President J. Reuben Clark Jr. on the power of music to bring us to God

President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. (September 1, 1871 – October 6, 1961) was a prominent attorney who served as Under Secretary of State during the presidency of Calvin Coolidge, and later as the US Ambassador to Mexico. He was called as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant starting in April 1933, and was ordained an apostle a year and a half later. He went on to serve as counselor to Presidents George Albert Smith and David O. McKay before he passed away in 1961 at age 90.

“We get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer.”
- J. Reuben Clark Jr., Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 111

Today's quote is short and sweet, but packed with meaning and invitation. President Clark's insight about the power and influence music can have on our souls is important to ponder. And his comment and comparison are particularly appropriate, given the Lord's description: "For 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." (D&C 25:12)

In my mind, this simple statement then challenges me to ponder two questions:

• Given that Satan always counterfeits the Lord's most powerful tools, am I being careful to select the right kind of music that will truly help bring me nearer to the Lord?
• And am I actively using the power of beautiful music as a tool for good in my life as I strive to be close to Him?

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)