Joseph Smith's First Prayer

The hymn "Joseph Smith's First Prayer was written by George Manwaring, set to music composed by Sylvanus Billings Pond and later adapted by A. C. Smyth. Manwaring, a British convert and self-taught composer, was inspired by a painting of Joseph Smith's first vision by the Danish artist C.C.A. Christensen.[1] The song tells the story of Joseph Smith's vision in 1820 when he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ.

When Joseph was 14 years old, he was inspired by James 1:5, which promises, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Joseph determined to pray to know which church he should join and to ask for forgiveness of his sins.[2]

Merrill Bradshaw

Read about Joseph Smith.

• LDS Living, "Three important lines from hymn no. 26, ‘Joseph Smith’s First Prayer’" by Steven C. Harper