“Scripture Power” is an LDS song that teaches children how reading the scriptures helps them follow the Savior, learn His instructions, change how they live, and gain strength to choose the right. Through its images of the sword of truth, the shield of faith, and the armor of the Lord, the song connects scripture study with spiritual protection and daily discipleship.
The song also helps children understand that scripture power can keep them safe from sin, give them power to overcome temptation, and strengthen them as they face the tests of life. A singing-time lesson can reinforce these ideas by matching scripture-story pictures with principles learned from the scriptures.
Lyrics and central message
1. Because I want to be like the Savior, and I can, I’m reading His instructions, I’m following His plan. Because I want the power His word will give to me, I’m changing how I live, I’m changing what I’ll be.
2. I’ll find the sword of truth in each scripture that I learn. I’ll take the shield of faith from these pages that I turn. I’ll wear each vital part of the armor of the Lord, And fight my daily battles, and win a great reward.
[Chorus] Scripture power keeps me safe from sin. Scripture power is the power to win. Scripture power! Ev’ryday I need The power that I get each time I read.
What children learn from “Scripture Power”
Youth can learn to “be like the Savior” as they read “His instructions” and about “following His plan” in the scriptures. They can gain a special “power His word will give” them as they read.
They can “find the sword of truth” and “take the shield of faith from these pages” to “fight” their “daily battles, and win a reward.” “Scripture Power” “keeps” them “safe from sin,” the “power to win … each time” they “read.”
- Scriptures teach children how to follow the Savior.
- Scripture study helps children understand what is right.
- Living gospel principles can change how children live and who they become.
- Scriptures provide strength to resist temptation.
- Faith and truth are compared with protective parts of the armor of the Lord.
- Daily scripture reading spiritually strengthens children.
Explaining the song’s message
Because I want the power His words will give to me. - What is the power the scriptures give to us? Explain that it is the strength and power to do the right things, because the scriptures teach us and remind us what is right.
I’m changing how I live. I’m changing who I’ll be. - We gain more strength and power as we do the right things.
Scripture Power is the power to win - Win what? Win power over temptation, which helps us win the test of life and gain eternal life.
Scripture power, every day I need. - We all need the help the Lord provides through the scriptures. We would spiritually starve without the scriptures. As we read the scriptures we are spiritually strengthened.
Scripture Power singing-time activity
Preparation
Print the Scripture Power pictures and wordstrips. Put the pictures into page protectors. Obtain pictures of the following scripture stories from the meetinghouse library: Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife, Noah Preaching to the People, Two Thousand Stripling Warriors, Enos, Daniel and his friends in the kings court, Alma at the Waters of Mormon, The Ten Lepers, Sermon on the Mount, Good Samaritan, David and Goliath, Prodigal Son.
Put each scripture story picture into one of the page protectors that contain the song pictures. Put them facing out on the opposite side. Cut the song word pages on the dotted lines, and cut apart the scripture story matching word strips on the dotted lines.
Match each of the song words to their matching song picture. Turn over the song pictures one at a time and see what scripture story is on the back. Glue the scripture story’s matching word strip to the back of the song words that go with that song picture.
Scripture-story matches
| Scripture story | Principle learned |
|---|---|
| Joseph and Potiphar’s wife | Flee from temptation |
| Noah preaching to the people | Listen to the Prophet |
| Two Thousand Stripling Warriors | Listen to Your Parents |
| Enos | Pray Always |
| Daniel and his friends in the kings court | Word of Wisdom |
| Alma at the Waters of Mormon | Make Baptismal Covenants |
| The Ten Lepers | Be Grateful |
| Sermon on the Mount | Share the Gospel with Others |
| Good Samaritan | Help and Serve Others |
| David and Goliath | Have Faith in God |
| Prodigal Son | Repentance Brings Forgiveness |
Presentation instructions
Post on the board the word strips of things we learn from the scriptures. Make sure the song words on the opposite side are in the correct order they will be sung when turned over. Leave the word strips that say “Scripture Power” facing forward.
Tell the children that “Scripture Power” is the name of the song they are going to learn or review. (The words “scripture power” are a visual reminder of what they gain from the scripture stories.) Also post the pictures of the scripture stories on the board.
The object of the activity is for the children to match the scripture story picture with the word strip of what they learn from that story. When a child makes a match, that child gets to check that match by turning over the word strip and the picture.
If the child thinks the song words match the picture, have the child put the picture by its words. If it doesn’t match, have the child try again. When all the matches had been made, have the children check to see if they think all the song matches are correct. Have them correct any they think are wrong.
You will have to read the word strips to junior Primary, and briefly describe what the scripture story pictures are about.
Adapting the activity for different age groups
To help prevent overwhelming Junior Primary, only post and do half the verse with them at a time. When they have mastered the first half, then post and do the rest.
It may be a good idea to do the same thing with Senior Primary so they do not become restless.
Teaching through participation
YOUTH CAN TEACH So, please let them teach as it helps them learn the gospel and grow their testimony as they share it.
Children can participate by reading or explaining a word strip, describing a scripture-story picture, finding a matching principle, turning over a picture to check an answer, or leading the group in singing a line of the song.
Use this BRIGHT IDEAS LESSON Planner to plan lesson objectives, activities, and discussions (included with each activity).
Using the song in an LDS lesson
The song can introduce a discussion about how scripture study influences daily choices. After singing a verse or the chorus, invite the children to identify the action described in the words: following the Savior’s plan, changing how they live, finding truth, taking faith from the scriptures, or fighting daily battles.
The scripture-story matches give children concrete examples of those actions. Joseph and Potiphar’s wife illustrates fleeing from temptation, Noah preaching to the people illustrates listening to the Prophet, and Enos illustrates praying always.
Other stories connect scripture learning with the Word of Wisdom, baptismal covenants, gratitude, sharing the gospel, serving others, faith in God, and repentance. The activity therefore links the song’s general message to specific gospel principles.
Music and simplified arrangements
“Scripture Power” is available as simplified sacred songs for children, including simplified piano material. It is associated with scripture reading, simplified sacred songs, simplified songs for kids, songs about scriptures, and songs for LDS kids.
Copyright © 1987 by Clive Romney. All rights reserved. Making copies of this music for use within the Church is permitted. This notice must be included on each copy made.