Table of Contents
- The First Vision
- Videos
- Images
- Lesson Ideas
- “Joseph Smith … had questions.”
- Which Church to Join?
- God can answer my questions through the scriptures.
- Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.
- Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
- Heavenly Father and Jesus can speak to us through the Holy Ghost
- I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me.
- What We Learn from the First Vision
- Review Activities
- Songs
- Historical Sites of the First Vision
The First Vision
Videos
Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”
Latter Day Kids “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” Lesson ideas
Images
Illustrated Story
New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”
“The First Vision” (March 2008 Friend)
Book of Mormon Stories: Chapter One
Friend October 2017 “Jesus Visited Joseph”
Friend April 2020 “Jesus Christ’s Church Is Restored!”
Friend November 2019 “James Taught the Gospel”
Friend November 2023 “James Says “Ask of God”
Friend April 2020 “Hello from the Sacred Grove” Photos of the sacred grove and the recreated home of the Smith family. Also tells the story about Joseph.
Flannel Board Figures
Cutout Figures: “Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (March 2008 Friend)
Friend February 2001 “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”
Shadow Box/ Diorama Figures
Friend January 2001 “The First Vision”
Friend January 2025 “First Vision Diorama”
For younger children: Go on a walk somewhere peaceful, just like Joseph Smith went to a grove of trees to pray. Tell your little ones the story of the First Vision as you walk.
Illustrations
Paintings
Gospel Art Picture: “First Vision”
Gospel Art Picture: “The First Vision”
Lesson Ideas
“Joseph Smith … had questions.”
- It might be interesting to your children to explore some of the questions Joseph Smith had that led to the Restoration of the Savior’s gospel. Help them find some examples in Joseph Smith—History 1:10, 29, 68. How are we blessed today because God answered Joseph Smith’s questions?
Which Church to Join?
Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,” (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)
Ask a child to leave the room for a moment. Show the two containers to the rest of the class without letting them see inside. Divide the class into two groups and give each a container. Tell the children in each group that when the child who left the room returns, they are to try to persuade him or her to choose their container. Invite the child to return to the room and choose one of the containers. Ask the child who chose the container questions such as the following:
- Why did you choose that container?
- How did you feel when others were trying to tell you what to do?
Explain that when Joseph Smith was fourteen years old, he was confused about a choice he needed to make. He was trying to decide which church he should join. Other people tried to help him choose a church, but he only became more confused. He felt that he needed more information to make a wise decision: he wanted to know which church was true. Joseph’s situation was similar to that of the child who had to choose between the two containers. Everyone wanted him to choose their church, but he did not know which church was the right choice.
Why was Joseph confused about which church he should join? (JS—H 1:5–10.)
New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”
God can answer my questions through the scriptures.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021
- Consider showing your children a variety of books, (like an encyclopedia or a cookbook), and help them think of questions these books could answer. Then show them a copy of the scriptures. What questions can these books answer? Then you could read together Joseph Smith—History 1:10–11 to find out what questions Joseph Smith had and what answers he found in the scriptures.
- Your children might be able to find words in verse 12 that describe how reading James 1:5 affected Joseph. Then you could share experiences with each other in which a passage of scripture had a powerful influence on you.
Friend November 2019 “James Taught the Gospel” James, the brother of Jesus, taught the gospel and helped lead the church when he grew up. One of his teachings in James 1:5. says that if we have questions, we can ask God. Many years after James wrote this scripture, a boy named Joseph Smith read it. He prayed to know which church to join. Joseph’s prayer was answered! When I have questions, I can ask God, like James taught. (Memorize James 1:5 as a family. Talk about how this verse led Joseph Smith to receive the First Vision.)
Friend November 2023 “James Says “Ask of God”
New Era April 2009 “Line upon Line: James 1:5–6”
New Era January 2017 “Line upon Line: James 1:5–6”
Come Follow Me Kid Hop from one scripture line to another and read it out loud and then discuss what it means. For memorizing the scripture have them do it again and say the phrases, and maybe a little faster each time.
Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021
To start a discussion about how we communicate with Heavenly Father, perhaps you and your children could ask each other questions using various communication methods, like a text message, a phone call, or a handwritten note.
How do we ask questions to Heavenly Father? How do we show Him that we love and honor Him in our prayers? Read together Joseph Smith—History 1:16–19 and discuss how Heavenly Father answered Joseph Smith’s prayer. You and your children could then share experiences when you asked God for help and received an answer.
New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”
Read with the children Joseph Smith—History 1:10–14. Invite the children to find things Joseph Smith did to receive answers to his questions. How can we follow Joseph’s example when we have questions?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)
Help the children repeat the phrase “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). How do we ask God questions? How does He answer us? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)
Friend November 2023 “I Can Ask God”
Little LDS Ideas “Answers to Prayers from Heavenly Father Come in Many Ways” Includes lesson ideas
Friend January 2025 “Coloring Page: Heavenly Father Hears and Answers My Prayers”
Come Follow Me Kid “We can all receive, if not a heavenly vision, at least a clearer vision, illuminated by heavenly light.” (CFM manual) Cut apart the puzzle pieces and hide them in a dark room. Give each child a flashlight to find the hidden pieces in the dark room. Explain that Heavenly Father will always give us a clearer vision to find answers to our questions when we pray in faith.
Share your testimony that God answers prayers, and testify that the children can pray to Him when they have questions.
Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021
- Young children might enjoy standing with outstretched arms pretending to be trees in the Sacred Grove while you tell them about the First Vision. Ask the children to sway as if being blown by the wind while you talk about Joseph praying. Then ask them to stand very still and quiet when you tell them Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to Joseph.
Gospel Art Picture: “The First Vision”
- Older children might enjoy using one or more of the pictures in this outline to tell you what they know about the First Vision. Encourage them to refer to Joseph Smith—History 1:14–17 and to share their thoughts and feelings about Joseph’s experience (see also “Chapter 2: Joseph Smith’s First Vision,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 9–12, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library).
“Lessons from the Prophet Joseph” (February 2014 Friend)
Ensign January 2021 “How can I Know for Myself” What can we learn from Joseph’s example? How can we “know for ourselves” what is true? He read the scriptures. He asked God in prayer. Sometimes we have to wait for answers. He put effort into finding answers to his questions.
“Lessons from the Prophet Joseph” (February 2014 Friend) Read the article by President Eyring and then do the crossword puzzle.
Sing together “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13). Youtube video
Heavenly Father and Jesus can speak to us through the Holy Ghost
Friend January 2025 “Just Like Joseph” Lhensay learns in primary that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. She asked her mom how she could see them like Joseph did. Her mom explained that most of us won’t see Heavenly Father and Jesus like Joseph Smith did. But They can still speak to us through thoughts and feelings from the Holy Ghost. Then you can know They are always with you. Lhensay remembered the warm feeling she had when learned about the First Vision. That was the Holy Ghost, sending her a message from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! They had spoken to her, just like they had to Joseph Smith!
I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me.
- Read together Joseph’s testimony in Joseph Smith—History 1:25. Ask the children to look for words and phrases that show Joseph’s faith. How can we remain faithful to God and our testimonies when other people disagree with us?
How can we handle disagreements without becoming contentious like the people described in this verse?
For the Strength of Youth January 2025 “The Impossible Paper” I can cut a hole in a regular piece of paper big enough to step through. Don’t believe me? Think it’s impossible? I promise, it’s no trick.
There may be times your beliefs are challenged by others, or you come across confusing questions. When this happens, think about the “impossible” paper. Decide to trust God and to turn to Him and other good sources for answers.
Friend November 2019 “Jesus is Real” Everyone at Ismay’s table at school were excitedly talking about Christmas and their favorite traditions such as going to a church service. Suddenly Charlotte spoke up and said, “Jesus isn’t even real.” Ismay was sad to hear this and she quietly bore her testimony to Charlotte that Jesus was real, and that she felt it in her heart. She was glad she had spoken up and planted a seed about Jesus.
What We Learn from the First Vision
Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,” (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)
For the Strength of Youth January 2025 “Looking for Jesus Christ”
When Heavenly Father appeared to Joseph Smith, the first thing He said was “Joseph” (see Joseph Smith History 1:17). Not “you’ve made a lot of mistakes,” or “I don’t have time for you.” It seems like the first thing Heavenly Father did in restoring the gospel was to make sure Joseph knew that his Father in Heaven knew him and loved him.
The second thing He did was to introduce Jesus Christ. “This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith History 1:17). Among all the doctrine, eternal truths, principles, and organization to be restored, two things God wanted Joseph (and us) to know upfront were:
- God knows you personally and loves you.
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and we need to listen to what He has to say.
Name Treat – Point out that in Joseph Smith – History 1:17, Joseph Smith tells us that Heavenly Father said his (Joseph’s) name. Does Heavenly Father know each of our names? (Yes!) Does He love us? (Yes!) Does He want us to talk to Him through prayer? (Yes!) (Make a treat with each child’s name, or let them decorate a treat with their name.
Review Activities
Media Library “The Desires of My Heart” & “The First Vision” (April 2009 Friend)
A quiz with questions about the First Vision from Joseph Smith—History
- To review the account of the First Vision, write summaries of each verse from Joseph Smith—History 1:14–19 on separate slips of paper. Place the papers in a container, and invite the children to choose them one by one and place them on the board in the correct order.
Songs
Joseph Smith’s First Prayer/ Oh, How Lovely was the Morning
Joseph Smith’s First Prayer: Music & Video – Friend January 2017
[Verse 1]
Oh, how lovely was the morning!
Radiant beamed the sun above
Bees were humming, sweet birds singing
Music ringing thru the grove
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love
[Verse 2]
Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing—
‘Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer—
When the pow’rs of sin assailing
Filled his soul with deep despair;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav’nly Father’s care;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav’nly Father’s care
[Verse 3]
Suddenly a light descended
Brighter far than noonday sun
And a shining, glorious pillar
O’er him fell, around him shone
While appeared two heav’nly beings
God the Father and the Son
While appeared two heav’nly beings
God the Father and the Son
[Verse 4]
“Joseph, this is my Beloved;
Hear him!” Oh, how sweet the word!
Joseph’s humble prayer was answered
And he listened to the Lord
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom
For he saw the living God;
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom
For he saw the living God
The First Vision
Friend April 2020 “The First Vision” Music and Video
- 1. Joseph had a question about the way to go, So faithfully he studied to help his knowledge grow. A scripture struck his heart, inviting him to pray, And Joseph knew that he could ask for God to show him the way.
- 2. Seeking peaceful quiet, he chose a grove of trees And prayed with all his power for God to hear his plea. The Father and the Son descended from above To answer Joseph’s question and restore the gospel with love.
- 3. From that wondrous vision, more revelations flowed. The Lord restored the gospel so everyone can know: The heavens are not closed; the Savior speaks today. He calls a prophet in our time to guide our steps in His way.
- Chorus: He prayed in faith and heaven answered. The Father and the Son knew his name. I kneel to pray. I know God loves me And hears my prayers the same.
This is My Beloved Son
Verse 3:
Joseph saw two glorious beings
Shining brighter than the sun.
God again presented Jesus:
“This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”
On a Golden Springtime
Music: “On a Golden Springtime” (Children’s Songbook, 88)
Third Verse: On a golden springtime, in a forest glade, The Father and the Son appeared as Joseph knelt and prayed. Awake, awake, O nations all! Receive the gospel light! The gospel true is here for you. Receive its glorious light!
The Sacred Grove
Music: “The Sacred Grove” (Children’s Songbook, 87)
The Sacred Grove was green and fresh, The morning sun shone bright around, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer Upon that sacred ground.
The Father and the Son appeared. They spoke to him as with one voice. Their message answered all his fears, Their message answered all his fears And made his heart rejoice.
My Own Sacred Grove
Friend January 2025 “My Own Sacred Grove” I Can Play It
Joseph Smith went to a grove full of trees; Seeking Gods wisdom, he fell to his knees. As he pled with the heavens, the sky filled with light, And the Father appeared with His Son, Jesus Christ, Standing above in the air Coming to answer his prayer.
Chorus: I will find my own sacred grove. Away from all of the noise in the world. I will turn to prayer, For I know He’s there I will find my own sacred grove.
So many choices with so much at stake. Life’s full of pathways, but which should I take? If I lift up in prayer in the name of the Son, Through the pow’r of the Holy Ghost answers will come. Heavenly Father is there, Ready to answer my prayer.
Historical Sites of the First Vision
Friend April 2020 “Hello from the Sacred Grove” Photos of the sacred grove and the recreated home of the Smith family. Also tells the story about Joseph.
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