‘Secret Prayer”

was written by Hans Henry Petersen (1835-1909), author of the hymn text and music, was born in Slagelse, Denmark.  He was raised as a Lutheran but joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with his father in June of 1853.  He served as a missionary in Denmark and was later branch president in Svenstrup and district president in Copenhagen, all while still a young man in his twenties.

In 1862, Hans emigrated to America with his parents and five siblings.  While on the ship, he met and married Julia Maria Larsen.  She had joined the church in Helsingor, Denmark, and had been disowned by her parents for doing so.

After reaching New York and then Nebraska, the Petersens became part of a wagon company travelling to Utah.  Hans was put in charge of a company of about 400.  Again, what a story that must have been!  For a young Danish man, literally fresh off the boat, to lead a company of hundreds of Saints across the American frontier in those days must have been a huge challenge.

Hans eventually settled in Hyrum, Utah.  There he became the stake choir director.  It was in that calling that he composed his most famous hymn, “Secret Prayer.”  This hymn demonstrates a sacred attitude to prayer; that it is a very personal conversation with our Heavenly Father.

The Arrangement Uses: