each song and where it came from. Work is in progress – feedback or corrections are welcome!

General Christian Hymns (on this page)

Latter-day Saint Compositions (on this page)

See Also (on other pages)


General Christian Hymns

Amazing Grace
Batch 2 – 1010 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: John Newton. Written 1772; published 1779.
    • Newton wrote several hymns, including “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” and “Though in the Outward Church Below.”
    • Original text had 6 verses. Hymns—For Home and Church has verses 1, 4, and and 3 (in that order).
  • Music
    • Composer: Unknown. American folk tune, 19th century. Columbian Harmony, Spilman/Shaw, 1829.
    • Tune name: New Britain. This hymn is almost always sung to this tune today.
  • Appeared in Emma Smith’s Nauvoo hymnal (1841). Has not been published elsewhere by the Church.
  • Why hasn't Amazing Grace been in any official Church hymnals since 1841, and why has it been added now?
    • Emma Smith compiled two hymnals before the main body of the Saints moved west: The "Kirtland hymnal" (first hymnal of the Restoration, 1835), and the "Nauvoo hymnal" (1841). Amazing Grace was added in the 1841 Nauvoo hymnal. Meanwhile, Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, and John Taylor were serving as missionaries in England. While there, they published the "Manchester hymnal" (1840) to serve the rapidly-growing body of Saints in the British isles. This hymnal was very successful and popular among the Saints in England, and was brought back to the United States as members immigrated. Amazing Grace was not included in that hymnal (not necessarily because of doctrine – the text was written in England, but it was popularized as a hymn in the southern United States). Because of this, there were at least two simultaneous/competing hymnals in the 1840s: the Nauvoo hymnal and the Manchester hymnal. As Brigham Young led the main body of the Saints to the West in the late 1840s, the Manchester hymnal "won." Major hymnals of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since that time are descendants of the Manchester hymnal (which didn't have Amazing Grace). On the other hand, in the East, the Nauvoo hymnal "won." Emma Smith remained in the East, and later compiled a third hymnal in 1861 (revised 1864). Major hymnals of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ) and other groups of Saints that remained in the East are descendants of the Nauvoo hymnal. So while technically Amazing Grace was in an early hymnal of the Church, it wasn't in any "parent" hymnals to our current hymnal.
    • Since the restoration of the Church in the 1800s, Church leaders have needed to balance between emphasizing our common ground with all of Christianity, and acknowledging the differences that set us apart as the Church of Jesus Christ. Sometimes it's tricky to balance between the two, and different emphases are needed at different times. We believe in Jesus Christ, and are constantly indebted to Him because of the Grace he gives us that enables us to grow, progress, be forgiven, and much more. The hymn Amazing Grace teaches truth and reminds us of our dependence on Jesus Christ. However, historically, many Latter-day Saints have felt that Amazing Grace is doctrinally incomplete, for at least two reasons: 1) The hymn speaks of grace almost as an independent entity that provides power, separate from Jesus Christ. A few years ago, President Nelson expressed something similar about our use of the word "Atonement": "It is doctrinally incomplete to speak of the Lord’s atoning sacrifice by shortcut phrases, such as ‘the Atonement’ or ‘the enabling power of the Atonement’ or ‘applying the Atonement’ or ‘being strengthened by the Atonement.’ These expressions present a real risk of misdirecting faith by treating the event as if it had living existence and capabilities independent of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Under the Father’s great eternal plan, it is the Savior who suffered. It is the Savior who broke the bands of death. It is the Savior who paid the price for our sins and transgressions and blots them out on condition of our repentance. It is the Savior who delivers us from physical and spiritual death. There is no amorphous entity called “the Atonement” upon which we may call for succor, healing, forgiveness, or power. Jesus Christ is the source" (Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives). 2) The hymn has strong Protestant association, which carries a connotation of salvation by faith alone. While most Christians acknowledge the importance of good works as a way to show that we've accepted and want to follow Jesus Christ, Latter-day Saints believe that faith and works must go together to qualify for the full blessings of exaltation. These works include exercising faith, repenting, receiving ordinances such as baptism, making covenants, and striving to keep them.
    • Church leaders have reviewed and approved each hymn that's been announced as part of Hymns—For Home and Church. This includes seeking divine guidance and reviewing the doctrine taught in the included verses. They have decided that Amazing Grace will bless members of the Church and is worthy of being included. We can sing it joyfully!
  • Has been sung in general conference once (as of September 2024): Apr. 2024.
  • Story: Amazing Grace: The story behind the beloved song
  • Wikipedia: Amazing Grace
  • SingPraises.net text page: Amazing Grace
  • Compare text versions: Amazing Grace

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Batch 1 – 1001 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Robert Robinson. Written 1758; published 1759.
    • Original text had 4 verses (see (Hymnology Archive). Hymns—For Home and Church has verses 1, 2, and 3. Some sources claim that there were 5 verses or 6 verses in the original, but no primary source or strong evidence has been found (thanks to Chris at Hymnology Archive for this additional info).
  • Music
    • Composer: Unknown. American folk tune. Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, Wyeth, 1813.
    • Tune name: Nettleton. This hymn is almost always sung to this tune today.
  • Has appeared in Latter-day Saint hymnals off and on: Published in Emma Smith’s Nauvoo hymnal (1841), Deseret Sunday School Songs (1909), and Hymns (1948/1950). Published in the current green hymnal in 10 languages: German, Thai, Ukrainian, Hungarian, Kekchi, Czech, Croatian, Estonian, Swahili, Mongolian – but not English.
  • Became popular again among Church members in the late 1990s because of Mack Wilberg's arrangement sung by BYU choirs and the Tabernacle Choir. Shows the important part musicians play in helping others learn and love less-familiar hymns. Has been sung by many Latter-day Saint artists and was one of the most requested hymns to be included in the new hymnal. This shows the power that individual musicians can have in helping members learn and love the hymns.
  • Sung in these general conferences (as of August 2024): Oct. 1946, Oct. 1949, Apr. 1952, Oct. 1968, Apr. 1982, Oct. 1983, Apr. 1984 (last hurrah before the 1985 hymnal), Oct. 2003, Mar. 2007, Apr. 2012, Apr. 2016, Apr. 2020, Oct. 2023.
  • Story: Hymn History: Come Thou Fount [Note: Not all sources include the part with the gypsy, or the part with the stage coach – more research is needed to verify.]
  • Wikipedia: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
  • SingPraises.net text page: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
  • Compare text versions: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

God’s Gracious Love
Batch 2 – 1013 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Karolina W. Sandell-Berg. Written 1865; published 1865.
    • Original language: Swedish (Blott en dag, ett ögonblick i sänder). The most common translation is “Day by Day, and with Each Passing Moment“ (Andrew L. Skoog, 1921). The translation in Hymns—For Home and Church is new, loosely based on Skoog’s translation.
    • Sandell-Berg wrote many Swedish hymns. A few have been translated into English, including “Children of Our Heavenly Father” (Swedish: Tryggare kan ingen vara).
    • Original text had 3 verses. All are included in Hymns—For Home and Church.
  • Music
    • Composer: Oscar Ahnfelt. Published 1872.
    • Tune name: Blott en dag.
  • Is in the current green hymnbook (1993) in Swedish.
  • Story: hymnstudiesblog: Day by Day
  • Story: Music2theWorld: Day by Day
  • Wikipedia: Day by Day (hymn)
  • SingPraises.net text page: God’s Gracious Love
  • Compare text versions (English): God’s Gracious Love
  • Compare text versions (Swedish): Blott en dag

Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise
Batch 1 – 1201 (Easter) (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Charles Wesley. Written and published 1739.
    • Wesley was a Methodist minister. He wrote more than 6000 hymns, including “Rejoice, the Lord Is King!”, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
    • Original text had 10 verses. Hymns—For Home and Church has verses 1, 2, 5, and a mix of verses 8 and 10.
  • Music
    • Composer: Robert Williams. Published 1817.
    • Tune name: Llanfair / Bethel. This hymn is also sometimes sung to the tune Ascension (William H. Monk).
  • Has not appeared in previous Latter-day Saint hymnals and has not been sung in general conference (as of August 2024).
  • SingPraises.net text page: Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise
  • Compare text versions: Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise

He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child
Batch 1 – 1202 (Christmas) (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Unknown. French carol. Nouveaux Cantiques, Caron, 1812.
    • Original language: French (Il est né, le divin Enfant). There are several English translations. The version in Hymns—For Home and Church is a new translation.
    • Original text had 8 verses. Verses 1, 3, and 2 (in that order) are included in Hymns—For Home and Church.
  • Music
    • Composer: Unknown. French carol. Airs notés du recueil de cantiques spirituels, 1824.
    • Tune name: Il est né.
  • Is in the current green hymnbook (1993) in French, as well as the previous French hymnbook (1954). Also appeared in a 1968 MIA songbook (MIA Let’s Sing, No. 2, 1968).
  • Wikipedia: Il est né, le divin Enfant
  • SingPraises.net text page: He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child
  • Compare text versions (French): Il est né, le divin Enfant

His Eye Is on the Sparrow
Batch 1 – 1005 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Civilla D. Martin. Written and published 1905.
    • Original text had 3 verses. All are included in Hymns—For Home and Church.
  • Music
    • Composer: Charles H. Gabriel. Published 1905.
    • Tune name: Sparrow.
    • Gabriel wrote the words and music of “I Stand All Amazed.” He also composed the tune for “Away in a Manger” (Children’s Songbook version).
  • Has not appeared in previous Latter-day Saint hymnals.
  • Has been sung in general conference once (as of August 2024): Apr. 2024.
  • Whitney Houston sang it in 2012. Also associated with Ethel Waters. Sung in the film “Sister Act 2.”
  • Wikipedia: His Eye Is on the Sparrow
  • SingPraises.net text page: His Eye Is on the Sparrow
  • Compare text versions: His Eye Is on the Sparrow

It Is Well with My Soul
Batch 1 – 1003 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Horatio G. Spafford. Written 1873; published 1876.
    • Original text had 6 verses. Hymns—For Home and Church has the first three verses and the last verse.
  • Music
    • Composer: Philip P. Bliss. Written and published 1876.
    • Tune name: Ville du Havre. (Ville du Havre was the name of the sunken boat that inspired the text.)
    • Bliss was a gospel singer and composer. He wrote “Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy” and “More Holiness Give Me.”
  • Has been sung in general conference 3 times (as of August 2024): Oct. 2018, Apr. 2020, Apr. 2022. Was also sung in a Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert in 2017.
  • Story: Horatio Spafford, the author, was a successful businessman and property owner in Chicago in the mid-1800s. He became financially devastated from the Chicago Fire in 1870 and an economic downturn that followed. Two years later, the family decided to travel to England for vacation and evangelism. Last-minute circumstances forced him to send his wife Anna and four daughters ahead (he would continue on later). While crossing the Atlantic Ocean, in the cold of November, the steamship his family was in sank from a collision. His wife survived, and ten days later, she sent him a telegram with the words: “Saved alone” – all four of their daughters had died. As soon as he could, Spafford took another ship to join his wife and grieve the loss of their children. As he passed near the place where the other ship had sunk, the words of this hymn began to come to his mind: “It is well; the will of God be done.” Tragically, Philip Bliss, who composed the tune, and his wife Lucy passed away in a train accident soon after the hymn was published. Horatio Spafford's son, born after their time in England, also passed away from scarlet fever, at the age of four. [Note: Not all sources agree about when the full hymn text was written – if it was actually written on the ship, or written some time after. However, it was written between 1873 and 1876.]
  • Wikipedia: It Is Well with My Soul
  • SingPraises.net text page: It Is Well with My Soul
  • Compare text versions: It Is Well with My Soul

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Batch 2 – 1014 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Isaac Watts. Written and published 1719.
    • Isaac Watts was an English minister. He wrote several hundred hymns, including “Joy to the World,” “He Died! The Great Redeemer Died,” and “Sweet Is the Work.”
    • Original text had 6 verses, which today are usually combined into 3 longer verses. All are included in Hymns—For Home and Church.
  • Music
    • Composer: Unknown. American folk tune. The Beauties of Harmony, Lewis, 1828.
    • Tune name: Resignation.
  • Was published in the Ensign magazine (September 2015).
  • Has been sung in general conference twice (as of September 2024): Apr. 1981, Oct. 2003. Has also been sung several times by the Tabernacle Choir.
  • SingPraises.net text page: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
  • Compare text versions: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
Batch 2 – 1015 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: S. Trevor Francis. Written 1875; published 1898.
    • Original text had 8 verses. Hymns—For Home and Church has verses 1, 3, and a combination of verses 4 and 6.
  • Music
    • Composer: Stephen M. Jones. Written 2023; published 2024.
    • Stephen M. Jones is a member of the hymnbook committee. He wrote the music for “When Faith Endures.”
    • Tune name: Deep Love. This is a new tune. This hymn often appears in other hymnals to the tune Ebenezer (Thomas John Williams).
  • Wikipedia: O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
  • SingPraises.net text page: Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
  • Compare text versions: Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

What Child Is This?
Batch 1 – 1203 (Christmas) (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: William Chatterton Dix. Written 1865; published 1867.
    • Original text had 3 verses. All are included in Hymns—For Home and Church.
  • Music
    • Composer: Unknown. English folk song, 16th century. A Newe Northen Dittye of ye Ladye Greene Sleves, Richard Jones, 1580.
    • Tune name: Greensleeves.
  • Has not appeared in previous English Latter-day Saint hymnals, but is in the current green hymnal in 2 languages: Russian, Latvian; and in the Children’s Songbook (1989) in Ukrainian. It also appeared in a 1962 MIA songbook (MIA Let’s Sing, 1962), and an arrangement was published in the December 2019 Ensign and Liahona.
  • Wikipedia: What Child Is This?
  • SingPraises.net text page: What Child Is This?
  • Compare text versions: What Child Is This?

Latter-day Saint Compositions

Anytime, Anywhere
Batch 2 – 1012 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Angie Killian. Written 2019; published 2024.
    • Angie Killian has written several children’s songs, including “My Own Sacred Grove.” Anytime, Anywhere is her first song published by the Church.
  • Music
    • Composer: Angie Killian. Written 2019; published 2024.
    • Tune name: Anytime, Anywhere.
  • Submitted to be considered for the new hymnal as part of the hymnal music submissions in 2019. Not published previously by the Church.
  • Story: Anytime, Anywhere
  • SingPraises.net text page: Anytime, Anywhere

As Bread Is Broken
Batch 1 – 1007 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Stephen A. Reynolds. Written 2017; published 2018.
  • Music
    • Composer: Stephen A. Reynolds. Written 2017; published 2018.
    • Tune name: Wheeler Park.
  • Won an Award of Distinction in the “Hymns” category of the 2018 annual Church music submissions, and was posted online with other submission winners. The song has not been published elsewhere by the Church.
  • SingPraises.net text page: As Bread Is Broken
  • Compare text versions: As Bread Is Broken

Behold the Wounds in Jesus’ Hands
Batch 2 – 1016 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: John V. Pearson. Written 1997; published 1998.
    • John V. Pearson has submitted and won awards for several hymns in the annual Church music submissions.
  • Music
    • Composer: David R. Naylor. Written and published 1998.
    • Tune name: Behold the Wounds.
  • Won an award in the 1998 annual Church music submissions, and was posted online with other submission winners. The song was also published in the Ensign magazine (April 2009).
  • Has been sung in general conference twice (as of September 2024): Apr. 2000, Oct. 2021.
  • Story: An Early Eulogy for a Friend
  • SingPraises.net text page: Behold the Wounds in Jesus’ Hands
  • Compare text versions: Behold the Wounds in Jesus’ Hands

Bread of Life, Living Water
Batch 1 – 1008 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Annette W. Dickman. Written 2011; published 2013.
    • Dickman wrote the words and music of “My Eternal Family,” in the 2009 Outline for Sharing Time. Some of her music has also been published in Church magazines.
  • Music
    • Composer: Annette W. Dickman. Written 2011; published 2013.
    • Tune name: Healing Grace.
  • Won an Award of Merit in the “Hymns” category of the 2013 annual Church music submissions, and was posted online with other submission winners. The song was also published in the Ensign magazine (July 2015).
  • Story: 17KS Ep 2 - "Bread of Life Living Water" with Annette Dickman: Becoming Whole & Holy
  • SingPraises.net text page: Bread of Life, Living Water
  • Compare text versions: Bread of Life, Living Water

Come, Lord Jesus
Batch 2 – 1018 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: David A. Zabriskie. Written and published 2000.
    • Original text had 5 verses. Verses 1, 4, and 5 are included in Hymns—For Home and Church.
  • Music
    • Composer: David A. Zabriskie. Written and published 2000.
    • Tune name: Come, Lord Jesus
  • Composed for the musical production “Savior of the World” (2000). Also published in the Ensign magazine (December 2003) and Liahona magazine (October 2012).
  • SingPraises.net text page: Come, Lord Jesus
  • Compare text versions: Come, Lord Jesus

Gethsemane
Batch 1 – 1009 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Melanie M. Hoffman. Written and published 2007.
    • Melanie and her husband Roger C. Hoffman have published a variety of music together over the years. One of Roger’s songs, “Consider the Lilies,” is well-known and has been sung in general conference.
  • Music
    • Composer: Melanie M. Hoffman. Written and published 2007.
    • Tune name: Gethsemane.
  • Was published in the Friend and Liahona magazines in March 2018.
  • This song gained popularity through social media, and became a favorite in the 2010s as many Primary music leaders taught it to children in their wards.
  • Story: ‘Songs delivered by grace’: Roger and Melanie Hoffman reflect on experiences writing sacred music
  • SingPraises.net text page: Gethsemane
  • Compare text versions: Gethsemane

Holding Hands Around the World
Batch 2 – 1011 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Janice Kapp Perry. Written 2001; published 2002.
    • Janice Kapp Perry has written many beloved children’s songs, including “I Love to See the Temple,” “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus,” “We’ll Bring the World His Truth,” “Love Is Spoken Here,” “A Child’s Prayer,” and “I’ll Follow Him in Faith.” She also wrote the music to “As Sisters in Zion.”
  • Music
    • Composer: Janice Kapp Perry. Written 2001; published 2002.
    • Tune name: Holding Hands Around the World.
  • Was a suggested song for the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Program in 2006. Published in the Friend magazine in July 2002 and January 2015. Also published in the Liahona magazine, October 2003.
  • Story: A Little Extra Help from the Spirit
  • SingPraises.net text page: Holding Hands Around the World
  • Compare text versions: Holding Hands Around the World

I Will Walk with Jesus
Batch 1 – 1004 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Stephen P. Schank. Written and published 2019.
    • Schank is a member of the hymnbook committee.
  • Music
    • Composer: Stephen P. Schank. Written and published 2019.
    • Tune name: I Will Walk with Jesus.
  • This song was sung at the November 2019 Face to Face broadcast with Elder Gerrit W. Gong, where the new Children and Youth program and the Gospel Living app were introduced. It was published in the Friend and Liahona magazines in February 2020.
  • SingPraises.net text page: I Will Walk with Jesus
  • Compare text versions: I Will Walk with Jesus

Star Bright
Batch 1 – 1204 (Christmas) (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Lorin F. Wheelwright. Published 1959.
    • Wheelwright has written several songs, including “Mother, I Love You,” “Oh, May My Soul Commune with Thee,” “Help Me Teach with Inspiration,” and “O Love That Glorifies the Son.”
  • Music
    • Composer: Lorin F. Wheelwright. Published 1959.
    • Tune name: Star Bright.
  • This song was published in October 1959 in The Instructor, a Church magazine for youth and young adults. The text appeared in English and Spanish, with the Spanish translation by Eduardo Balderas.
  • In languages other than English, the Children’s Songbook has 110 songs (pages 2–138) that are the same in every language, followed by 10 pages that are up to the translation committee. The Spanish committee chose to include this song in the optional pages of the Spanish Children’s Songbook. Over the years it has become a beloved hymn in Spanish-speaking areas of the Church.
  • SingPraises.net text page: Star Bright
  • Compare text versions: Star Bright

Think a Sacred Song
Batch 1 – 1006 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Marlene Summers Merkling. Written 2013; published 2014.
  • Music
    • Composer: Marlene Summers Merkling. Written 2013; published 2014.
    • Tune name: Think a Sacred Song.
  • Won an Award of Merit in the “Children’s Songs” category of the 2014 annual Church music submissions, and was posted online with other submission winners. The song has not been published elsewhere by the Church.
  • SingPraises.net text page: Think a Sacred Song
  • Compare text versions: Think a Sacred Song

This Is the Christ
Batch 2 – 1017 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: James E. Faust and Jan Underwood Pinborough. Written 1995; published 1996.
    • James E. Faust was an apostle (ordained in 1978), and served in the First Presidency between 1995 and 2007.
    • Jan Underwood Pinborough is a member of the hymnbook committee. She has written several hymns and children’s songs, including “A Key Was Turned in Latter Days” and “Many Names of Jesus.”
  • Music
    • Composer: Michael F. Moody. Written 1995; published 1996.
    • Michael F. Moody was a member of the committee for the 1985 hymnbook.
    • Tune name: This Is the Christ.
  • Was published in the Ensign and Liahona magazines (December 2006).
  • Has been sung in general conference 5 times (as of September 2024): Oct. 1998, Apr. 2010, Oct. 2018, Oct. 2021, Apr. 2023. Has also been sung several times by the Tabernacle Choir.
  • SingPraises.net text page: This Is the Christ
  • Compare text versions: This Is the Christ

When the Savior Comes Again
Batch 1 – 1002 (Return to top)

  • Words
    • Author: Lane E. Johnson. Written 2019; published 2024.
    • Lane E. Johnson has submitted and won awards for several hymns in the annual Church music submissions.
  • Music
    • Composer: Lane E. Johnson. Written 2019; published 2024.
    • Tune name: When the Savior Comes Again.
  • Submitted to be considered for the new hymnal as part of the hymnal music submissions in 2019. Has not been published previously by the Church.
  • Story: 17KS Ep 1 - "When the Savior Comes Again" with Lane Johnson: A Joyful Day
  • SingPraises.net text page: When the Savior Comes Again