Our Prayer to Thee

In April 2003, President Russell M. Nelson, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke in general conference and recounted that he had recently met with a woman in a nursing care facility. With tears in her eyes, the woman related that her third son had not visited for years and that she didn’t even know where he was. President Nelson reflected: “If such a mother yearns to hear from her sons, it is easy to see why a loving Father in Heaven wants to hear from His children. Through prayer, we can show our love for God” (“Sweet Power of Prayer,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2003, 7).

In his talk, President Nelson shared personal experiences with prayer. Then he said: “I have felt impressed to conclude this message on prayer with a prayer—presented as a hymn. The Lord has said that ‘the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me’ [Doctrine and Covenants 25:12]” (“Sweet Power of Prayer,” 9). President Nelson’s hymn of gratitude was paired with a beloved Welsh tune by Joseph Parry. While President Nelson stood with folded arms and bowed head at the pulpit, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performed this hymn.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Our Prayer to Thee

On This Page

Scriptures

Principles

We draw closer to Heavenly Father when we make Him the greatest priority in our life.
Because God loves His children, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to overcome the effects of death and sin.
We demonstrate our gratitude for Jesus Christ when we seek forgiveness and when we love and serve others.

Questions to Ponder

When has sincere prayer helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father?
What are some of the blessings Jesus Christ has brought to your life?
What have the scriptures taught you about the power of prayer?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Follow the hymn’s teachings on prayer. After listening to this hymn, discuss with your children what it teaches us about prayer. Invite family members to find words that express gratitude and words that ask for help or blessings. Remind them that we begin prayer by addressing Heavenly Father, we thank Him, we ask for His help, and we close in the name of Jesus Christ. You might also read Alma 37:36–37 to see how prayer can be a daily conversation with God. Invite each family member to share what personal prayer means to him or her.
Sing this hymn as a prayer. This hymn is special because it is a prayer to Heavenly Father. As you sing it together, invite your family to sing with a spirit of gratitude and reverence. Talk about how some hymns are written as prayers—when we sing them, we’re speaking to Heavenly Father in unity as a family or congregation. Other songs like this include the following:
- “Abide with Me”
- “God, Our Father, Hear Us Pray”
- “A Child’s Prayer”
- “O My Father”
- “Take My Heart and Let It Be Consecrated”
- “To Love like Thee”

Music Helps

Notice that this rhythm is used several times in each verse. Listen to the hymn recording or to this sample to learn the rhythm.

“Our Prayer to Thee” rhythm illustration