He Cares for Me

The year 2019 was difficult for author and composer Kenneth S. Schank. He was a father of young children, working a full-time job, and pushing himself through the final semesters of his undergraduate degree, all while struggling with anxiety and depression. He felt unworthy and unimportant. Still, Brother Schank could see Heavenly Father’s tender mercies for him and his family all around him. Noticing those blessings strengthened his testimony of God’s love. He began to realize that the same omnipotent God who oversees the workings of the universe also loves each of His children intimately and infinitely.

Brother Schank testified, “I know that Heavenly Father loves all of His children, and I believe that this truth is the foundation of every doctrine, principle, and priesthood ordinance. If I could share only one fragment of my testimony with the world, it would be that every living soul is a child of our Heavenly Father and that He loves and cares for them.” Brother Schank wrote “He Cares for Me” to help others come to know and feel this powerful truth.

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On This Page

Scriptures

Principles

Heavenly Father knows and loves each of His children.
Heavenly Father wants us to pray to Him, especially when we are hurt or feel sad.
Heavenly Father hears our prayers and can give us comfort and help.

Questions to Ponder

What are some of the beautiful things in this world that remind you of Heavenly Father’s love for you?
How does it make you feel to know that Heavenly Father wants you to talk to Him in prayer?
What are some things that you might say when you pray to Heavenly Father?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Tell what Heavenly Father knows about us. Sing or listen to the song together as a family. Then invite family members to share things they believe Heavenly Father knows about them—like their needs, hopes, or talents. Remind your children that Heavenly Father hears, knows, and loves them perfectly. You might close by sharing your testimony that He hears our prayers and is always ready to help us.
Draw and describe how Heavenly Father knows and cares for us. After singing the song together, give each family member a piece of paper. While playing the song in the background, invite family members to draw a line down the center. On one side, have them draw one of God’s creations mentioned in the song (like stars, waves, or animals). On the other side, have them draw a picture of themselves. Then invite each person to describe his or her drawing by finishing this sentence: “Because Heavenly Father [knows, made, hears] the [creation], He also [knows, loves, cares for] me.” Sing the song again as a reminder that Heavenly Father knows and cares for each of us personally.

Music Helps

In this song, there is a recurring rhythm pattern. The dot lengthens the first note, and the flag shortens the second note. Recognizing this rhythm can help you learn this song more easily. Notice that the longer notes often emphasize important words.

“He Cares for Me” rhythm illustration