The Lord instructed Emma to "make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church." (D&C 25:11) Music is very important to the Lord. Sacred music invites the spirit into our lives and makes us happy. Elder Boyd K. Packer instructed us to:
"Make wholesome music of all kinds a part of your life. Then learn what sacred music has to do with revelation. The Lord said, “My soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. Secular music may be inspiring in a classical or popular sense, but it will not prepare your mind to be instructed by the Spirit as will sacred music. The Apostle Paul counseled the Ephesians to “be filled with the Spirit;speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."
Emma made a compilation of 90 hymns for the church in her time. She very carefully made her selection and had the hymns printed to be sung during church. Some of the selections that she made are still used in our modern day hymnbook, including, Redeemer of Israel,” “How Firm a Foundation,” and “Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah. My favorite part of my sabbath day is the hymns that we sing. The hymns bring a warm spirit into the room and help me to stay focused on what is important. I especially love the musical numbers that we get to hear every once in awhile. Through the talents of the people who are performing we are able to hear the quiet testimonies that He lives and loves us. It is such a wonderful blessing we have that we are able to hear and enjoy the music of the Lord and for the Lord.
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