< 2012 Hymn of the Month >
Did You Think to Pray?
February 2012
Did You Think to Pray Piano Solo mp3
The text of this classic hymn was
written by Mary A. Pepper Kidder about 1875 and set to music by
William O. Perkins. It was published in a collection of Christian
songs in 1876 and is believed to be currently included in 108
different hymnals.
The questions asked in the hymn, and
the human needs identified, are just as pertinent today as they were
when the text was written over 130 years ago. They point us to the
need for, and the power of prayer. It is interesting that the author
used the term, “Balm of Gilead,” in the last verse rather than
another phrase to describe healing. Why did she recommend that those
with sorrow and trials borrow it every morning? Literally, Balm of
Gilead is a medicine and wound dressing widely used and traded in
biblical times. It comes from an oleo-gum-resin exuded by a small
aromatic tree or shrub believed by some to have been brought from
Arabia to Judea by the Queen of Sheba as a gift to King Solomon. It
was cultivated particularly on the highland region of Gilead,
sometimes referred to as Mt. Gilead, which is east of the river
Jordan and south of the Sea of Galilee. Symbolically, the term
“Balm of Gilead” has, in common use, come to represent anything
that soothes or heals. The fact that Gilead is located in the
region where the Savior lived and taught provides a deeper symbolism.
Also, He is the physician referred to in Jeremiah 8:22, “Is there
no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?” This leads to
the conclusion that “Balm of Gilead” as referred to in the hymn
is a metaphor for the Savior’s healing power that is available to
us through prayer.
Mary Ann Pepper Kidder was born in 1820
in Boston, Massachusetts. She was blinded as a teenager, but
fortunately for us, regained her sight after a few years. She was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and wrote many hymns, only
one or two of which are in common use today. Her best known work is
“Did You Think to Pray?” She lived in New York City for
many years and died in Chelsea, Massachusetts in 1905.
William Oscar Perkins was born in
Stockbridge, Vermont in 1831; the oldest sibling in a musical family.
One brother was also a composer; another was a well-known opera
singer. William studied music in Boston, Massachusetts; then pursued
conservatory studies in London, England and Milan, Italy. He
returned to Boston, founded a music academy and during the course of
his life published many hymnals, glee books and other collections.
Perhaps his best known hymn tune is for “Did You Think to Pray?”
William died in Boston in 1902.
Some publications of this hymn include the following four verses.
Ere you left your room this morning.
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ, our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor
As a shield today?
Refrain
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray.
When you met with great temptation,
Did you think to pray?
By His dying love and merit,
Did you claim the Holy Spirit
As your guide and stay?
Refrain
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray.
When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way?
Refrain
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray.
When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was full of sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day?
Refrain
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day,
So when life gets dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray.
Information in this article came from:
http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/k/i/d/kidder_map.htm
http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/p/e/r/perkins_wo.htm
http://drhamrick.blogspot.com/2011/02/beyond-sunsets-radiant-glow.html
http://earthnotes.tripod.com/balmgilead.htm
Holy Bible, King James Version,
published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints