In an effort to further utilize technology, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partnered with tech-giants Amazon and Google to bring the gospel closer to our homes—with just a few simple voice command.

Staring on July 22, 2020, scriptures, church music, general conference talks, and other church contents will be available on Google Home and Amazon Echo.

To activate Church contents, simply say “Alexa, enable Gospel Voice” for Amazon Echo users while “Hey, Google, enable Gospel Voice” for Google Home users.

After enabling it to your AI speakers, English versions of the following content will be available:

Scriptures

  • All books of scripture can be accessed by chapter (specific verses will be available later this year).
  • Users can choose a male or female voice.
  • To hear scripture, try these phrases: “Alexa, ask Gospel Voice to read First Nephi chapter one.”

“Hey Google, ask Gospel Voice to read First Nephi chapter one.”

Music

  • This includes “Hymns,” “Children’s Songbook” and “Youth Music.”
  • To play music, try these phrases: “Alexa, ask Gospel Voice to play hymn number one hundred and thirteen.

“Hey Google, ask Gospel Voice to play hymn number one hundred and thirteen.”

General Conference

  • Both live and archived (dating back to 1971) general conferences are available. Archived talks can be found by speaker or the title of the talk. Entire session can also be accessed.
  • To listen to general conference, try these phrases: “Alexa, ask Gospel Voice to play the latest talk by President Nelson.”

“Hey Google, ask Gospel Voice to play the latest talk by President Nelson.”

‘Come, Follow Me’ Curriculum

  • All three manuals (for individuals and families, Primary and Sunday School) are available.
  • To access “Come, Follow Me,” try these phrases: “Alexa, ask Gospel Voice to read this week’s lesson.”

“Hey Google, ask Gospel Voice to read this week’s lesson.”

Latter-day Saints Channel

  • All three English channel streams (music, talk and The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square) can be played.
  • to hear a Latter-day Saints Channel stream, try these phrases:“Alexa, ask Gospel Voice to play The Tabernacle Choir.”

“Hey Google, ask Gospel Voice to play The Tabernacle Choir.”

‘Saints’ Volumes 1 and 2

  • Each book in the series is available by chapter.
  • To listen to “Saints,” try these phrases:

“Alexa, ask Gospel Voice to read chapter two of ‘Saints’ Volume One.”

“Hey Google, ask Gospel Voice to read chapter two of ‘Saints’ Volume One.”

Amazon Echo and Google Home are both virtual assistants AI technology developed to make life easier and is a sneak peek of the future lifestyle. Both devices are IoT (Internet of Things) hubs used to control all smart devices from your lights to home securities, curtains, and even your smart TV with just a simple voice command.

“Gospel Voice can infuse additional power into the gospel-centered home,” said Elder Randy D. Funk of the Quorum of the Seventy. “We are especially mindful of those with limited vision and all others of different ages and abilities who will benefit from greater access to core gospel materials in this new channel. During this bicentennial year of the commencement of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are grateful to introduce this important new tool to help each of us ‘Hear Him!’”

More content will be available via Gospel Voice later this year, including magazine audio, Church podcasts, and specific scriptures.

Gospel Voice can be used on these devices:

  • Amazon Echo speakers and screens
  • Alexa-enabled Amazon tablets
  • Smartphones with the Alexa app
  • Amazon Echo Auto
  • Google Home speakers and screens
  • Smartphones with the Google Assistant app
  • Android Auto

There are many ways to access content using Gospel Voice. See the quick start guide for more information.

To help the Church improve Gospel Voice, send feedback to [email protected].

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Josh Flores is a writer for Moroni Channel. He studies commercial law at De La Salle University and served his mission in Japan.
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