I was doing my usual post-workday Instagram scroll the other night when my thumb stopped dead in its tracks. An account I follow (@comefollowmedaily) had started a discussion on something called “gospel karaoke.” People were suggesting modern-day hymns they’d like to see scriptural characters sing. This brought the scriptures to life for me in a new, moving way, and I’ve come up with a few scenarios of my own. This made for a great personal study and could also be used for an activity during family home evening.
Moroni Watching the Destruction of the Nephites and Lamanites: "Abide With Me"
Abide with me! fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens. Lord, with me abide! When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me! Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day. Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see; O thou who changest not, abide with me!
Captain Moroni with the Title of Liberty: "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment seat. Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer him; be jubilant my feet! Our God is marching on. In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me. As he died to make men holy, let us live to make men free, While God is marching on.
Mary and Joseph Singing a Lullaby to the Newborn Jesus: "Away in a Manager"
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; The stars in the heavens looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
The 2000 Stripling Warriors as They Marched to Battle: "Called to Serve"
Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name; Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name; Forward, pressing forward, as a triumph song we sing. God our strength will be; press forward ever, Called to serve our King
The Anti-Nephi-Lehies When They Refused to Take Up Weapons of War: "Come, Come Ye Saints"
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! But if our lives are spared again To see the Saints their rest obtain, Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell-- All is well! All is well!
Mary Magdalene After Seeing Christ at the Empty Tomb: "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"
He lives! All glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: "I know that my Redeemer lives!" He lives! All glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: "I know that my Redeemer lives!"
Esther on Her Way to Approach the King Uninvited: "I Need Thee Every Hour"
I need thee ev’ry hour, Most gracious Lord. No tender voice like thine Can peace afford. I need thee, oh, I need thee; Ev’ry hour I need thee! Oh, bless me now, my Savior; I come to thee!
The Centurion at the Savior's Cross: "I Stand All Amazed"
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me. I tremble to know that for me he was crucified, That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died. Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me Enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!
Lehi and His Family as They Left Jerusalem: "Israel, Israel, God is Calling"
Israel, Israel, God is calling, Calling thee from lands of woe. Babylon the great is falling; God shall all her tow'rs o'erthrow. Come to Zion, come to Zion Ere his floods of anger flow. Come to Zion, come to Zion Ere his floods of anger flow.
The Apostles in Jerusalem After the Savior's Death: "Upon the Cross of Calvary"
Upon the cross of Calvary They crucified our Lord And sealed with blood the sacrifice That sanctified his word. Upon the cross he meekly died For all mankind to see That death unlocks the passageway Into eternity. Upon the cross our Savior died, But, dying, brought new birth Through resurrection's miracle To all the sons of earth.
Enos After He Prayed in the Forest: "Sweet Hour of Prayer"
Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear To him whose truth and faithfulness Engage the waiting soul to bless. And since he bids me seek his face, Believe his word, and trust his grace, I’ll cast on him my ev’ry care And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! I’ll cast on him my ev’ry care And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
The Widow of Zarephath Singing to Her Son as She Gave Elijah the Last of Their Food: "Dearest Children, God Is Near You"
Dearest children, God is near you, watching o'er you day and night, and delights to own and bless you, if you strive to do what's right. He will bless you, He will bless you, if you put your trust in him.
