Hymns

In 2019, I wrote the lyrics to two hymns. Download sheet music below for your family or Church choir. ​

I Will Not Fail Thee

When Joshua faced the daunting task of leading the Israelites after Moses was taken, the Lord promised him, "As I was with Moses, so will I be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Joshua 1:5). This song is based on the powerful promises made to Joshua and others in the scriptures, which apply to each of us as we face the trials of life. This YouTube video contains a 4-minute music video of this hymn.
I Will Not Fail Thee - Lyrics

I will not fail thee, I’ll carry thee through.
As I was with Moses, so I’ll be with you.
Be of good courage, your battles I’ll fight,
Guard and protect thee with infinite might.

I will not forsake thee, but guide thee this day.
Ponder my word, I will prosper thy way.
Step in the river, the water will part.
I'll not forsake thee, my people thou art.

I will not forget thee, forever I see,
On my palms graven, thou art before me.
Sanctify yourselves, my wonders I'll do.
I'll not forget thee, thy strength I’ll renew.

Children of Israel, O children of mine
I am your God, your Redeemer Divine.
I'll magnify thee, my words I’ll fulfill.
I will not fail thee, my hand’s stretched out still.
I Will Not Fail Thee - Scriptural Sources

“I will not fail thee” (Josh 1:5)
“I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4)
“As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee” (Josh 1:5)
“Be strong and of a good courage” (Josh 1:9)
“I will fight your battles” (D&C 105:14)
“There is a God in heaven, who is infinite” (D&C 20:17)
 
“I will not...forsake thee” (Josh 1:5)
“And the Lord shall guide thee continually” (Isaiah 58:11)
“Thou shalt meditate [in the Book of the Law] day and night...then thou shalt make thy way prosperous” (Josh 1:8)
“As soon as the soles of the feet of the priests...shall rest in the waters of Jordan...they shall stand upon an heap” (Josh 3:12)
“I will not...forsake thee” (Josh 1:5)
“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God” (Deut. 14:2)
 
“Yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15)
“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me” (Isaiah 49:15)
“Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5)
“Yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15)
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31)
 
“Children of Israel” (Joshua 1:2)
“Ye shall be called the children of Christ” (Mosiah 5:7)
“I am your God” (Ezek 34:31)
“Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer” (D&C 29:1)
“This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel” (Josh 3:7)
“My word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled” (D&C 1:38)
“I will not fail thee” (Josh 1:5)
“His hand is stretched out still” (Isaiah 10:4)

Come Home My Child
In 1995, Elder Bruce D. Porter taught that the "parable of the prodigal son is a parable of us all." This hymn is based on the memorable message of Luke 15 and how it parallels our mortal journey. The returning prodigal, who is warmly received by his father, should remind us of the future day when God will "wipe away ​all tears" (Rev 21:4) from our eyes. The original music was composed by Rebecca Maughan Cook.
Come Home My Child - Lyrics

He left his father, went astray,
Spent all in sin was faraway.
He was an hungered, lost, dismayed,
Yet ev’ry day his father prayed:
“Come home my child! I've prayed for you.
The Son of God has paid for you.
Repent, be freed from debt you owe.
Your sins can be washed white as snow.”

The prodigal was left alone,
Came to himself then journeyed home.
To be a servant not a son,
But then his father saw him come.
“You're home my child! You’re still my son.
I know that Christ the vict’ry won.
Receive the matchless gift of grace,
A ring, a robe, a warm embrace.”

We left our Parents’ home above,
Came here to earth to learn, to love.
Yet each of us, we sin, we stray.
Our Parents plead for us this day:
“Come home our child! Repent be free.
The Savior bled and died for thee.
Through His atoning sacrifice,
Out of great love, He paid the price.”

​And when our time on earth is through.
When we have done what we can do.
We will pass through the veil of grace,
And feel our Parents' warm embrace.
“You're home our child! O glorious day!
Your aching tears we'll wipe away.
Through resurrection’s endless might,
Come live with us in worlds of light.”
© 2022 by Christopher J. Porter. Images from ChurchofJesusChrist.org and licensed from Shutter Stock. This is not an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed herein are the responsibility of the author.