Because this hymn tells such a wonderful story, my favorite idea listed below is the puppet show! It brings the First Vision to life in such a vivid way!
Also make sure to check out these other Joseph Smith’s First Prayer singing time ideas as well (click on the link to jump to that section):
This information comes from Our Latter-Day Hymns: The Stories and the Messages by Karen Lynn Davidson.
This hymn gives such a complete account of Joseph Smith’s vision that even someone who knew nothing of that event could read or sing this hymn and know the essential facts…Joseph Smith’s beautiful and moving account of the First Vision provide the visual details that find their way into the hymn text.
Find the sheet music to Joseph Smith’s First Prayer on the Church’s website. And as the song history states, the lyrics do indeed provide the essential details behind the First Vision:
Oh, how lovely was the morning! Radiant beamed the sun above. Bees were humming, sweet birds singing, Music ringing thru the grove, When within the shady woodland Joseph sought the God of love, When within the shady woodland Joseph sought the God of love.
Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing— ’Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer—When the pow’rs of sin assailing Filled his soul with deep despair; But undaunted, still he trusted In his Heav’nly Father’s care, But undaunted, still he trusted In his Heav’nly Father’s care.
Suddenly a light descended, Brighter far than noonday sun, And a shining, glorious pillar O’er him fell, around him shone, While appeared two heav’nly beings, God the Father and the Son, While appeared two heav’nly beings, God the Father and the Son.
“Joseph, this is my Beloved; Hear him!” Oh, how sweet the word! Joseph’s humble prayer was answered, And he listened to the Lord. Oh, what rapture filled his bosom, For he saw the living God, Oh, what rapture filled his bosom, For he saw the living God.
You may also want to check out the sing along video for Joseph Smith’s First Prayer. It’s a great way for you to easily become more familiar with it or to show to your Primary during singing time.
Find Joseph Smith’s First Prayer lyrics in a printable flip chart format so you can easily post the words in your Primary!
Or this Joseph Smith’s Flip Chart flip chart shared by Brooke with pictures is also available to download:
These printables are also filed on the Resource Library page under Song Title > Joseph Smith’s First Prayer.
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Use Susan Fitch’s First Vision illustrations to create a puppet show to teach the hymn, Joseph Smith’s First Prayer in singing time! This can easily be accomplished for a home-centered, virtual or live singing time!
Let this video do the work for you! Let the children listen and watch the story of the First Vision unfold! Additionally, let them color a picture of the First Vision from the Church’s website while they listen.
Merry Bells has a play-along video for Joseph Smith’s First Prayer:
Sharla Dance has several singing time videos for teaching Joseph Smith’s First Prayer including:
Action Word Actions
Using a tennis ball:
Holly also has videos available for teaching Joseph Smith’s First Prayer. Check out her explanation video here:
Once you have the signs learned, sign along here:
Then make sure to check out my post for more helpful tips for teaching sign language in singing time!
How are you teaching Joseph Smith’s First Prayer in singing time? Leave a comment with your suggestions and ideas!
These printables are filed on my Resource Library page under Song Title > Joseph Smith’s First Prayer.
Singing time just got even easier! With my Singing Time To-Go, all you have to do is print! Be prepared for the entire month – every month!
Be prepared in singing time for the entire month – every month! And all you have to do is print!
These singing time ideas for teaching the Primary song, Love Is Spoken Here will help your Primary fall in love all over again with this song! My favorite is using a match-up activity that puts the double melody together! But whatever you choose, these Love Is Spoken Here singing time ideas are bound to accommodate your Primary’s learning style and needs!
The 2nd hour of church has significantly changed for Sunday School, Relief Society, Elders Quorum and all youth classes. However, Primary received a minor change that you might not have noticed.
Add an extra touch of fun to your Primary program by passing out invitations. On the big day, pull it all together with a unique 2026 Primary program bulletin created by your Primary children!
Hundreds of printables organized by song title and category that coincide with my singing time lesson plan posts!
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Singing time just got even easier! With my Singing Time To-Go, all you have to do is print! Be prepared for the entire month – every month!
