Are you looking for ideas for teaching Tell Me, Dear Lord in singing time? Then this is for you! You will love this comprehensive list of Tell Me, Dear Lord Primary singing time ideas.
My favorite way to teach this song in Primary is by using prayer puppets that recite a prayer poem! Children respond to puppets so well!
Teach the Primary song, Tell Me, Dear Lord using these various singing time methods (click on the link to jump to that section):
History of Tell Me, Dear Lord Song
This information comes from Stories from The Children’s Songbook by Sister Pat Graham.
The author apparently wanted to be unknown and gave only initials. The song first appeared in Primary materials in 1920.
“Anoint my eyes to understand Thy word” was changed to “help me to understand Thy loving word.”
Correlation suggested that it would be more correct to address this prayer to “Heavenly Father,” rather than “Dear Lord.” Various attempts were made, but all felt awkward. Because it was a suggestion rather than an absolute request, the words remained unchanged and the song could still be used.
In the Old Testament and in the world at large, “Lord” and “God” are used interchangeably. In the LDS Church today, “God” usually refers to Heavenly Father and “Lord” to the Savior. “Tell Me, Dear Lord” could not satisfactorily be changed, and became the exception.
Music for Song "Tell Me, Dear Father"
Find the sheet music to Tell Me, Dear Father on the Church’s website. These beautiful lyrics poetically describe how to pray to Heavenly Father.
Tell Me, Dear Lord Song Lyrics
Tell me, dear Lord, in thine own way I pray,
What thou would’st have me say and do today.
Teach me to know and love thy will, O Lord;
Help me to understand thy loving word.
I would be guided by thy loving hand;
Would hear thy voice, obey thy blest command.
Each moment just to know that thou art near
Will strength impart and banish ev’ry fear.
Tell Me, Dear Lord Song Flip Chart Black and White
Find Tell Me, Dear Lord lyrics in a printable flip chart format so you can easily post the words in your Primary!
Ideas for teaching Tell Me, Dear Lord
1. Prayer Puppets
Teach Tell Me, Dear Lord in singing time using prayer puppets and a coordinating poem with actions from the Friend. Primary children respond so well to puppets interacting with each other and them.
2. Word Cards
Draw four phrase markings on the board large enough to post word cards on the phrases.
As you sing again, have children follow the four phrase lines with your hand. Then challenge four children at a time to post word cards in sets where they belong on the lines:
- SET 1: THOU, THY, THINE, WOULD’ST
- SET 2: TELL, WHAT, TEACH, HELP
- SET 3: PRAY, TODAY, LORD, WORD
SET: 4: LORD, SAY-DO, KNOW-LOVE, UNDERSTAND
Invite the children to sing the song, referring to the phrase lines. With each repetition, invite a child to remove several of the word cards.
3. A Children's Songbook Companion
A Children’s Songbook Companion contains a singing time lesson plan for every single song in the Children’s Songbook including Tell Me, Dear Lord.
Access this in my Resource Library. Instructions for accessing my Resource Library are found at the bottom of this post.
4. Handbells
This handbell chart for teaching Tell Me, Dear Lord plays the melody! This is perfect, especially where this song is less familiar. Find more details for using handbells in singing time.
Access this in my Resource Library. Instructions for accessing my Resource Library are found at the bottom of this post.
5. ASL
Simplified ASL is always a great route when teaching a new Primary song. Watch the Church’s ASL video for teaching Tell Me, Dear Lord using sign language.
Then make sure to check out my post for more helpful tips for teaching sign language in singing time!
6. More Singing Time Ideas
Primary Singing has various ways to teach Tell Me, Dear Lord.
Leave your Tell Me, Dear Lord Primary Singing Time Ideas
How will you teach Tell Me, Dear Lord in singing time? Leave a comment with your suggestions and ideas!
Check out this quick tutorial video for accessing the Resource Library:
These printables are filed on my Resource Library page under Song Title > Tell Me, Dear Lord.
