Close as a Quiet Prayer

Sally DeFord has written and arranged hundreds of songs to share her faith in the Savior and His gospel. Among these are special songs she has written for each of her children and grandchildren. While seeking inspiration about what to write for one grandchild, Sister DeFord felt impressed to write a song reassuring him that Heavenly Father would always hear his prayers. She then wrote “Close as a Quiet Prayer.”

Sister DeFord wanted to help her grandson, and all children, understand the comforting truth that Heavenly Father is always near, ready to hear their prayers. Whether they pray aloud, in a whisper, or in a silent plea, they can be confident that He will hear them. The song teaches that He smiles when we offer prayers of gratitude and comforts us when we are feeling lonely. In writing this song, Sister DeFord hoped that all children would feel enfolded in God’s love.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Close as a Quiet Prayer

Scriptures

Principles

We can feel Heavenly Father close to us when we pray.
Heavenly Father always hears us when we pray.
We can pray no matter where we are.

Questions to Ponder

When have you felt that Heavenly Father heard your prayers?
What are some blessings you thank Heavenly Father for when you pray?
Why can saying a prayer help when you feel lonely?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Understand the structure of the song.
- While listening to this song, help your child follow along with the music by sliding his or her finger along with the words. After the word “quiet” at the end of verse 1, move your child’s finger back to the beginning of verse 2. Skip the ending of verse 1 and go to the verse 2 ending.
- The musical term coda means the end of a song. When you see the words “D.C. al Coda” at the end of verse 2, that means to start the song again at the beginning with verse 3 and continue until you see the instructions “to Coda after 3rd verse.” Jump to the coda () at the end of the song to finish the last line.
Learn the song with actions. Help your child feel the peace and love that come from knowing that Heavenly Father is always close and can hear even the quietest prayer. As you kneel to pray with your child at the end of the day, listen to or sing this song together. Each time the word “quiet” is sung, put your finger to your mouth as if to say “shhh.” When singing the word “prayer,” fold your arms or clasp your hands together. Invite your child to do the actions with you and to sing the words he or she knows.