Psalms-sounds like songs for a reason

"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. I love to sing. As a youth, I always sang to the radio, imagining I'd be the next Linda Ronstadt or Stevie Nix. Over the years that sort of music lost its magic for me until now I only listen to Jenny Oaks Baker's violin music (mostly hymns) and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I love to sing along with the hymns now.

Since David seems to be the author of many psalms and they speak of making a "joyful noise unto the Lord", I can imagine David with his lyre singing away especially after his terrible episode of sin. Psalm 98:4; 100:1; 66:1; 95:1–2
  
“Inspirational music is an essential part of our church meetings. The hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord. Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end” (Hymns,ix).

There was a time, when I didn't really like or appreciate they hymns or scriptures. Those were dark days in my life. Sometimes now I sing a bit of a hymn, when we wash dishes or someone asks a question. I love to sing, even though now I'm under no grand illusions of talent or fame. Singing hymns, when I'm a bit down, helps me feel God's loving arms around me. At times when I'm angry and just don't want to pray or don't feel like I can, I often find myself singing little Katie's favorite primary song, A Child's Prayer. During the quiet time of Sacrament meeting, I look up the scriptures at the bottom of each page in they hymnal. Then when we sing the hymn that day, everything all ties together.

One poignant story is of Joseph Smith as he sat in Carthage Jail just before he was murdered. He asked one of the men with him to sing A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief  no. 29. When I sing or hear the hymn, I often wonder about that day. Did Joseph know of his impending martyrdom? Why did he ask for that particular hymn? Why were people so angry about the gospel and the church? Why can't we all just get along and allow each other to worship as we may? How in the world can people justify killing, raping, burning, looting, and driving people out of their homes in the name of Jesus? Jesus was a man and God of peace. But I digress.

Singing, playing, and listening to hymns has brought me much joy and comfort. Beautiful music speaks to my soul--I want to sing and play it more than anything. However, I finally have given up playing the violin for good. It's too heart breaking to play like a beginner after all those years of being good. Plus, it really hurts my neck, and I can't sing and play at the same time. Maybe, I'll pick up the cello, which I've always liked better anyhow. Even though Dad says it's not ladylike for girls to play the cello, I have to disagree. The songs of my heart are my prayers and as ladylike as can be.

Gerard Terborch, Das Konzert