Elder Russel M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke to students Sunday evening at the Marriott Center.

He entitled Sunday's remarks "The Power and Protection Provided by Worthy Music."

Elder Nelson thanked the Ogden Institute choir for their musical number, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," and told a story about the author of the hymn, Sir Isaac Watts.

Watts had always had a gift for poetry, Elder Nelson said. He made a point that Watts had some of his most productive years as an author after he left school at age 20.

"Music is powerful," Elder Nelson said. He read several New and Old Testament scriptures about praising the Lord with worthy music. In Hebrew, Elder Nelson said, many of the commands to sing praises could be translated to "burst forth ... with a spirit of joy."

"A desire to sing praises to the Lord comes with complete conversion to him," Elder Nelson said. "Complete conversion is the key to experiencing God's greatest blessings."

Elder Nelson read from the introduction of the LDS hymnbook, emphasizing the importance of music in students' lives now and in the future.

Elder Nelson made a CD of "musical memories" for his children last Christmas, consisting of songs that had been sung and played in their home throughout their lives, he said.

"They liked it," he said, drawing a laugh from the audience. One of his grandchildren even told him it was cool, he said.

Elder Nelson had all of his daughters that could be there prepare a special musical number, "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee," and two of his granddaughters accompanied them on the piano and flute.

Elder Nelson continued his message after the singing by telling the audience they would have influence over music in the future - in church meetings as well as in their own lives.

"Delete the rubbish from your minds and iPods," he said, encouraging the young single adults to fill their minds "with worthy sights and sounds."

Elder Nelson concluded by saying listening to worthy music helps to control thoughts and actions.

"If you overindulge in loud music, you may likely become spiritually deaf," Elder Nelson said.

laciehales@byu.net