The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
I Am a Child of God
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And he has sent me here
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me
Help me find the way
Teach me all that I must do
I am a child of God
And so my needs are great
Help me to understand his words
Before it grows too late
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me
Help me find the way
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday
I am a child of God
Rich blessings are in store
If I but learn to do his will
I′ll live with him once more
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me
Help me find the way
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday
"I Am a Child of God" by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a beautiful and strong expression of faith in God. This hymn is a reminder of our identity as children of God who were sent to this world with the purpose of living and learning, with the guidance of our parents and the Lord himself.
The lyrics of the hymn describe the gratitude and humility of a child of God who recognizes that their existence is a gift from God. The chorus, "Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way," emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance throughout our lives. The hymn also recognizes the importance of learning God's teachings and understanding the purpose of our lives as children of God.
Overall, "I Am a Child of God" is a hymn that encourages individuals to have faith in God and to seek his guidance as they navigate their lives on earth. It is a reminder that we all have a divine purpose and that God is always there to guide us.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a child of God
I acknowledge that I am a creation of God and that He is my Father in heaven.
And he has sent me here
God has a specific purpose for my life and has placed me here to fulfill it.
Has given me an earthly home
God has provided me with a physical dwelling place on Earth.
With parents kind and dear
My parents are a gift from God and are meant to guide and support me throughout my life.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me
God, please help me to stay on the right path and guide me along the way.
Help me find the way
Please help me to know and understand the right way to live my life.
Teach me all that I must do
Please provide me with the knowledge and understanding I need to follow your plan.
To live with him someday
I desire to live with God in his kingdom after my time on Earth is complete.
And so my needs are great
I recognize that I have many needs and challenges in life, and I need God's help to overcome them.
Help me to understand his words
Please open my heart and mind so that I can comprehend the teachings of God's word.
Before it grows too late
I am aware that time is limited, so please help me to learn and grow in my faith while I have the opportunity.
Rich blessings are in store
If I follow God's plan and live a righteous life, He has promised me many blessings.
If I but learn to do his will
By submitting my will to God's plan, I can receive the promised blessings.
I′ll live with him once more
As a result of following God's will and plan, I can live with Him in His kingdom again.
Writer(s): Johann Sebastian Bach, Robert Bryan Richardson, Mildrid Tanner Pettit
Contributed by Chase W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mary concepcion Bautista
I can't stop myself from crying.. thank u Mormon tabernacle choirs.. u sang the song beautifully. 💘💘💘💘
Kendra Keever
I sang this everyday I was pregnant with my son 30 years ago. There aren’t truer words for children to their HEAVENLY Father.
Joe Lewis
One of the best melodies I've ever heard in my life. It goes straight to your heart.
Gale De lint
i remember looking out the window and seeing my wee girl outside singing this song in her sweet high voice . It still brings tears to my eyes 45 years later . i love it.
The Wealth of Nations
you must be a sister from Ireland.
Aletha BEHLING
My sister who is a morning have this played at our sisters funeral I thought it was beautiful then and I think it is beautiful today I think you very much.
Valerie Inkelaar
I love this song! I catch myself singing or humming it everywhere even at work.
Timei Kaitaua
I have been member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for almost 35 years now and my membership in the church feels like yesterday I was just got baptized. Being a member, I learned that Christ main purpose why He died on that cross was to show us how Obedience He was to do his Father's will, not His will. Second, Love, He loves His Father so much that He was willing to die to help fulfill His Father's work ( Plan of Salvation ) which is to bring to pass immortality and eternal life of men. Third, Forgiveness, He died so our sins can be forgiven by His blood. Very powerful lessons. Obedience, Love and Forgiveness. I love to know that I Am a Child of God
Ngozi Lambert
the mormon tabernacle are simply amazing. the church of Jesus Christ is simply the gate way to Heaven.
John C. Black
This resonates with my Spirit.