Joseph Smith's First Prayer
Daniel Beck Lyrics
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Radiant beamed the sunabove.
Bees were humming, sweet birds singing,
Music ringing thru the grove,
When withing the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love,
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the god of love.
Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing-
'Was the boy's first uttered prayer-
When the pow'rs of sin assailing
Filled his sould with deep despair;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav'nly Father's care;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav'nly Father's care.
Suddenly a light descended,
Brighter far than noonday sun,
And a shining, glorious pillar
O'er him fell, around him shone,
While appeared two heav'nly beings,
God the Father and the Son,
While appeared two heav'nly beings,
God the Father and the Son.
"Joseph, this is my Beloved;
Hear him!" Oh, how sweet the word!
Joseph's humble prayer was answered,
And he listened to the Lord.
Oh, what rapture filled hi bosom,
For he saw the living God;
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom,
For he saw the living God.
Tesxt: George Manwaring, 1854-1889
Joseph Smith - History 1: 14-20, 25
James 1: 5
The lyrics to Daniel Beck's song Joseph Smith's First Prayer paint a vivid picture of the momentous occasion when Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received his first vision from God. The song begins with a description of the beautiful morning that Joseph experienced, with the sun shining brightly and birds singing sweetly. It then goes on to describe how Joseph went into the woods to pray, seeking God's love and guidance in his life.
The lyrics also detail the challenges that Joseph faced as he prayed, with the powers of sin assailing him and filling his soul with deep despair. Despite these challenges, Joseph remained undaunted and trusted in his Heavenly Father's care. Suddenly, a bright light descended from above, and Joseph found himself surrounded by a shining, glorious pillar. Two heavenly beings appeared before him, God the Father and the Son, and Joseph's humble prayer was answered.
The song concludes with a description of the rapture that filled Joseph's bosom as he saw the living God and heard His voice. The lyrics show the power and importance of prayer, as Joseph's sincere and heartfelt plea for guidance led to one of the most significant events in religious history.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, how lovely was the morning!
The morning was full of beauty and awe-inspiring sights.
Radiant beamed the sunabove.
The sun was shining bright above Joseph Smith.
Bees were humming, sweet birds singing,
Nature was surrounding Joseph as he prayed with the bees humming and birds singing.
Music ringing thru the grove,
The pleasant music of nature was ringing through the trees around Joseph.
When withing the shady woodland
Within the woodland that was shaded from the sun,
Joseph sought the God of love,
Joseph was seeking the God who loves us all.
Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing-
Joseph was on his knees making a humble and sincere appeal.
'Was the boy's first uttered prayer-
This was Joseph's first prayer he ever spoke.
When the pow'rs of sin assailing
As the temptation and powers of sin surrounded him,
Filled his sould with deep despair;
It caused him to feel hopeless and distressed.
But undaunted, still he trusted
Despite his distress he stayed resolute and trusted,
In his Heav'nly Father's care;
God's care and protection is what Joseph trusted in.
Suddenly a light descended,
All of a sudden a bright light descended onto Joseph.
Brighter far than noonday sun,
The light was brighter than the sun at its midday peak.
And a shining, glorious pillar
There was a pillar that was shining and resplendent.
O'er him fell, around him shone,
The pillar of light fell over Joseph and shone all around him.
While appeared two heav'nly beings,
Joseph saw two heavenly beings appear before him.
God the Father and the Son,
The two beings were God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
"Joseph, this is my Beloved;
God the Father spoke to Joseph, saying that His son is His beloved.
Hear him!" Oh, how sweet the word!
The words spoken by God to Joseph were sweet and beautiful.
Joseph's humble prayer was answered,
God answered Joseph's prayer which was humble and sincere.
And he listened to the Lord.
Joseph listened to the Lord's instructions.
Oh, what rapture filled hi bosom,
Joseph felt an indescribable feeling of joy and excitement in his heart.
For he saw the living God;
Joseph saw God, who is alive and real.
Tesxt: George Manwaring, 1854-1889
This is the text of the song and who wrote it.
Joseph Smith - History 1: 14-20, 25
This scripture reference describes the events of Joseph Smith's first prayer.
James 1:5
This scripture is a call to prayer and seeking wisdom from God.
Writer(s): george manwaring
Contributed by Julia V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.