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Children’s songs may be simple but they may be the best way to teach gospel principles. Words and melodies planted in young hearts and minds are still there many years later when they need to be comforted, inspired or strengthened. They can also come forward to help in moments of decision or times of temptation. They can encourage us to meet our daily trials with faith.

Of all the letters I have received through the years, the most common theme has been someone telling me how they (or their children) were in a certain circumstance and a song had brought clarity and strength to fortify them in that moment.

I was surprised as I looked through my list of children’s songs today, to see just how many of them were about an aspect of faith. In my early songwriting years I suppose I was writing with my own children in mind, trying to say in a song what I wanted them to know about faith. I’ll share a few of the songs here in hopes they will add to someone’s understanding on the subject of faith.

One of my early faith songs was a lively little tune in which I tried to explain in a simple way what faith is. Then in the verses I gave examples of prophets who acted in faith.

Faith is Believing
Words & Music – Janice Kapp Perry
Soloist – Staci Woolley & Sarah Brewster

Faith is believing and trusting in God
Though we have not seen Him, nor heard him talk
Faith helps us do what we know is right
Faith grows as we follow God’s light

Noah had faith when he built the ark
He didn’t wait for the rain to start
When the Lord said He would send down a flood
Noah showed by his works he had faith in the Lord

Moses had faith when he parted the sea
He knew the Lord would prepare the way
Children of Israel crossed safely to shore
Moses showed by his works he had faith in the Lord

Faith is believing and trusting in God
Though we have not seen Him, nor heard Him talk
Faith helps us do what we know is right
Faith grows as we follow God’s light

 

I can think of no more palatable way to teach our children the gospel than through singing our Primary songs as bedtime lullabies. Every parent can sing well enough to do that! Children do not care so much about the quality of our voices, they only feel love as we put our arms around them and sing the songs of Zion. The repetition of this experience through the years will make an indelible impression on young and receptive minds, and will pay great dividends in their future lives. As we sing, we are bearing testimony of the truths of the gospel in a peaceful, non-threatening way.

Another song I wrote about faith teaches children how blessed they are to know the truth, and that when the Lord asks something hard of them, they must have the faith of Nephi, Joseph and Alma and be willing to do it because they know the Lord will be with them.

What Faith Can Do
Words & Music – Janice Kapp Perry
Soloist – Jason Perry & Alyssa Rutter

I am blessed to know the truth
And so my choice is made
If the Lord asks something hard
I will not be afraid
But with the faith of Nephi
I will just obey
And know the Lord will guide me
He will show the way

I know I must choose the right
The way is very clear
As my testimony grows
I will not doubt or fear
But with the faith of Joseph
I will humbly pray
And know the Lord will answer
If I ask in faith

I know I must share my light
With others who still wait
When I’m called to serve the Lord
I will not hesitate
But with the faith of Alma
I will boldly serve
And trust the Lord will help me
As I teach His word

Nephi, Joseph, Alma too
Teach me what pure faith can do

 

There is a reason why commercials are set to music—the message goes deeper into our consciousness and stays there longer, making us more likely to buy their products.

The same principle applies with our gospel songs. The thing I remember most from my years in Primary is the songs I learned there. My brother, Jack Kapp, was once the music leader on a Church History Tour which was composed mostly of senior citizens. He had run out of song ideas toward the end of the tour and decided to just see how many songs this group could recall from their Primary days. They sang from memory for 45 minutes, recalling the songs they had learned decades ago. They quit only because they had arrived at their destination. I rest my case. Singing the Primary songs at church and in our homes will give our children and grandchildren a strong weapon against the negative pull of the world.

The final song I will share is a short declaration of faith that is much like bearing a testimony about Jesus Christ and expressing a commitment to keep his commandments because of that faith. This song was written for a Primary sacrament meeting presentation and I gave the music a
bit of a gospel flavor hoping the children would enjoy something a little different. They seem to enjoy it.

I Have Faith
Words & music – Janice Kapp Perry
Soloist – Aaron Karr

I have faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ
I have faith He will guide me with His light
Though my eyes have not seen Him
And I have not heard His voice
I have faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ

I have faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ
I have faith He will help me choose the right
He is real and He loves me
I can feel it deep inside
I have faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ

I will keep His commandments
I will try to do what’s right
I have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Elder Boyd K. Packer has said (paraphrasing) that we can learn some spiritual things very quickly through music that otherwise may take us a long time to learn. My life experience tells me this is true. When we combine a simple gospel truth with an appealing melody it is one of the greatest teachers we can have in our homes.

Janice Kapp Perry: Songwriter, author, lecturer