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Voicing/Instrumentation: SATB, Choir Unison
See more from Daniel Lee Gibby.
Atonement/Mercy/Grace/Redemption
Heavenly Father
Meditation
Peace
Prayer
Piano
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More about Daniel Lee Gibby:
I love the hymns of the church. I am excited for a new hymn book! I have had the opportunity in a few wards to be an organist, a choir director, a chorister, primary song leader, primary pianist, and I was a member of the Bells on Temple Square from 2010 to 2016, and again from 2020 to present. Most of the arrangements I create are for a specific request for a number in Sacrament meeting, but some are just because I feel the urge to arrange music! Most recently though I have felt inspired to write hymn texts, some of which I also set to music.
I had just received a calling to be 2nd counselor in the bishopric and I went to the temple, feeling excited but also somewhat overwhelmed, knowing that the next day I would be ordained to be a High Priest. I was waiting in the reception area of the temple for about a half hour, during which time I read in Alma 32, and 33. When I came to Zenos' words in Alma 33, they sounded so poetic. As I thought about them, I had a melody and words come to me.
Since I couldn't get it out of my head, I went home and finished the lyrics and accompaniment that day.
I love how Zenos' words progress from saying we should pray in our fields, and in our homes, and in our closets. I also love how he emphasizes that it is because of God's son that we have mercy, and that God is merciful for hearing our prayers.
Lyrics: Based on Alma 33:4-11
Thou art merciful, O God, for thou hast heard my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness; yea, thou wast merciful when I prayed concerning those who were mine enemies, and thou didst turn them to me. Yea, O God, and thou wast merciful unto me when I did cry unto thee in my field; when I did cry unto thee in my prayer, and thou didst hear me.
And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst hear me in my prayer. And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed unto thee, thou didst hear me. Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them. ... And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son.ˮ - Zenos
