Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1985 book)

The book contains a table of contents, followed by a preface with a message from the church's First Presidency, which encourages church members to use the hymn book at meetings and in their homes to invite the spirit and to teach doctrine.

The hymn section is divided into thematic groups:

Following the hymns, a section titled "Using the Hymnbook" gives helpful information for choristers and accompanists.

Finally, the hymns are listed in multiple indexes according to the authors' and composers' names, hymn titles, tune names, meters, scriptures referenced, etc.

Members of the church sometimes debate about whether to say "hymn number" or "page number" when referring to the location of a particular hymn. The hymn numbers are not 1:1 with the number of pages. The hymns themselves are numbered and not the pages.

Most of the hymns are arranged in traditional SATB format with treble and bass clefs. The suggested tempo range (in beats per minute) is given, along with an indication of the appropriate mood for the song such as "joyfully," "reflectively," "with vigor," etc. Beneath the hymn are listed the author and composer and their years of birth and death (if applicable), copyright information, and scriptural references.

The book is laid out so that hymns occupying two pages in the book always start on the left. Thus, a page turn is never required in the middle of a hymn.

A few of the hymns have the same text, and even the same title, but are set to different hymn tunes.

The church has released recordings of the hymns in CD sets. One set is instrumental only, and is sometimes used as accompaniment in church meetings. In the other set, the hymns are sung by a quartet with piano or organ accompaniment.

Many popular singers and instrumentalists, including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square and Saints Unified Voices have also recorded arrangements of LDS hymns.

Many of the hymns have been translated and published in editions designed for use in other countries. Some of these editions include hymns not found in the English version, such as traditional Christmas carols and patriotic music of the countries where they are used.

Some of the languages the hymn book is published in include:

• Hymns of the Saints, the Community of Christ (former RLDS) hymnal.
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hymns
• Latter Day Saint poetry
• List of English-language hymnals by denomination

• Hymns at churchofjesuschrist.org (includes index, text, music, and free audio downloads for most hymns in 1985 book; some excluded for copyright reasons)