During fall 2015, the Church released a Gospel Topics Essay that addressed a topic that is not spoken of often within the Church—the reality of our Heavenly Mother. Withinthe essay, we learn that "the doctrine of a Heavenly Mother is a cherished and distinctive belief among Latter-day Saints" and that Church leaders have affirmed Her existence for over a century.
The article also acknowledged that "Latter-day Saints direct their worship to Heavenly Father, in the name of Christ, and do not pray to Heavenly Mother. In this, they follow the pattern set by Jesus Christ, who taught His disciples to 'always pray unto the Father in my name.' Latter-day Saints are taught to pray to Heavenly Father, but as President Gordon B. Hinckley said, 'The fact that we do not pray to our Mother in Heaven in no way belittles or denigrates her.' . . .
"Men and women cannot be exalted without each other. Just as we have a Father in Heaven, we have a Mother in Heaven. As Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, 'Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them.'"
Because of the central importance of this LDS-specific doctrine, the Mormon Channel recently released a podcast discussing this beautiful and sacred doctrine. In the podcast, the history of a popular hymn, "O My Father," is outlined. Penned by Eliza R. Snow, this profound song has long reflected and influenced the Church's teachings about our Heavenly Mother. In the third verse, the lines read:
In the heav'ns are parents single? No, the thought makes reason stare! Truth is reason; truth eternal Tells me I've a mother there.
For more about our Heavenly Mother and the inspiration behind this song, you can listen to the podcast here.