I Am a Child of God facts for kids

"I Am a Child of God" is a well-known song sung by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is especially popular with children. Naomi W. Randall wrote the words in 1957. Mildred Tanner Pettit created the music. This song has been translated into more than 90 languages. The phrase "I Am a Child of God" also teaches a core belief of the church.

How the Song Was Written

Naomi W. Randall, who wrote the words.

Naomi W. Randall wrote the first three parts of "I Am a Child of God." She was asked to do this by the leaders of the Primary Association. The Primary is a church organization for children.

The leaders wanted a song that could teach children about their special connection with God. Naomi Randall explained how she wrote the song. She said she prayed to God for help.

She woke up around 2:00 a.m. and the words started to come to her. She quickly wrote them down. Soon, three verses and a chorus were finished. She felt very thankful for the words.

Randall then sent the words to her friend, Mildred T. Pettit. Mildred lived in California and wrote the music for the song.

A Small Change to the Words

The song was first sung at a children's meeting in 1957. Years later, a church leader named Spencer W. Kimball suggested a small change. He was an apostle in the church.

He asked if the line "Teach me all that I must know / To live with him someday" could be changed. He wanted it to say, "Teach me all that I must do / To live with him someday."

Kimball explained that just knowing things is not enough. We also need to do things. Naomi Randall agreed to this change.

When the Song Was Published

The song "I Am a Child of God" was first printed in 1969. It was in a children's songbook called Sing with Me.

In 1978, Naomi Randall wrote a fourth verse for the song. However, when the church created a new hymnal in 1985, this fourth verse was not included. Church leaders decided it was not an "official" part of the song.

But when a new songbook for children came out in 1989, the fourth verse was added. Today, "I Am a Child of God" is hymn number 301 in the 1985 hymnal. It is on page 2 in the Children's Songbook.

How Popular the Song Is

"I Am a Child of God" is one of the most important songs in the church. It is used in many places around the world, especially where the church is new. This means it is often one of the first songs new members learn.

The song has been translated into over 90 languages. Many choirs and musicians have also created their own versions of it. The phrase "I Am a Child of God" is used often. You can find it in lessons, magazines, and even on clothing or jewelry. It helps teach a simple but important church belief.

In February 2007, the church celebrated 50 years since "I Am a Child of God" was written.

Who Owns the Song

The copyright for "I Am a Child of God" belongs to Intellectual Reserve, Inc.. This company manages the church's intellectual property.

Intellectual Reserve allows people to copy or download the song's music and words. This is allowed for church use or for personal use at home. In the United States, the phrase "I Am a Child of God" is not trademarked. This means anyone can use the phrase for business purposes.