Jul 6 2022

2 Kings 2–7

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Elijah is Translated. The Mantle of Elijah falls on Elisha

2 Kings CHAPTER 2

Elisha and the prophets know that Elijah is to be translated—Elijah divides the waters of the Jordan and is taken up into heaven in a whirlwind—The mantle of Elijah falls on Elisha, who also divides the waters of the Jordan—Elisha heals the waters of Jericho—Youths are torn by bears for mocking Elisha.

2 Kings CHAPTER 3

Jehoram of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah join forces against Moab—Elisha promises them water for their animals and victory in the war—The Moabites are defeated.

Elisha Preforms Many Miracles

Naaman Comes to Elisha to be Healed of Leprosy

God can work miracles in my life. (Younger Children)

2 Kings 4–5

2 Kings CHAPTER 4

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” Elisha multiplies the widow’s oil—He promises a son to a Shunammite woman—The child dies and is raised to life by Elisha—He makes the poisonous food harmless—Bread and grain are multiplied for the people to eat.

Old Testament Stories “Elisha the Prophet”

2 Kings CHAPTER 5

Naaman, the Syrian, comes to Elisha to be healed of leprosy—He rejects the prophet’s instruction at first but relents and dips himself in the Jordan seven times; he is healed—Elisha refuses to accept a reward—Gehazi accepts a gift from Naaman and is cursed with leprosy.

Old Testament Stories “Elisha Heals Naaman”

Media Library “Naaman and Elisha”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” Through the prophet Elisha, the Lord blessed many people in miraculous ways. Help the children recognize the Lord’s miracles in their lives.

  • Share one or more of the miracles recorded in 2 Kings 4–5 (see “Elisha the Prophet” and “Elisha Heals Naaman” in Old Testament Stories). Let the children share what they like about these stories. Invite them to retell the stories to each other.
  • Testify that the Lord can use His power to do great things to help us. We call these things miracles. Share how the Lord has shown His love for you in ways that are large or small. Sing together a song about God’s love, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Ask the children to share how they know Heavenly Father loves them.

God can work miracles in my life. (Older Children)

2 Kings 4–5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” During his ministry, Elisha healed and blessed many people. How can the miracles in 2 Kings 4–5 help the children recognize Heavenly Father’s hand in their lives?

  • Invite the children to write on the board as many miracles as they can remember from the scriptures. Then give them time to review 2 Kings 4–5 and add to their list (see 2 Kings 4:1–7, 14–17, 32–35, 38–41, 42–44; 5:10–14). What do these miracles teach about how Heavenly Father feels about us?
  • Ask the children to talk about what a miracle is. If they need help, they could review “Miracle” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to share some miracles that Jesus performed. Media Library “Life of Jesus Christ: Miracles” Talk about how you have seen God’s power in your life. You might include daily miracles such as feelings of peace, the gift of daily life, or help with daily tasks. Invite the children to talk about miracles in their lives, both large and small.

See also New Era March 2019 “Finding Miracles in Everyday Life”

I can choose to do what God commands through His prophet.

2 Kings 5:1–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” Naaman had a hard time obeying when the prophet Elisha told him how to be cured of leprosy. Ponder how you can help the children understand the blessings that come from being obedient.

  • Tell the story of Naaman (see 2 Kings 5:9–14; “Elisha Heals Naaman” in Old Testament Stories; see also the picture of Naaman in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Emphasize that at first Naaman did not want to wash in the Jordan River, even though Elisha told him that this would heal his disease. Tell about a time when you weren’t sure you wanted to do the right thing, and help the children think of their own examples. Then share how Naaman was blessed when he made the right choice.
  • Read 2 Kings 5:13 to the children, and explain that Naaman’s servants helped him decide to obey the prophet Elisha. Help the children think of ways they could help their friends or family members listen to and obey the prophet.

I can choose to be faithful, humble, and obedient.

2 Kings 5:1–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” Naaman wanted to be healed of leprosy, but he wasn’t expecting the simple instruction Elisha gave him: “Go and wash in Jordan seven times” (2 Kings 5:10). Consider how you could use this story to teach the children about faith in Jesus Christ, humility, and obedience.

  • Write faith, humility, and obedience on the board, and ask the children what these words mean (see True to the Faith, 54–56, 86–87, 108–9). Invite the children to read 2 Kings 5:9–14. You could also show parts of the video “Naaman and Elisha” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How did Naaman show faith in the Lord, humility, and obedience? Why is it important for us to have these qualities?
  • Ask the children to tell about a time when a friend helped them choose the right. Also share an experience of your own. Read together 2 Kings 5:10–13 to learn how Naaman’s servants helped him choose to obey the prophet. What can we do to help each other follow our prophet today?
  • Invite the children to complete the activity page and share with a family member or friend something they learned from the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1–15.

“Lesson 35: Naaman Is Healed,” Primary 6: Old Testament To strengthen each child’s desire to obey righteous leaders.

Friend July 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Naaman and the Miracle”

Story: Naaman had a sickness called leprosy. The prophet Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be healed. At first, Naaman didn’t want to. But when Naaman did what Elisha said, he was healed! (See 2 Kings 5.)

Song: “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Children’s Songbook, 197)

Activity: Make or draw a pretend river using rocks, sticks, chalk, or blankets. Then jump on your river seven times. Talk about how doing simple things God asks us to do can help us.

For the Strength of Youth July 2022 “Some Great Thing”

Friend July 1990 “Elisha and Naaman”

Old Testament Coloring Book “Elisha and Naaman”

Latter Day Kids “Elisha Heals Naaman-Obedience” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Trust in God and His Prophet” Lesson ideas

Lesson 35: Naaman Is Healed,” Primary 6: Old Testament To strengthen each child’s desire to obey righteous leaders.

Naman the Syrian – Friend February 1987

Elisha’s Servant is Afraid and is Allowed to See the Lord’s Army

2 Kings CHAPTER 6

Elisha causes an ax to float—He reveals to the king how to conduct a war with Syria—Horses and chariots of fire protect Elisha—The Syrians are smitten with blindness—Benhadad besieges Samaria, and foodstuff sells for a great price.

The Lord is watching over me.

2 Kings 6:8–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” When Elisha’s servant saw the Syrian army surrounding them, he was very afraid. However, Elisha told him to “fear not” because the Lord was with them (2 Kings 6:16).

  • Read 2 Kings 6:15 to the children, or paraphrase it so they can understand. Invite the children to imagine they are surrounded by a large army with horses and chariots, as Elisha’s servant was. How would they feel? What would they do? Ask them to close their eyes while you read 2 Kings 6:16–17 to them. When you get to the words “open his eyes,” ask the children to open their eyes. Describe to them what the servant saw protecting him and Elisha. Share how you know the Lord is watching over us.
  • Sing together a song about God’s care for us, such as the first verse of “Dearest Children, God Is Near You” (Hymns, no. 96). Replace words in the song with names of the children to emphasize that God is watching over them.

I am not alone.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” The children you teach may sometimes feel like the servant of Elisha—unsure of how to meet the challenges before them. You can use the account in 2 Kings 6:8–17 to teach them to “fear not” because the Lord has not left them alone.

  • Read together 2 Kings 6:15–17. Invite one of the children to pretend to be Elisha’s servant while the other children ask questions about his experience, such as how he felt when the Syrian army surrounded the city or what it was like to see the army of God. Talk with the children about times when they feel alone in trying to live the gospel. How does the Lord help us know that we are not alone?
  • Sing a song about relying on the Lord, such as “When Faith Endures” (Hymns, no. 128). What does this song teach us about trusting in the Lord?

Liahona July 2022 “You Are Never Alone”

Family members might enjoy drawing a picture of the experience of Elisha and his servant described in these verses. How can these verses help us when we feel alone or overwhelmed?

Liahona July 2022 “Coming Closer to Jesus Christ”

Numbers Unbreakable

2 Kings 6:8–23

Read the story of Elisha and the young servant in 2 Kings 6:8–23.

  1. Get a thin stick that could be easily broken.
  2. Challenge someone to break it.
  3. Put 10 or more sticks together. Challenge the same person to break the group of sticks without separating any.
  4. Why was the challenge more difficult the second time?
  5. Read 2 Kings 6:16-17: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”
  6. Whom did Elisha and the young servant see protecting them?
  7. Read the following: “Like that servant of Elisha, there are more with you than those you can see opposed to you. Some who are with you will be invisible to your mortal eyes” (Henry B. Eyring, “O Ye That Embark,” Liahona, Nov. 2008, 58).

Discussion: Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:88. At times when we might feel alone, how can we trust that we are not? How is the Lord protecting and helping us today? (For ideas, see Ronald A. Rasband, “Be Not Troubled,” Liahona, Nov. 2018, 18–21.)

For the Strength of Youth July 2022 “Fear Not—the Lord Is with You”

Jul 5 2022

Agency

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Free Agency

Heavenly Father has Given Me Power to Choose.

Moses 4:1–4

  • • In the preexistence Satan had a plan to destroy the freedoms and agency of the people who came to earth. What did Satan hope to gain from implementing his plan? (Glory and power)
  • • What would life be like without agency? To help the children imagine what it might be like to live under Lucifer’s plan, tell them that for the next few minutes they must do exactly what you say and nothing else (make sure they know they cannot talk). Have them stand and remain standing perfectly still for a few seconds. Then tell each child where to sit. (Do not sit friends near each other.) Tell the children they must sit erect, feet flat to the floor, looking straight ahead, not moving or speaking. Have them hold the position until you tell them otherwise. After about thirty seconds, let them stand again and sit where they want. (Walk in His Ways pg 62)

In Moses 4:3, we learn that Satan “sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him.” How will you help the children appreciate the ability to choose between right and wrong?

  • Talk to the children about some choices you made today, and help them think about choices they made. Read to them from Moses 4:3: “The agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him.” Explain that this verse teaches us that God has given us the ability to make choices. Express your gratitude that you are able to choose the right, and testify that the children can also choose to do what is right.

Coloring Page: “Jesus created the earth as a place where I can learn to choose the right.” (Jan. 2012 Friend)

Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Good Choices Toss”

Story: In the Garden of Eden, Eve chose to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge. She offered the fruit to Adam. He also chose to eat the fruit. (See Moses 4:12.) After they ate the fruit, they learned the difference between right and wrong.

Song: “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61)

Activity: Sit in a circle and toss a ball around. When you catch the ball, tell about a good choice you made this week.

Why is agency so important to God’s plan that Satan would want to destroy it?

Friend January 2012 “Agency Is the Gift to Choose for Ourselves”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 58–59”

Help the children know that Heavenly Father wants us to make good choices that bring happiness to our lives and to others.

  • Read phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28 to help children understand that they can choose to do good. Put a happy face on one side of the room and a sad face on the other side. How do we feel when we choose to do good? Describe several situations along with a good or bad choice for each one. After describing each situation and choice, ask the children to stand by the happy face if the choice is good and by the sad face if it is bad.
  • Show the children a container of many different colors of crayons. Show them a second container with only one crayon. Ask the children which of these containers they would want to use. Why? Explain that being able to choose is a blessing from Heavenly Father. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and want us to make good choices.
  • Tell the children about a time when you made a good choice, and describe how you felt afterward. Invite the children to draw a picture of your story or a story of their own. Then let them share their pictures with the class and tell what they learned from the story.

Agency is the Power to Choose.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 58–59”

God has given us the power to choose, and with that power we can “bring to pass much righteousness” (verse 27). How can you help the children you teach see that even though there is wickedness in the world, “the power is in them” to “do good”? (verse 28).

  • Show the children a piece of paper that has the word choice written on one side and the word consequence written on the other side. Explain that choices have consequences, or results that naturally follow actions. Invite a child to pick up the paper to show that when you pick up the paper, you get both the choice and the consequence of that choice. Ask a child to read Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28. What choices can we make that will “bring to pass much righteousness” or good consequences? (verse 27). When have we made good choices that had consequences that blessed others?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 1-5” Make a booklet. We have free agency like Adam and Eve.

2017 Sharing Time Outline Tell the children that you are thinking of a word, and give them clues to help them guess the word. Ask them to raise their hands when they know the answer. Clues could include the following: We had this before we came to earth. It is a gift from our Heavenly Father. It is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan for us. Satan wanted to take it from us. We use it when we make choices. It is a gift that lets us choose for ourselves. It starts with the letter A. After the children have guessed the answer, say together, “Agency is the gift to choose for ourselves.”

Show the children a long stick that has the word choice written on one end and the word consequences written on the other end. Explain that a consequence is what naturally happens because of a choice we make; for example, if we choose to practice playing a musical instrument, we will get better at it, and if we choose to touch fire, we will be burned. Pick up the stick and show the children that every time you pick up the stick, you get both the choice and the consequence of that choice. Ask an older child to read 2 Nephi 2:27. Invite the other children to listen for what the consequences are for making the right choice (liberty and eternal life) and what the consequences are for making the wrong choice (captivity and misery).
Invite two children to come to the front of the room, and let each child hold one end of the stick. Ask the child holding the “choice” end to give an example of a good choice (for example, speaking kindly to others). Ask the other child to share possible consequences of that choice (for example, making lasting friendships). Repeat with several other children.

2017 Sharing Time Outline Show the children a container of many different colors of crayons. Show them a second container with only one color. Ask the children: “If you were going to color a picture, which of these containers of crayons would you want to use? Why?” Explain that having a variety of choices is a blessing. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and They want us to make correct choices.

Agency. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father has given us the gift of agency—the freedom to choose—and holds us accountable for our choices (see Doctrine and Covenants 29:39–40). Create two signs for each child: one that represents making a good choice (for example, a smiling face) and one that represents making a bad choice (for example, a frowning face). Share examples of good choices and bad choices, and ask the children to raise the correct sign. Ask the children to share blessings that come when we follow Jesus Christ. Why does Heavenly Father let us make our own choices?Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

Jul 2 2022

Prophets and Apostles

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Also see Conference files for more items.

Jesus Christ leads His Church through prophets and apostles.

Acts 1:1–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 1-5” Learning about how the Savior led His ancient Church through apostles can help the children gain testimonies of prophets and apostles in our day.

Show the full-page picture from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Ask the children why they think the people are looking at the sky.

Summarize the account from Acts 1:1–11. (See also “Chapter 55: The Apostles Lead the Church,” in New Testament Stories, 145–47, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)

Friend July 2019 “Jesus Said to Share the Gospel”

After Jesus died and was resurrected, He visited His followers. He told His Apostles to teach all people to obey the commandments and be baptized.
After teaching His followers, Jesus returned to heaven.
The Apostles started traveling and teaching people in different lands.
Friend July 2019

Friend July 2023 “The Prophet Peter”

  • Story: After Jesus died, Peter was called to be the leader of the Lord’s Church. You can read this story on page 46 or in Acts 2–3.
  • Song: “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159)
  • Activity: Pick a person to be the leader. Have the leader do an action (like hopping on one foot or spinning). The others copy them. When the leader changes the action, the others copy the new action. Take turns being the leader until each person has had a turn.

Invite a child to hold up a picture of the current Apostles. Who helps Jesus Christ lead the Church when He is not on the earth?

Friend November 2023 “Our Prophets and Apostles”

For the Strength of Youth October 2023 “Called of God” Match the photos of the General Authorities to their names. Answers on page 12.

Play a matching game with two sets of pictures of the living First Presidency and Twelve Apostles. When a match is made, share the Apostle or President’s name and something about him.

Friend May 2018 “Our Prophets and Apostles Today”

Friend 2020

Friend Sept. 2016 Oaks
Friend Sept. 2016 Oaks
Friend July 2018
Friend Feb 2016 Nelson
Friend Feb 2016

On the back of a picture of the President of the Church, tape small pictures of things he teaches about, like the Savior, baptism, or a temple. Let each child take a turn looking at one of the pictures and telling the rest of the class, “The prophet teaches us about [the topic of the picture].” Testify that prophets and apostles teach us what Jesus wants us to know and do.

Friend January 2021

Jesus Christ leads His Church through prophets and apostles.

Acts 1:8, 22–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 1-5” How will you help the children understand that the Savior’s Church today is led by prophets and apostles, just as it was in ancient times?

Write on the board How does Jesus Christ lead the Church when He is not on the earth? Invite the children to listen for answers to the question as you read the Savior’s words to the Apostles in Acts 1:8. Help the children understand that Jesus has chosen prophets and apostles to lead the Church today, just as He did anciently.

Media Library “Christ Ordaining the Apostles”
Church News

Read together Acts 1:22–26. As a class, identify how the Apostles called a new Apostle.

  • Much the same process is still used today. The Church topic page on apostles shares that “Apostles are chosen through inspiration by the President of the Church, sustained by the general membership of the Church, and ordained by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by the laying on of hands.”

Ahead of time, ask a child and his or her parent to learn about a recently called Apostle (they can find information about the Apostles at “Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the child to share what he or she learned with the class and, if possible, what the Apostle said about his call in his first general conference message.

  • Ulisses Soares was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 31, 2018. Below is his first conference address after his call.

Prophets and Apostles Testify of Jesus

The Living Christ

Friend January 2019 “The Living Christ” The prophets and apostles wrote “The Living Christ” to tell the world about Jesus. Read part of it each month and memorize the words in red. Fill in the blanks with words from the picture to learn more about this first quote. Also, color the card and collect a new one each month.

Friend February 2019 Names of Christ and Jesus is the creator of the earth.

Friend February 2019

Friend March 2019 Following Jesus example of helping others. Make a map of where you walk and ways you can help.

Friend April 2019 “The Living Christ” He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind.

Friend May 2019 Jesus’s life didn’t begin when he was born nor end when he died. Look up the scriptures about His life before birth, his life on the earth, and his life after death and then fill in the crossword puzzle.

Friend June 2019  Jesus was resurrected and lives. Discuss the pictures of him visiting people after his death.

Friend July 2019  Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery saw a vision of Jesus Christ in the Kirtland Temple. Jesus said, “I am he who liveth.”

Friend August 2019 The Prophet Joseph Smith’s testimony of the resurrected Jesus.

Friend September 2019 Write the names of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on the foundation stones.The foundation of a building keeps it strong. The most important foundation stone is called the cornerstone. The prophets and apostles are like the foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jesus Christ is like the most important stone, the cornerstone.

Friend October 2019 Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Friend November 2019 “The Living Christ” The apostles bear testimony of Jesus .Use the hints page to fill in the blanks. The highlighted letters give the final message!

Friend December 2019 “The Living Christ” Like light shining through a window, the Savior brings light and hope to a world that sometimes seems dark. Color this stained-glass window, then visit ComeUntoChrist.org/Christmas to learn how you can share Christ’s light!

When our Church leaders speak by inspiration, they speak “the word of the Lord.”

Doctrine and Covenants 68:3–4

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 67–70”

When the Lord’s servants speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, their words are the will, mind, word, and voice of the Lord (see verse 4). Knowing this truth can help the children want to listen to and follow their teachings.

  • Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 68:3–4 in small groups and share with each other what they learn from these verses. Invite the children to write something they learned on the board. Why is this an important truth to know?
  • After reading Doctrine and Covenants 68:3–4 together, give the children copies of several recent messages from general conference. Invite them to find in the messages truths that the Lord taught us through His servants.

Friend May 2018 “Our Prophets and Apostles Today” Match the picture with the names and facts about each leader.

Friend September 2019 Write the names of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on the foundation stones.The foundation of a building keeps it strong. The most important foundation stone is called the cornerstone. The prophets and apostles are like the foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jesus Christ is like the most important stone, the cornerstone.

Friend September 2020 “Funstuff: Find 15” There are 12 members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and three members of the First Presidency. All together, that makes 15! Circle the number pairs that add up to 15.

The First Presidency Holds “The Keys of the Kingdom.”

Doctrine and Covenants 90:2, 5, 14–16

The Lord’s instructions about the First Presidency in 1833 (Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams) can help the children strengthen their testimony of today’s First Presidency.

  • Invite the children to search Doctrine and Covenants 90:14–16 and write down some of the things the Lord asked the First Presidency to do. Show the children a picture of the current First Presidency, and share something about them. (You can read their biographies under “Living Prophets and Church Leaders” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Share your testimony of their divine callings and the blessings you have received from following their counsel.
  • Review with the children something that a member of the First Presidency has taught. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 90:5. Point out that “oracles” are revelations or the prophets who receive them. What does it mean to “receive the oracles … as a light thing”? How can we show that prophets and the things they teach are important to us?

Review recent messages from members of the First Presidency. How do their words “unfold the mysteries of the kingdom” to you? (verse 14). How do they “set in order all the affairs of this church and kingdom”? (verse 16).

Friend October 2019

New Era May 2012 “Priesthood Keys”

With a set of keys, you can do a lot of things that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do—enter buildings, drive cars, and open trunks, among other things. Keys, basically, mean authority and access.

The same is true of priesthood keys. They control access to the blessings and ordinances of the priesthood.

Members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hold all the keys necessary for governing the Church. Only the President of the Church has the right to exercise all of those keys. He delegates these keys to others who preside in the Church—temple presidents, mission presidents, stake presidents, district presidents, bishops, branch presidents, and quorum presidents, including deacons and teachers quorum presidents.

So, for instance, although the Church has many worthy priesthood holders, they need authorization from someone holding keys before performing most ordinances. For example, if Aaronic Priesthood holders hear about a homebound ward member who would like to receive the sacrament at home, they cannot simply go and administer the sacrament to that member because they believe it’s the right thing to do. They must be authorized by the bishop, who holds the keys over the Aaronic Priesthood. And a father who holds the priesthood cannot simply baptize his 8-year-old daughter or ordain his 12-year-old son to the Aaronic Priesthood without first being authorized by the bishop to do so.

God has given us prophets, seers, and revelators.

Mosiah 8:16–18

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 7-10”

  • One way to teach about seers is to compare them to things that help us see better, like glasses, binoculars, or a microscope. [Show the children how to hold their hands up to their eyes as if they were looking through glasses or binoculars. Read Mosiah 8:17, ask the children to put on their “glasses” each time they hear the word “seer.”] (see also Moses 6:35–36). Talk with them about things that the Lord helps prophets “see” that we can’t. What have our prophets or seers, such as Joseph Smith, revealed to us?

Clipart Library

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10” Show the children pictures of tools that help us see things we couldn’t otherwise see, such as binoculars, a telescope, or a microscope. How are these tools like a seer? (see Moses 6:35–36). What can seers see that we do not? Explain that God has given us prophets and that one of the roles of a prophet is to be a “seer” because he can “see” things to come. Share some examples of things that prophets have seen and revealed to us (including the scriptures), or share an example of when a prophet was acting as a seer (such as 1 Nephi 11:20–21).

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 7-10”

  • After reading Mosiah 8:16–18 with your children, you could help them think of ways to complete a sentence like A seer is like a … who helps us … . For example, a seer is like a traffic sign who points us to Jesus.
  • Ask the children to review Mosiah 8:16–18 to learn what a seer is. Write this sentence on the board: A seer is like . Help the children think of ways to complete the sentence to explain why a seer is a blessing to us—for example, a seer is like a lifeguard, who warns us of danger.(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”

Show a short clip of a recent conference message from the President of the Church (or show a picture of him and read something he has taught). Bear your testimony that he is a prophet, seer, and revelator.

Friend May 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”Ammon taught that prophets can see things to come (see Mosiah 8:16–17). Turn to page 2 to read President Nelson’s message from general conference. What did he teach us? Draw a picture about it.

In our day, “the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators” (Bible Dictionary, “Seer”). You might show pictures of our living prophets, seers, and revelators. You might show pictures of our living prophets, seers, and revelators and ask your family what they know about them. How are we following them?

Media Library “First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 7-10”

You could also make paper footprints and invite your children to draw pictures on them of things that prophets, seers, and revelators have counseled us to do. Place the footprints in a path around the room, and let your children walk on these footprints. How can a seer be “a great benefit” to us? (see Mosiah 8:17–18).

The Red Crystal

For younger children: Sing “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11) with your kids. Every time you sing the word prophet, point to a picture of the prophet.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”

  • Pick a phrase from Mosiah 8:16–17, and write it on the board, replacing each word with a made-up symbol. Give the children a list of the symbols and the words they represent, and let them decode or “translate” the phrase as seers do. What are some other ways that prophets, seers, and revelators are “a great benefit” to us? (Mosiah 8:18).
  • Display the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and ask the children to describe what they see. Explain that the Prophet Joseph Smith was a seer. What evidence do we have that Joseph Smith was a seer? The Lord gave him tools called the Urim and Thummim and a seer stone to use in translating the Book of Mormon.
Jul 2 2022

Alma 8-12

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Table of Contents

Alma CHAPTER 8 Alma preaches and baptizes in Melek—He is rejected in Ammonihah and leaves—An angel commands him to return and cry repentance unto the people—He is received by Amulek, and the two of them preach in Ammonihah. About 82 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 9 Alma commands the people of Ammonihah to repent—The Lord will be merciful to the Lamanites in the last days—If the Nephites forsake the light, they will be destroyed by the Lamanites—The Son of God will come soon—He will redeem those who repent, are baptized, and have faith in His name. About 82 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 10 Lehi descended from Manasseh—Amulek recounts the angelic command that he care for Alma—The prayers of the righteous cause the people to be spared—Unrighteous lawyers and judges lay the foundation of the destruction of the people. About 82 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 11 The Nephite monetary system is set forth—Amulek contends with Zeezrom—Christ will not save people in their sins—Only those who inherit the kingdom of heaven are saved—All men will rise in immortality—There is no death after the Resurrection. About 82 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 12 Alma speaks to Zeezrom—The mysteries of God can be given only to the faithful—Men are judged by their thoughts, beliefs, words, and works—The wicked will suffer a spiritual death—This mortal life is a probationary state—The plan of redemption brings to pass the Resurrection and, through faith, a remission of sins—The repentant have a claim on mercy through the Only Begotten Son. About 82 B.C.

Alma is rejected in Ammonihah. An angel commands him to return.

Alma 8

Quickly I Obey

Friend June 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Speedy Singing: When an angel told Alma to go teach the people, Alma went “speedily” (Alma 8:18). Talk about how you can speedily follow God’s commandments. Then sing “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160). The first time, sing the song slowly. Then sing it again, faster and faster. How fast can you sing it?

For younger children: Give your little ones a simple action to do, like jumping, touching their toes, or spinning around. Invite them to try doing the action faster and faster. Then talk about how we can be speedy to follow God.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” What can we learn from Alma about obeying the Lord “speedily” (verse 18) even when it might be difficult? To reinforce this principle with small children, you could play a game where you give instructions for a task and see how quickly family members accomplish it. For instance, you might see who could quickly fold a piece of clothing.

The Cozy Red Cottage For this activity you are going to use the dice. Pick one activity for the family to perform-it can be something like jumping 10 times or picking up 5 things in their bedroom. Once the activity is decided on, roll the dice. You will perform the activity either fast or slow. You can play this multiple times picking new activities and rolling the dice.

I can be a good friend.

Alma 8:18–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 8-12” You could invite one child to pretend to be Amulek and another to pretend to be Alma as you tell the story in Alma 8:18–22. How was Amulek a good friend to Alma? Then your children could share how someone has been a friend to them and how that experience made them feel.

Come Follow Me Kid

Skittle Friendship Game – Each family member will take turns choosing a Skittle out of a bag (without looking). Before they can eat each one, they need to answer one of the questions from the chart based on the color of Skittle that they have.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 8-12” Maybe you could make a friendship puzzle: find or draw a picture representing friendship and cut it into puzzle pieces. On the back of each piece, write something we can do to be a good friend, including things Alma and Amulek did. Your children could take turns selecting a piece and adding it to the puzzle as you read what is written on the back. Who needs our friendship?

Pictures that could be made into a puzzle:

Friend November 2020
Friend June 2020

Friend June 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 8:26–27 together and help your little ones say, “I can be a good friend.” Sing a song about friendship, like “Our Door Is Always Open” (Children’s Songbook, 254). Practice sharing food with each other, like Amulek shared his food with Alma.

Alma commands the people of Ammonihah to repent

Alma 9

Alma 10

Amulek teaches the people

Alma 11

Saved from Our Sins

Alma 11:34–37

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” What is the difference between Jesus Christ saving us in our sins and from our sins? (see Helaman 5:10; see also 1 John 1:9–10). To illustrate what Amulek taught, you might share the story at the beginning of Elder Allen D. Haynie’s message “Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 121–23). How does Jesus Christ save us from our sins?

Because of Jesus Christ, I will be resurrected.

Alma 11:43–44

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 8-12” Consider an object lesson like this one to teach about the Resurrection: your hand could represent your spirit, and a glove could represent your body. Take your hand out of the glove to show that our spirits and bodies will be separated at death. Then place your hand back in the glove to show that our spirits and bodies will be joined together again at the Resurrection. Let your children take turns putting the glove on and taking it off as you read Alma 11:43 to them.

Easter Puppet Object Lesson Directions on how to make and present object lesson of spirit leaving body and then being reunited.

Resurrection Puppets
Source: Friend September 2006

Display a picture of the resurrected Savior (see Gospel Art Book, no. 59), and testify that Jesus Christ made it possible for everyone to be resurrected.

Christ and Mary at the Tomb

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” Invite the children to draw pictures of their friends or family members, including extended family members. As the children share their pictures, point to each friend or family member they drew and explain that he or she will be resurrected. Testify that Jesus made it possible for us to be with our families forever.

God’s plan is a plan of redemption.

Alma 11–12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 8-12” Perhaps your children could draw a picture representing principles of the plan of redemption, like the Fall of Adam and Eve, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, repentance, death, resurrection, and judgment. Then you could help them match their pictures to verses in Alma 11–12 that teach about these principles.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” What is the Savior’s role in this plan? Then invite the children to use their pictures to role-play teaching a friend about God’s plan.

The Red Crystal

Amulek contends with Zeezrom

Alma 12

If I don’t harden my heart, I can receive more of the word of God.

Alma 12:10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” Read together Alma 12:10, and discuss what it means to “harden” our hearts. Why does a hard heart make it more difficult to learn from God? To illustrate this principle, show the children a sponge and a rock and ask them which will absorb water better. How can we show the Lord that we want our hearts to be soft like the sponge?

Ensign June 2020 “How Does Developing a Soft Heart Help Us Gain Spiritual Knowledge?”

Alma 8-10

I can share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Alma 8–10

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 8-12” This week’s activity page could help you summarize the events in Alma 8–10 for your children. You might want to help them find principles that made Alma and Amulek good missionaries. For example, they didn’t give up (see Alma 8:8–13), they testified of Christ (see Alma 9:26–27), and they worked together (see Alma 10:12).

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 8-12” A song about missionary work, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168) could give your children ideas about ways to share the gospel with their friends. Invite them to list ideas they find and people they could share the gospel with. You might even let them role-play what they might say or do.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” Ask the children to tell you about something they have shared with a family member or a friend—such as a toy or candy. Help them list some important things we can share with others about Jesus Christ. Explain that because the gospel is so important, Alma went to share it with the people in many other cities so they could learn how to be happy. Invite the children to share experiences when they shared the gospel with someone, or share your own experience.

Friend September 2016 “Bee-ing a Missionary”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” Help the children repeat a gospel truth several times, such as “The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ” or “I know Jesus loves me.” Then invite each child to practice sharing this truth with someone else in the class.

Friend January 2019 “Something Special to Share” Diego wants to take something special to share for Show and Tell. He decides to take a picture of Jesus and tell them that Jesus loves everyone.

[unitegallery 2019Januar]

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” Why does Heavenly Father want us to share the gospel? Help the children plan ways to share the gospel with their friends, such as giving them a copy of the Book of Mormon or inviting them to a Church activity. Give them time to role-play what they might say or do in these situations.

Friend June 2020 “Finish the Pattern”

Friend March 2024 “I Can Invite Others to Follow Jesus”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” Invite the children to describe what missionaries do and to tell you about anyone they know who is serving a mission. What do missionaries teach people? Help the children see that Alma and Amulek were missionaries who shared the gospel with the people of Ammonihah.

Additional Resources

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Alma and Amulek’s Mission to Ammonihah”

Lesson 15: Alma and Amulek in Ammonihah Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Jun 29 2022

Alma 5-7

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Table of Contents

Alma CHAPTER 5 To gain salvation, men must repent and keep the commandments, be born again, cleanse their garments through the blood of Christ, be humble and strip themselves of pride and envy, and do the works of righteousness—The Good Shepherd calls His people—Those who do evil works are children of the devil—Alma testifies of the truth of his doctrine and commands men to repent—The names of the righteous will be written in the book of life. About 83 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 6 The Church in Zarahemla is cleansed and set in order—Alma goes to Gideon to preach. About 83 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 7 Christ will be born of Mary—He will loose the bands of death and bear the sins of His people—Those who repent, are baptized, and keep the commandments will have eternal life—Filthiness cannot inherit the kingdom of God—Humility, faith, hope, and charity are required. About 83 B.C.

Alma commands the people in Zarahemla to repent

Alma 5

Song of Redeeming Love

Alma 5:9, 26

Alma asked them to think of their past spiritual experiences and consider if they could feel the same way now (see Alma 5:26).

To sing the song of redeeming love is to feel the pure love of Christ — “to feel the joy and hope that comes from an expanded soul changed by sincere repentance,” Elder Stanfill 

Ensign June 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read Alma 5:9, 26 together. Talk about what you think it means to sing songs of “redeeming love.”

  1. If possible, find a picture of Jesus to look at together.
  2. Ask each family member to pick a favorite verse from a Church hymn or children’s song to sing together.
  3. After singing, take turns sharing thoughts and feelings about Jesus.

Discussion: What change could each of us make to better follow Jesus this week? How does good music help us draw closer to God?

Prepared to Meet God

Alma 5:14–33

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020

Members of your family may know what it feels like to be prepared—or unprepared—for a camping trip, a test at school, or a job interview. What recent experiences could they share to illustrate the importance of being prepared? You could invite family members to review Alma 5:14–33 and find questions Alma asked to prepare his people to meet God. Perhaps each family member could choose a question and share how it can help us prepare to meet God. Your family could also display several of Alma’s questions around your home for family members to ponder.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd

Alma 5:38

Friend June 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Game: Hide and Sheep

Friend June 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, and He wants us to come to Him (see Alma 5:38). Play a game of shepherd tag! The person who is “it” is the shepherd gathering sheep. When the shepherd tags someone, they follow the shepherd. Once everyone is tagged, play again with a new shepherd!

For younger children: Jesus is like a shepherd, and He calls us to come to Him. Have someone hide and call out your little one’s name. Then have your child look to find them.

I can gain my own testimony through the Holy Ghost.

Alma 5:44–48

Friend June 2024 “What is a Testimony?”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 5-7”

Display pictures of things that grow gradually and need constant care, like a plant or a baby animal. Ask the children to share how we take care of these things and help them grow. (You could then relate this to taking care of our testimonies. What care do our testimonies need? How can we tell if they are growing?)

Photo by Tobias on Unsplash
Photo by Daniel Öberg on Unsplash

Friend January 2019 “Testimony Plants”

  • A testimony is what you believe is true, like “God loves me” or “Families are forever.”
  • Like plants, everyone’s testimonies grow at different speeds. Heavenly Father is happy when your knowledge grows even a little.
  • Plants need water and sunlight to grow. Scriptures, prayer, and church are like water and light for your testimony.
  • Roots make plants strong. You can keep your testimony strong by remembering Heavenly Father and Jesus every day!

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 5-7”

  • How did Alma gain his strong testimony of Jesus Christ? You could read Alma 5:44–46 with your children to find answers to this question. Perhaps your children could write down a plan to do one thing this week to strengthen their testimony.

Friend June 2024 “Five Ways to Build Your Testimony”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 5-7”

Use an empty balloon to represent a testimony and blow air into it each time you share something that helps testimonies grow. Tie the balloon and pass it around, asking the children to share one thing they can do to help their testimonies grow. Invite the children to draw themselves doing things that will strengthen their testimonies.

Photo by Blake Cheek on Unsplash

Alma was visited by an angel, but his testimony was “made known unto [him] by the Holy Spirit” (Alma 5:46).

Friend June 2024 “My Testimony”

Alma preaches in Gideon

Alma 7

The Savior took upon Himself my sins, pains, and afflictions.

Alma 7:10–13

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 5-7”

  • How can you help your children understand Alma 7:10–13 so they can know that Jesus Christ cares about them and can help them? Perhaps you could ask them to share an experience when they were sick or in pain or had another problem that made them sad. How did others help them feel better? Bear your testimony that the Savior has suffered those things too, and talk about a time when He comforted and helped you.

The Red Crystal

  • As you and your children read Alma 7:11–13, look for the things Jesus Christ suffered for us. Invite your children to use words and phrases they found to complete this sentence: “Jesus suffered  so He can help me.” How does it help us to know that Jesus understands our struggles? How do we receive His help? Share your testimony of Jesus Christ.

The Red Crystal

Draw a line to the matching part of the scripture.

  • According to these verses, why was the Savior willing to suffer all of this? (Explain that “succor” means “to help.”)

Following Jesus Christ keeps me on the straight path back to Heavenly Father.

Alma 5:14; 7:19–20

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 5-7”

  • Let your children look in a mirror as you read Alma 5:14 (see also this week’s activity page). What does it mean to have the Savior’s image in our countenance?

Pass around a mirror and let children look at their reflections as you read Alma 5:14. What does it mean to have the Savior’s image in our countenance? Share times when someone said or did something that reminded you of the Savior, and ask the children to do the same.

Come Follow Me Kid Christ Mirror Activity – Read/discuss Alma 5:14. Whose heart does ours become more like as it changes? (Christ’s) Give each family member one of the Christ mirror pictures from the primary manual. The instructions in the manual say, “Hold the mirror and look into it. As you do, tell someone some things you can do that will help others think of the Savior when they see you.” I think it would also be great to have Mom/Dad share with each kid specific things that that child does that helps us think of the Savior. You could either write those things around the sides or on the back of the mirror or get some heart stickers and give each child a heart sticker as you tell them each Christlike characteristic you’ve noticed in them and then let them decorate their mirror.

Come Follow Me Kid
  • How can you use Alma’s description of the path back to Heavenly Father to help your children learn to make good choices? You could read Alma 7:19–20 to them and let them act out walking in “crooked paths” and walking in a straight path. Help them think of choices that help us stay on the path and other choices that take us off the path. You could also look at pictures of Jesus together and talk about things He did to show us the path back to Heavenly Father. A song like “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79) could provide some ideas.

Media Library Mormonads

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 5-7”

  • Read Alma 7:19 to the children, and explain that when we make good choices, we are in the path that leads back to Heavenly Father. Give the children a series of choices or actions (such as being unkind to family members or serving them). Ask them to tell you if each choice is good and leads back to God or if it is evil and leads away from Him.

Ensign September 2016 

  • Read Alma 7:20 and help the children understand the words in these verses that describe the path back to God. Draw on the board a straight path from us to Heavenly Father. Then draw a crooked path that includes dead ends that lead away from God. Invite the children to trace both paths with their fingers. Which path is better? Help them think of good choices that will help them stay on the straight path.

Friend September 2017 “CTR Fun” Fill in the blanks in the poem about choosing the right.

I must be born again and then follow the path that leads back to God.

Alma 5:12–14, 27–28, 57; 7:14–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 5-7”

Show the children a picture of a baby, and invite them to talk about what a baby is like when he or she is first born. Invite a child to read Alma 5:14. To help the children understand what it means to be “spiritually … born of God,” ask them to think about what Alma the Younger was like before he was converted. What was he like afterward? (See Mosiah 27:23–32 and Alma 36:12–24.) Explain that when we have faith in Jesus Christ and live His gospel, it is like we have started a new life, as a baby does.

Canva

Prepared to Meet God

Alma 5:14–33

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020

Members of your family may know what it feels like to be prepared—or unprepared—for a camping trip, a test at school, or a job interview. What recent experiences could they share to illustrate the importance of being prepared? You could invite family members to review Alma 5:14–33 and find questions Alma asked to prepare his people to meet God. Perhaps each family member could choose a question and share how it can help us prepare to meet God. Your family could also display several of Alma’s questions around your home for family members to ponder.

Read together Alma 7:19, and explain that after we are born again, we must follow “the path which leads to the kingdom of God.” Hide papers around the room with the following scripture references written on them: Alma 5:12–13, 27–28, 57; 7:14–16, 23–24. Invite the children to find the papers, look up the scriptures, and share what each scripture teaches we must do to return to God’s presence.

Alma 7:23

Who do we know who is a good example of one or more of the qualities listed in this verse? Why is it important to develop these qualities?

23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. 24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

Additional Resources

Friend June 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

Jun 29 2022

1 Kings 17–19

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Table of Contents

Elijah is Fed by Ravens and a Widow

The Lord blesses those who have faith.

1 Kings 17

Elijah seals the heavens and is fed by the ravens—At his command the barrel of flour and the jar of oil of the widow of Zarephath never become empty—He raises her son from death.

Old Testament Stories for Young Readers “Elijah and the Widow” Video

Friend September 2018 “Elijah and the Widow”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” 1 Kings 17 records several examples of great faith. As a result of having great faith, Elijah was fed by ravens during a famine, a widow and her son had their food multiplied, and Elijah raised the widow’s son from the dead.

  • Display pictures or objects that go with the stories in 1 Kings 17, such as birds, bread, or a boy. Tell these stories to the children (“Elijah the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories can help), and invite them to find the picture or object that goes with each story. Emphasize that Elijah and the widow had faith in Jesus Christ and received great blessings.

Friend Sept 2014

  • Help the children think of ways they can show that they have faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, which means that they believe in Them and trust Them. Sing with them a song about faith, such as “I Know My Father Lives” (Children’s Songbook, 5).

When the Lord asks me to sacrifice, I can obey in faith.

1 Kings 17:8–16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” The widow of Zarephath trusted the Lord and His prophet, even though she was asked to make a great sacrifice. This story could help the children when the Lord asks them to make sacrifices.

  • Read to the children 1 Kings 17:8–16. Invite them to act out the story as you read it a second time. Pause at various points and ask them how they would feel if they were Elijah or the widow. Invite them to share what they learn from this story.
  • Invite a child to draw on the board a picture of what the Lord asked the widow to give Elijah (see 1 Kings 17:12–13). Invite another child to draw what the widow received in return (see 1 Kings 17:15–16). What are some things the Lord asks us to sacrifice? Ask the children to share how they have been blessed for making sacrifices.

Old Testament Coloring Book “Elijah and the Widow”

“Lesson 33: Elijah Uses the Priesthood,” Primary 6: Old Testament To help the children have a greater understanding of how the priesthood blesses their lives.

Elijah and the Priests of Baal

I can choose to follow Jesus Christ. (Younger Children)

1 Kings CHAPTER 18

Elijah is sent to meet Ahab—Obadiah saves a hundred prophets and meets Elijah—Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to call down fire from heaven—They fail—He calls down fire, slays the prophets of Baal, and opens the heavens for rain.

1 Kings 18:17–39

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” Elijah urged the people of Israel to make a decision to follow Jesus Christ. Help the children see that they can make this same choice.

  • Explain to the children that people in Elijah’s time weren’t sure if they wanted to follow the Lord. Share the story of how Elijah invited them to choose to follow the Lord, found in 1 Kings 18:17–39 (see also “Elijah and the Priests of Baal” in Old Testament Stories). Tell the children why you choose to follow Jesus Christ, and ask them why they choose to follow Him.
  • Read to the children what Elijah said to the people: “If the Lord be God, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). What does it mean to follow Jesus Christ? Help the children think of specific things they will do to follow Jesus Christ, and invite them to draw pictures of themselves doing those things.

Friend March 2018 “Family Night Fun” Each person makes a pair of sandals and then writes on their shoes one way they want to follow Jesus.

1 Kings 18:17–39

I can choose to follow Jesus Christ. (Older Children)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” The Israelites were indecisive about following the Lord. Ponder how you can inspire the children to be committed in their discipleship.

  • Assign each child to read several verses from 1 Kings 18:17–39 and draw a picture of what his or her verses describe. Help the children understand the verses if needed. Then let them use their pictures to tell the story. What does this story teach us about the Lord?
  • Ask the children to talk about times when they had to decide between two different things. What helped them decide? Help them think of situations when they might need to decide whether or not to follow Jesus Christ. What truths from the story in 1 Kings 18:17–39 could help them decide?

For the Strength of Youth July 2022 “The Choice” Ben forgot to write a book report that was due the next day. He has to make a choice whether he will follow God or cheat and copy a book report from the internet.

Friend September 2018 “Elijah was a Prophet” Story and goal card.

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Am I Willing to Serve” Lesson ideas

“Lesson 34: Elijah and the False Prophets of Baal,” Primary 6: Old Testament To encourage the children to worship Heavenly Father diligently.

The Holy Ghost speaks to me in a still, small voice.

1 Kings CHAPTER 19

Jezebel seeks the life of Elijah—An angel sends him to Horeb—The Lord speaks to Elijah, not in the wind nor the earthquake nor the fire, but in a still, small voice—Elisha joins Elijah.

Friend July 2022 “Elijah and the Still, Small Voice”

Latter Day Kids “Elijah and the Still Small Voice” Lesson ideas

1 Kings 19:9–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” With some guidance, young children can recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost in their lives. Ponder how you can help them.

  • Summarize for the children the story found in 1 Kings 19:9–12, and read verses 11–12. Invite them to do actions to represent the strong wind, the earthquake, and the fire. Then invite them to sit very still as you read the end of verse 12 in a soft voice: “after the fire a still small voice.” Ask them to try speaking in a still, small voice. Tell them about times when you have experienced a prompting from the Holy Ghost.

Friend August 2016 “The Little Bottle of Silence” Gage’s grandfather gives him a empty bottle of “silence” at his baptism to remind Gage that quietness helps you hear the Holy Ghost. He feels the Holy Ghost comforting him during a sad time when he seeks quiet time.

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Friend September 2015 “Sister Pettigrew’s Lesson”  Elder Ronald A. Rasband tells how he learned to listen to the still, small voice

Friend September 2015
  • Help the children recognize when they may have felt the Holy Ghost’s influence. For example, play or sing a reverent song about Jesus, and ask them how they feel when they think about Him. Ask them how they feel during other reverent activities, such as praying with their families or partaking of the sacrament. Explain that these feelings come from the Holy Ghost. Tell the children how the power of the Holy Ghost has blessed your life.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” The world is full of distracting noises that make it difficult to hear the still, small voice of the Spirit. How will you help the children hear it?

  • Ask the children to listen closely as you read 1 Kings 19:11–12 to them very quietly. Invite them to search 1 Kings 19 to find the verses you read and learn what Elijah was doing. Talk about what they had to do to hear what you were saying, and help them compare this to what we have to do to hear the “still small voice” of the Spirit. Let the children take turns quietly reading other verses from 1 Kings 19 while other children find those verses in the scriptures.
  • Share with the children some additional scriptures that describe how the Spirit communicates with us (see Guide to the Scriptures, “Inspiration, Inspire,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children to talk about times when they have felt the Holy Ghost guiding them or testifying to them. What were they doing? What can distract us from recognizing the Spirit? Read together Moroni 4:3, and encourage the children to choose one thing they will do so they can “always have his Spirit to be with them.”

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: The Still, Small Voice”

Story: Elijah was a prophet. He learned that the Holy Ghost speaks in a still, small voice. You can read this story on page 8 or in 1 Kings 19:11–12.

Song: “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 105)

Activity: Have everyone sit in a line. The first person whispers some words to the next person. Each person whispers the words to the next person. The last person tells everyone what they heard. What can you do to hear the Holy Ghost better?

“Lesson 33: Elijah Uses the Priesthood,” Primary 6: Old Testament To help the children have a greater understanding of how the priesthood blesses their lives.

Friend Feb 1983 – The Miraculus Story of Elijah

Friend Feb 1983
Jun 20 2022

 2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11

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Table of Contents

David is Anointed King by the Israelites

Old Testament Stories “King David”

If I need guidance, I can ask Heavenly Father.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 5

All Israel anoints David king—He takes Jerusalem and is blessed of the Lord—He conquers the Philistines.

2 Samuel 5:19, 23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11” These verses describe how David prayed for guidance and direction as the king of Israel. How can you inspire the children to turn to God in prayer when they are in need?

  • Explain to the children that when David needed help, he “inquired,” or prayed, for answers. As you read 2 Samuel 5:19, 23, invite the children to listen for the word “inquired” and to fold their arms when they hear it. Testify that we can always pray to Heavenly Father when we need help.

Friend November 2017 “Prayers and Pumpkins”  Rachel loses her family during a pumpkin walk in Nauvoo. She prays for help and is inspired to talk to a missionary couple. The couple she finds turns out to be Elder Perry and his wife, and they helped her find her family.

  • To help the children think about what they might say when they pray, you could ask them how they would finish sentences like these: “We thank Thee for …” and “We ask Thee for …” Let the children draw pictures of things they might give thanks for or ask for in a prayer.
Nursery Manual Page 19: I Can Pray to Heavenly Father
  • Tell the children about a time when you prayed for Heavenly Father’s help. How did He answer your prayer? What difference did it make to have Him help you? Invite the children to share their experiences.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 6

David takes the ark to the city of David—Uzzah is smitten for steadying the ark and dies—David dances before the Lord, causing a breach between him and Michal.

Throne shall be established forever through David’s descendent of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is our King.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 7

David offers to build a house for the Lord—The Lord, through Nathan, says He has not asked David to do so—The Lord will establish David’s house and kingdom forever—David offers a prayer of thanksgiving.

2 Samuel 7:16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11” When David was the king of Israel, the Lord told him that his “throne shall be established for ever” (2 Samuel 7:16). This promise referred to Jesus Christ, our Eternal King, who was born through David’s posterity. (Perhaps your family would enjoy creating homemade crowns while discussing why you are grateful that Jesus Christ is your Eternal King.)

  • Invite one of the children to pretend to be a king or queen. If possible, give the child simple props to hold. What is a king or queen? What do they do? Tell the children that David was a king, and he was an ancestor of Jesus Christ, who we call the “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16). Help the children think of ways we can show that we believe Jesus Christ is our Eternal King.

Jesus Christ is our King. (Older Kids)

2 Samuel 7:16–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11” The kings we read about in the Old Testament all had flaws and made mistakes—even the good ones. But the King who was prophesied to come from David’s line, Jesus Christ, is perfect and will reign forever.

  • Invite the children to read what the prophet Nathan told King David in 2 Samuel 7:16–17, and ask them what they think this prophecy might mean. How could David’s kingdom have no end? Help the children find and read scripture passages that teach that Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, is a King, such as Luke 1:32–33; John 18:33–37; and Revelation 19:16. How is Jesus Christ like a king? What are some ways that we can show that Jesus Christ is our Eternal King?
Friend April 2018

For additional ideas see Following Jesus

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Overcoming Temptation” Lesson ideas

David and Bathsheba

I can overcome temptation.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 11

David lies with Bathsheba, and she conceives—He then arranges for the death in battle of her husband, Uriah.

2 Samuel 11

The children you teach make small but important decisions every day. How can you help them understand the importance of choosing what’s right even when it’s hard?

  • Review 2 Samuel 11 with the children, pointing out the choices David made. Ask the children what good choices David should have made. What are some things we can do when we are being tempted that can help us choose the right?

  • To share an example of someone who, unlike David, resisted temptation, ask the children if they remember the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (see Genesis 39:7–12). You might review this story with the children and help them compare it with the story of David. What can we learn from the stories of David and of Joseph about how to resist temptation? (Watch below video until .38)

Lesson 15: Joseph Was Sold into Egypt,” Primary 6: Old Testament Tell the class that the nail, pin, or paper clip represents us. Place it between the two magnets on a flat surface so it can be attracted by one or the other. Show that the further away from “Satan” we are, the less power he has to tempt us. As you move the metal object toward the magnet representing God, explain that the closer we live to the Lord, the more we are influenced by his goodness. When we seek after good, we are less influenced by that which is evil. (What can we do to draw close to God? How can the Holy Ghost help us?)

  1. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know that it is harder to avoid temptation when we allow ourselves to get close to it. Discuss with the children how they could distance themselves from temptation in the following situations:
    1. A plate of your favorite dessert is on the table, ready to be taken to a sick neighbor.
    2. Your parents have warned you not to swim without someone watching. You are alone by the water on a very hot day; perhaps you could just wade up to your knees …
    3. Some of your friends are trying to convince you to try smoking a cigarette. Whenever you are with them, they dare you to take just one puff.
    4. You are troubled by bad thoughts when you read a certain book.You could make a list on the chalkboard of other temptations, such as gossiping, looking at vulgar magazines, using bad language, dressing immodestly, watching inappropriate movies or television shows, telling unclean jokes or stories, listening to improper song lyrics, or using drugs. Discuss strategies for resisting evil, such as removing ourselves from the situation and replacing the temptation with something wholesome. Erase each harmful influence from the chalkboard as it is discussed.
  • Someone tries to show you pictures of people who are immodestly dressed. You are tempted to look.
  • Someone starts to tell a dirty joke or story. You want to listen.
  • A friend tells an unkind story about someone. The thought comes into your mind to spread the gossip.
  • You are watching a television program that shows immoral behavior. This program is popular with your friends and you want to watch it.
  • You are angry with someone and feel like punching him or her.
  • You see your favorite candy bar at the store. The thought comes into your mind to steal it.

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” The Lamb Story

Story: The prophet Nathan told a story about two men. The first man had lots of lambs. The second man had only one lamb. The man with many lambs stole the other man’s lamb. That made the man with only one lamb very sad. It also made Heavenly Father sad. (See 2 Samuel 12:1–4.)

Song: “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79)

Activity: Act out the story of the two men and the lambs. You could use toys or other objects for the lambs. Then act it out again, but this time change the ending! What can the first man do to be kind instead of selfish?

Lesson 30: King David and Bathsheba,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 131–34
To help the children keep their thoughts and actions pure.

Discuss some ways the children can interrupt impure thoughts that may come to them (turn away, leave the situation, replace the bad thoughts with good thoughts and actions, say a prayer, think of an uplifting song or verse of scripture, recite the thirteenth article of faith, and so forth). Challenge the class members to be prepared in advance with a specific replacement for an undesirable thought. Allow them a minute to choose something uplifting they can think of instead. To help the children practice what they will do when a bad thought comes into their mind, play the following game.

Video tells story of David. President Oaks compares David’s story to looking at pornography.

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Temptation” and Resources for Teaching Children “Temptation”

The Wisdom of King Solomon

I can walk in the ways of God.

1 Kings CHAPTER 3

Solomon loves the Lord and keeps His commandments—The Lord appears to Solomon and promises him a wise and an understanding heart—He judges between two harlots and determines who is the mother of a child.

“Lesson 31: The Wisdom of King Solomon,” Primary 6: Old Testament  Lesson includes great questions and lesson and story ideas

Attention Activity

Ask the children to name things they would ask for if they knew they could ask Heavenly Father for anything and he would give it to them. Write the children’s ideas on the chalkboard.

Show the children some waterproof items that could represent worldly goods, such as a piece of jewelry, a coin, a pretty rock, and so on. Put the items in a large pitcher or container as you talk about them and discuss how some people spend most of their efforts accumulating material goods. Then add some water to the container to represent good deeds or spiritual gifts as you discuss the kind deeds we can do and the spiritual gifts we can develop, such as helping a family member or friend, gaining a testimony, being honest, or having an understanding heart. Pour the contents of the container through a strainer into another container. Explain that the first container represents someone’s life, the strainer represents death, and the second container represents life after death. Discuss how we cannot take material goods with us when we die, but we do take with us the spiritual gifts we have developed and the good deeds we have done.

Ask the children which of the items on the chalkboard represent things that could last forever and if they would like to change anything they named before. Tell the children that they are going to learn about someone who was able to ask God for one thing, and he chose an eternal, spiritual gift instead of a temporary, earthly one.

Write knowledge, wisdom, and an understanding heart on the chalkboard. Discuss the meaning of each one. Explain that knowledge is learning gained through study or experience; wisdom is using what we have learned in the best way to make right choices; and an understanding heart enables us to know how others feel.

Have the children find the book of Proverbs in their Bibles. Explain that most of these proverbs (wise sayings) were written by Solomon, and because of his great wisdom, these sayings can help us today. (See the lesson link for a list of some of the wise sayings found in Proverbs.)

Two Women, One Baby

“Lesson 96: 1 Kings 1–10,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material

Latter Day Kids “Walk in His Ways” Lesson ideas

The Temple of Solomon

1 Kings CHAPTER 8

The ark, containing the two tablets of stone, is placed in the holy of holies—The glory of the Lord fills the temple—Solomon offers the dedicatory prayer—He asks for temporal and spiritual blessings upon repentant and prayerful Israel—The people sacrifice and worship for fourteen days.

Explain to the children that David, Solomon’s father, had wanted to build a temple but was denied the privilege. The Lord instead chose Solomon to direct the seven years of construction. When the elaborate temple (much of it was overlaid with gold) was finished, the priests carried the ark of the covenant, which contained the two tablets of stone the Lord gave Moses, “to the most holy place” of the building (1 Kings 8:6). Then the glory of the Lord filled the temple (see 1 Kings 8:10–11), and Solomon offered the dedicatory prayer (see 1 Kings 8:22–53.)

1 Kings 8:57–58

For the Israelites, building and dedicating the temple was an opportunity to turn their hearts to the Lord and recommit to “walk in all his ways” (1 Kings 8:58). How can you help the children you teach “walk in all his ways”?

  • Show the children a picture of a modern temple and the temple that Solomon built (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Explain that when Solomon built a temple for the Israelites, he encouraged them to “walk in all [the Lord’s] ways” (1 Kings 8:58). Tell the children how the temple helps you walk in the Lord’s ways. Invite the children to share how they feel about the temple. Sing with the children a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95).

For additional lesson ideas see Temple, Resources for Teaching Children: Temples, 

  • Give some of the children paper hearts and other children paper footprints. Read 1 Kings 8:58, and ask the children to hold up the hearts when you say the word “hearts” and the footprints when you say the phrase “walk in all his ways.” Help the children understand that we walk in the Lord’s ways when we follow Jesus and try to become like Him. Ask the children what they do to walk in the Savior’s ways. You could sing a song about following Jesus, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79).

Old Testament Coloring Book “The Temple of Solomon”

Solomon Turns from God

I will keep my heart centered on Jesus Christ

1 Kings CHAPTER 11

Solomon marries non-Israelite women, and his wives turn his heart to the worship of false gods—The Lord stirs up adversaries against him, including Jeroboam, the son of Nebat—Ahijah promises Jeroboam that he will be the king of the ten tribes—Solomon dies and Rehoboam reigns in his stead.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11”

What are some “other gods” (verse 10) that could turn our hearts away from the Lord? How can we keep our hearts centered on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Jun 14 2022

1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18

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The Israelites Want a King

1 Samuel CHAPTER 8

Samuel’s sons take bribes and pervert judgment—The Israelites seek for a king to rule over them—Samuel rehearses the nature and evils of kingly rule—The Lord consents to give them a king.

Jesus Christ is my King.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18”

As you read 1 Samuel 8, notice how the Lord felt about the Israelites’ desire for a king other than Himself. What does it mean to choose the Lord to “reign over [you]”? (1 Samuel 8:7). You might also consider ways you are tempted to follow the unrighteous trends of the world instead of following the Lord. How can you show that you want Jesus Christ to be your Eternal King?

Saul is Called to be King

Those who serve in the Church are called by God.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 9

Saul, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, is a choice and goodly person—He is sent to seek his father’s asses—The Lord reveals to Samuel the seer that Saul is to be king—Saul goes to Samuel and is entertained by him.).

1 Samuel 8:6; 9:15–17; 10:1–24; 16:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” The accounts of God choosing Saul and David to be kings can help your class understand how people are called to serve in the Church today. These accounts can build faith that callings come from God through His authorized servants.

  • On separate strips of paper, write the following statements and scriptures: the people wanted a king (1 Samuel 8:6); the Lord told Samuel that Saul would be king (1 Samuel 9:15–17); Samuel anointed Saul (1 Samuel 10:1); Samuel presented Saul to the people (1 Samuel 10:24). Ask the children to read the scripture passages and put them in the correct order.
  • Learn together the fifth article of faith. Briefly tell the children how you received your calling to teach in Primary. How do you know that you were called of God? Testify that God inspires leaders to call people to serve.

“Article of Faith 5” (May 2011 Friend) Number pictures relating to how a person receives a calling in the right order.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 10

Samuel anoints Saul to be captain over the Lord’s inheritance—Samuel manifests the gift of seership—Saul prophesies among the prophets, and the Lord gives him a new heart—He is chosen king at Mizpeh.

1 Samuel 10:6–12.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” When have we seen God bless someone with spiritual power to fulfill an assignment or calling like He blessed Saul? What experiences can we share when “God gave [us] another heart” or “the Spirit of God came upon [us]” in His service? (verses 9–10).

Friend January 2021 “The Bread Loaf Prayer” Carver and his family decide to practice listening for the Holy Ghost. Carver’s mom bakes some bread and each person prays to know who to take it to. Carver thought of Sister Smith and he even listened and said the words to her that popped into his mind when he gave her the bread. He knew it was from the Holy Ghost.

David is Chosen to be King

The Lord knows what is in my heart.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 16

The Lord chooses David of Bethlehem as king—He is anointed by Samuel—Saul chooses David as his companion and armor bearer.

1 Samuel 16:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” Sharing the story of how the Lord told Samuel to choose David as king can help the children know that the Lord knows us individually.

  • Share how the Lord told Samuel that David would become the king of Israel (see 1 Samuel 16:1–13). While you tell the story, you could let one child represent Samuel. He or she could give a paper crown to another child, who represents David. Share your testimony that the Lord knew David’s heart and that He knows each of us.

Old Testament Scripture Stories “Young David” Images

  • Share an experience in which you felt the Lord was aware of you. Sing a song that teaches that the Savior knows and loves us, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58).

“The Lord looketh on the heart.”

1 Samuel CHAPTER 16

The Lord chooses David of Bethlehem as king—He is anointed by Samuel—Saul chooses David as his companion and armor bearer.

1 Samuel 16:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” It’s natural to judge others based on what we can see, but part of becoming more like Jesus is learning how to see as He does—by looking “on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

  • Invite the children to imagine they were asked to pick someone to be a king. What qualities would they look for? Read together 1 Samuel 16:6–7 to find out what the Lord said to Samuel as he was looking for a new king for Israel. What do we learn from the Lord’s instructions?
  • Present an object lesson to illustrate to the children that judgments we make based on “the outward appearance” (verse 7) may not be correct. For example, you could show them some food or a book with a wrapper or cover that doesn’t match its true contents. What do 1 Samuel 16:7 and this object lesson suggest about how we should view ourselves and other people?
A cantelope is rough and drab on the outside but sweet and colorful on the inside.
  • Share an experience in which you learned why you should “look on the heart,” not just “the outward appearance” (verse 7). Let the children share any similar experiences they’ve had. Sing a song that emphasizes this principle, such as “I’ll Walk with You” or “We Are Different” (Children’s Songbook, 140–41, 263).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18”

1 Samuel 9:15–21; 16:7.

Reading these verses along with the following words from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf could inspire a discussion about why the Lord chose Saul and David: “If we look at ourselves only through our mortal eyes, we may not see ourselves as good enough. But our Heavenly Father sees us as who we truly are and who we can become” (“It Works Wonderfully!” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 23). Perhaps family members could take turns talking about what good qualities they see in each other’s hearts (see 1 Samuel 16:7).

1 Samuel 16:7

“The Lord looketh on the heart.”

What are some ways people judge others “on the outward appearance”? What does it mean to look “on the heart,” as the Lord does? (1 Samuel 16:7). Consider how you can apply this principle to the way you see others—and yourself. How might doing so affect your interactions or relationships with others?

David and Goliath

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me have courage.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 17

Israel and the Philistines engage in war—Goliath of Gath, a giant, defies Israel and challenges any Israelite to personal combat—David goes against him in the name of the Lord—David slays Goliath with a sling and a stone—Israel defeats the Philistines.

1 Samuel 17:10–54

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” Children relate easily with young David because even though David was small, he overcame a big challenge. Help them see that the source of his courage and strength was his faith in Jesus Christ.

  • Review the story of David and Goliath with the children (see “David and Goliath” in Old Testament Stories), and let them take turns acting out the story. Prompt the child pretending to be Goliath to say, “Give me a man, that we may fight together” (1 Samuel 17:10). Prompt the child pretending to be David to say, “I come to thee in the name of the Lord” (1 Samuel 17:45). Testify that when we have faith in the Lord, He will help us have courage like David had.

Old Testament Scripture Stories “David and Goliath” Images

  • Use this week’s activity page to show how tall Goliath might have been compared to a young boy like David. Explain that the army of Israel was afraid of Goliath. Ask the children to pretend to be scared. Then show a picture of Jesus Christ, and tell the children that because David had faith in the Lord, he could be brave. Ask them to stand up tall, like they are brave.
  • Invite the children to march like they are David going to fight Goliath while singing a song about being courageous, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162).

Jesus Christ can help me overcome any challenge.

1 Samuel 17:20–54

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” The children may be facing challenges that seem as difficult as defeating a giant like Goliath. David’s example can give them hope that the Lord will help fight their battles.

  • Assign the children to draw pictures of different parts of the story in 1 Samuel 17:20–54. Display the pictures in order on the board, and invite the children to share the story by talking about each of the pictures they drew. What does the Lord want us to learn from this story?
  • Help the children make a list on the board of some difficult challenges a person might face. Invite them to find things David said that can encourage someone who faces challenges like these (see 1 Samuel 17:26, 32, 34–37, 45–47). Tell the children how Jesus Christ has helped you during challenges.

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Goliath Toss

Story: When David was young, he faced a giant soldier named Goliath to protect his people. David knew the Lord would help him defeat Goliath. You can read the story in 1 Samuel 17.

Song: “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162)

Activity: Make a square on the ground with chalk or tape. Write the name “Goliath” inside. Stand back and toss pebbles into the square. Every time your pebble lands in the square, name a way Heavenly Father helps you overcome big challenges.

Friend May 2019 “Bright Idea” Poster or handout that says “I can conquer giant problems” next to a giant like David slew.

Lesson 28: David and Goliath,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 120–24
To encourage each child to seek Heavenly Father’s help in overcoming obstacles.

  1. Show the children a string or rope that you have cut to the length of 9 feet 9 inches (3 meters). You may want to attach it to the wall or ceiling or have children hold the two ends and pull it out to its full length so they can see how tall Goliath was. To help them visualize how much Goliath’s armor weighed, invite the children to volunteer their weights and see what combined weight would be close to the 150 pounds (67.5 kilos) that his armor is estimated to have weighed. Let the children describe how they would feel if they had to fight such an opponent.
  2. Show a stone or a piece of paper that you have colored to look like a stone. Ask the children to put their chairs in a circle while you stand in the middle. Give the stone to one of the class members and have the children pass the stone around the circle while you hum a song such as “Dare to Do Right” (Children’s Songbook, p. 158). When you stop humming have the children stop passing the stone. Explain that you are Goliath and will tell them of a challenge. The child who ended up with the stone must respond with a positive solution to the challenge. You could use the following challenges or come up with ones of your own:
    1. You have a younger brother who seems to get all the attention. It makes you so angry that you feel like hitting him.
    2. Your best friends are starting to swear and they make fun of you because you do not swear. You want to be accepted by them, but you know it is wrong to swear.
    3. You have a very difficult time doing well in school.
  3. Ask the children to choose “Goliaths,” or challenges, in their lives they would like to overcome and write them on the giant. Then have them think of ways to overcome their challenges, write them on pieces of paper, and cut these papers to look like stones. Explain that all challenges can’t be overcome, but if we ask Heavenly Father for his help, he will give us strength to cope with them. Encourage each child to choose a challenge that he or she can work on and to include faith and prayer as part of the solution.

“Comfort and Courage from the Scriptures” (September 2006 Liahona and Friend)

Give the children a piece of paper, and ask them to write a trial or challenge children face today, such as immodest clothing, inappropriate media, and so on. (Younger children can draw pictures.) As the children share the trial, have them wrap the paper around a small rock and place it in the backpack. Pass the backpack to some of the children. Discuss ways Heavenly Father helps them with their trials. With each suggestion, remove several rocks. Pass the backpack again. Sing a song or hymn about the Savior. Explain that Jesus will always help us and comfort us.

Friend July 2022 “David’s Sling” Follow the paths to the matching rocks to find out ways God can help you when you follow Him.

I Can Learn to Always Follow the Spirit.


Friend August 2018 “David Trusted God” Story and goal card. (Young David trusted God and did hard things, and I can too!)

Friend August 1987

Friend August 1987
David & Goliath

Friend August 2018 “David and Goliath” & Old Testament Stories for Young Readers “David and Goliath” (Video)

Old Testament Coloring Book “David and Goliath”

Liahona June 2022 “David and Goliath: Faith over Fear”

Latter Day Kids “David and Goliath” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Modern Day Goliaths” Lesson ides

  • “David and Goliath” (June 1990 Friend)
    A simple retelling of the story of David and Goliath, along with a page of illustrated questions.

“God’s Power Within You” (January 2002 Friend)
President Gordon B. Hinckley tells the story of David and Goliath and teaches that we can overcome the Goliaths in our lives.(includes images of the story)

Friend July 2022 “Stand for What You Believe” Elder Rasband tells of his youth and often being the only Church member at school. He says that When we live the gospel, we will be different. The Apostle Peter said we would be “peculiar” (1 Peter 2:9). And that’s OK. We don’t need to worry about being different when we stand for what we believe. David stood for what he believed. He wasn’t alone. God’s power was with him. He beat Goliath. God will help us even when we face Goliath-sized challenges.

For additional teaching aids see Resources for Teaching Children “David and Goliath”

Friendship of David and Jonathon

Good friends can be a blessing to me.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 18

Jonathan loves David—Saul sets David over his armies—David is honored by the people, and Saul becomes jealous—David marries Michal, a daughter of Saul.

1 Samuel 18:1–4

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” Jonathan and David’s friendship is a great example of the blessings that can come from good friends.

Media Library
  • Draw two figures on the board, one to represent David and the other to represent Jonathan. Read to the children a few phrases from 1 Samuel 18:1–4 that emphasize the love these two friends felt for each other. Give each child a paper heart, and ask them how they can show love to a friend. After each child shares an idea, invite the child to attach the paper heart to the board.

Friend August 2018 Find the words below that tell how we can share the Savior’s love with others.

  • Tell the children about a good friend who helps you live the gospel or build your faith in Jesus Christ, and invite the children to share who helps them. Invite the children to act out doing something nice for a friend.

Friend April 2017 “Be a Light” Color in the sun as you figure out someone to do certain things for as a true friend such as loving, forgiving, encouraging, etc.

Lesson 29: David and Jonathan,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 125–30
To help the children understand how to be a true friend.

  1. Tell the children that one way to strengthen friendships is to get to know one another better. To help the class members know each other better, play the following game.Pass around a bowl of small pieces of candy or dried beans. As you pass the bowl around, have each child name something he or she likes to do, take a piece of candy or a bean, and pass the bowl to the next child. Keep passing the bowl until all the children have had at least one turn.Alternate game: Have the children sit in a circle. Play spin the bottle by placing a narrow bottle on its side on the floor. Tell one thing about yourself and spin the bottle. Whoever the mouth of the bottle points to when the bottle stops spinning will be next to tell one thing about himself or herself, plus one good thing that he or she knows about someone in the class (this could be something the children have learned during the game or something they already knew about the person). Have the child spin the bottle to determine who has the next turn.

Gospel Art Book “David Slays Goliath”

Jun 7 2022

Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3

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Table of Contents

I can show love and kindness to those around me.

Ruth

Ruth CHAPTER 1

Elimelech and his family go to Moab because of famine—His sons marry—The father and sons die—Ruth, the Moabitess, her husband having died, remains constant to Naomi—They come to Bethlehem.

Ruth CHAPTER 2

Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a near relative of Naomi—He treats Ruth kindly.

Ruth CHAPTER 3

By Naomi’s instruction, Ruth lies at the feet of Boaz—He promises as a relative to take her as his wife.

Ruth CHAPTER 4

The nearest relative declines, and Boaz takes Ruth to wife—Ruth bears Obed, through whom came David the king.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3” When Ruth’s husband died, she could have stayed in her home country, but she chose to go with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, and care for her. Consider how Ruth’s Christlike example could inspire the children you teach to be kind to those around them.

  • Invite the children to represent Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, or other characters as you tell their story from the book of Ruth (see also “Ruth and Naomi” in Old Testament Stories). Invite the children to raise their hands every time they hear an act of kindness in the story. How do we feel when people are kind to us? How do we feel when we are kind to others?

Old Testament Stories “Ruth and Naomi”

Friend June 2022 “Ruth and Naomi”

Latter Day Kids “Showing Kindness to Others” Lesson ideas

For the Strength of Youth June 2022 “Fearless Together”

  • Sing together a song about being kind, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). Help the children think of ways they can be kind to their family and friends. If they need help, show them pictures of people showing kindness. For every idea mentioned, let the children draw a heart on the board.

Liahona June 2022 “We Follow Jesus Christ and His Prophet”

Family Support Game

Ruth 1–4

After Ruth became a widow, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, instead of returning to her people, “for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16).

Ruth supported Naomi by staying with her. Try this activity to learn about supporting family:

  1. Choose a family member and stand back-to-back. Place any object (a small ball or a book) between each other’s backs.
  2. Working as a team, see how many steps you can take together without letting the object fall.
  3. Take turns as a family until everyone has had a chance to work as a team to help each other.

Discussion: How did Ruth and Naomi help each other? Ruth believed in Heavenly Father and had faith, so she stayed with Naomi. How was she blessed? How can we support each other and trust the Lord when we have difficulties?

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Grains of Service

Story: Read about Ruth in the scripture story on page 8. She worked hard and gathered grain to take care of her husband’s mother. God blessed her for serving others.

Song: “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198)

Activity: Cut out pieces of paper in the shape of grain kernels. Use a stick or long piece of paper as a stem. Glue or tape your kernels to the stem to make a stalk of grain. Whenever you serve someone, pull off a kernel. Keep going until the stem is bare!

Old Testament Coloring Book “Ruth and Naomi”

Lesson 26: Ruth and Naomi,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 114–16
To help the children have the desire to follow the example of righteous people and to be good examples themselves.

Friend July 2018 “Ruth was a Loyal Friend” Link includes story and goal card ideas to learn how to be a good friend like Ruth.

Friend August 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

I can have faith in the Lord.

Ruth

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3” Ruth made sacrifices to be faithful to the Lord and remain loyal to Naomi. How can you help the children learn from Ruth’s acts of faith?

  • Display a picture of Ruth and Naomi (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Then write three headings on the board: Trials, Actions, Blessings. Invite the children to read Ruth 1:3–5, 8, 16; 2:1–3, 8–12; 4:13–17, and write under the headings what they find in these verses. How did Ruth show her faith in the Lord? Share an example of how you have been blessed because you have faith in Jesus Christ, and let the children share their own experiences.

Friend January 2017 “Will Heavenly Father Answer My Prayers” When Elder Oaks was seven his father died. Dallin’s mother had faith and trusted in the Lord’s will.

  • Sing together a song about faith, such as “The Lord Is My Light” (Hymns, no. 89) or “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97). What does the song teach us about trusting the Lord? How can we have faith in Jesus Christ even during difficult times?

Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 1

Hannah prays for a son and vows to give him to the Lord—Eli the priest blesses her—Samuel is born—Hannah loans him to the Lord.

Old Testament Stories “Hannah” Images

1 Samuel 1:1–18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3” When Hannah was sad because she could not have children, she turned to the Lord in faith and He answered her prayer. Help the children see that they can always pray to Heavenly Father, especially when they are sad.

In your own words, tell the children why Hannah was sad (see 1 Samuel 1:2–8; see also “Hannah” in Old Testament Stories). What can we do when we are sad? Read to the children 1 Samuel 1:10, and invite the children to listen for what Hannah did. Ask the children how they feel when they pray. Read from verse 18 to explain that after her prayer, Hannah “was no more sad.”

Use this week’s activity page to teach the children that they can pray to Heavenly Father and He will help them. While the children are coloring, sing or play a recording of a song that teaches about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3” When Hannah “was in bitterness of soul,” she turned to Heavenly Father in prayer (1 Samuel 1:10). How can you encourage the children you teach to do the same?

  • To help the children learn about Hannah from 1 Samuel 1, give each child a few verses to read from the chapter (or show the video “Hannah’s Faith,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Afterward, toss a ball or small object to one child and invite him or her to tell part of the story before passing the ball to the next child to tell another part of the story. When the story is complete, ask the children to share something they learned from Hannah’s example.
  • Read together 1 Samuel 1:15, and discuss what it means to pour out our souls before the Lord. With the children, make a list of things that we can talk about with God when we pray. Sing together a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13). Testify of God’s love for His children and His desire to hear and answer their prayers.

Maybe you could pour something out of a container to help family members visualize what Hannah meant when she said, “I … have poured out my soul before the Lord.” Why is this a good way to describe what our prayers should be like? How can we improve our personal and family prayers? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3”

Friend June 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

The Lord has done many wonderful things for me.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 2

Hannah sings praises to the Lord—Samuel ministers before the Lord—Eli blesses Elkanah and Hannah, and they have sons and daughters—The sons of Eli reject the Lord and live in wickedness—The Lord rejects the house of Eli.

1 Samuel 2:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3” Hannah showed her gratitude to the Lord with a beautiful poem of praise. Her example can help the children think about the many things they can thank Heavenly Father for.

  • Read to the children some of what Hannah said after the Lord blessed her with a son (see 1 Samuel 2:1–2). Share with the children a blessing you have received from the Lord and how it made you feel. Then invite the children to talk about blessings the Lord has given them. How can we show our gratitude to Him?

Friend October 2017 “Bread and Gratitude” For each letter of the alphabet, come up with something you’re thankful for!

  • Sing a song together that describes some of the blessings the Lord gives us, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Invite the children to draw pictures of blessings they have received from the Lord.

Hannah’s poem of praise to the Lord may lead you to think of songs that you use to praise the Lord. You could sing some together. Your family members might also think of other ways to express their feelings for Jesus Christ. For example, they could draw pictures that show why they love the Savior. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3”

I can hear and obey the Lord’s voice.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 3

The Lord calls Samuel—The house of Eli will not be purged by sacrifices and offerings—Samuel is recognized as a prophet by all Israel—The Lord appears to him.

1 Samuel 3:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3” When Samuel was a young boy, he heard the voice of the Lord but did not recognize it at first. How can you help the children you teach hear and act on the promptings they receive?

  • Invite one child to pretend to be Samuel and another to pretend to be Eli as you read 1 Samuel 3:1–10 (or show the video “Samuel and Eli,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What can we learn from Samuel about how to listen to the voice of the Lord? How do we show that we are willing to hear when the Lord speaks to us?

Old Testament Stories “Samuel the Prophet” Images

It might be fun to act out the story of the Lord calling to Samuel, or your family could watch the video “Samuel and Eli” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Family members could talk about times when they have felt the Lord speaking to them and how they acted on His words. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3”

Old Testament Coloring Book “Hannah and Samuel”

Liahona June 2022 “We Follow Jesus Christ and His Prophet”

Hear Him

Samuel heard the Lord’s voice when he was a young boy but did not recognize it at first. Try this activity to learn about listening:

  1. Blindfold one person or have them cover their eyes.
  2. From another room, a family member will say the blindfolded person’s name.
  3. If the blindfolded person can guess who spoke, the speaking person will give directions to help the blindfolded person find him or her.
  4. Take turns being the blindfolded person and the person saying the name.

Discussion: We can hear the voice of the Lord in the scriptures, the temple, and the teachings of living prophets. How do you hear His voice? Read or listen to President Russell M. Nelson’s April 2020 general conference talk “Hear Him” and look for ways we can hear the Lord’s voice better in our own lives. Talk about how you as a family can “hear Him.”

Friend June 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

Old Testament Stories for Young Readers “Hannah and Samuel”

“Lesson 27: Samuel, the Boy Prophet,” Primary 6: Old Testament To encourage the children to listen for the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

After the children have entered the classroom, choose a child to go outside and knock at the door. Have another class member let the child in; then show the picture Jesus at the Door. Read and discuss Revelation 3:20. Let the children discuss why the artist painted the outside of the door with no doorknob. (Jesus is waiting to help us, but we must open the door ourselves to invite him in.) Ask the children how they can let the Savior into their lives. Help the children understand that one way the Lord speaks to us is through his Holy Spirit. If we listen to the Holy Ghost, we can receive guidance from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Tell the class that this lesson is about a young boy who heard the voice of the Lord, listened, and obeyed.

Ask the children the following question: When an impression or idea comes, how can we know it is from God? On the chalkboard or a large piece of paper write From God and Not from God. Then write Moroni 7:13, 16–17 and Doctrine and Covenants 6:23; 9:8–9. Read and discuss the references with the children, and put their ideas under the appropriate heading.

From God

  • Warm feeling inside
  • You want to do good
  • You want to love and serve God
  • Peace in your mind

Not From God

  • Confusion
  • You want to do what is wrong
  • You do not want to follow Jesus
  • You doubt Jesus Christ

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Be a Loyal Servant” Lesson ideas

Jun 3 2022

Modesty: Lesson Ideas

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Friend July 2017 “Show and Tell” Have children draw pictures of how they can dress modestly.

Friend March 2017 “Show and Tell”

Once I forgot my swimsuit for swim team. My coach found a bikini for me, but I remembered our family home evening on modesty. I kept looking and found a one-piece swimsuit. I had a great feeling because I was able to follow the prophet by staying modest.

Modesty in dress, speech, and actions

Friend July 2017 “Modesty Means” Modesty also means being humble and moderate in behavior, manner, and appearance.

Read “Modesty Means …” and draw another cartoon about modesty together! Then make a family modesty goal for the next week.

1 Timothy 2:9–10

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families While aspects of Paul’s counsel for women to dress modestly do not apply to our time, we can all learn from his counsel to “adorn [ourselves] … with good works.” Your family might enjoy putting together a fashion show, with family members dressing up in clothing or jewelry labeled with different kinds of good works. What are some good works your family could do this week?

Activity

Write different situations on slips of paper and have children take turns deciding if a situation is modest or immodest. If it’s immodest, discuss as a family how to make it modest. For example, if choosing to swear is immodest, then choosing good language is modest. Scenarios might include bragging, dressing for various activities, viewing different kinds of media, and so on. Ensign July 2017 See other lesson ideas at link.

Friend August 2016
Friend August 2016

Activities

  • Family Home Evening Idea: Family Modesty
    Read “Modesty Means …” (July 2017 Friend) and draw another cartoon about modesty together! Then make a family modesty goal for the next week.
  • “Modesty Checklist” (May 2010 Friend)
    A printable checklist of modesty standards. Includes a visual aid about respecting yourself.
  • “My Body Is a Temple of God” (August 2011 Liahona and Friend)

    A simple analogy of our bodies as temples, as well as a maze activity that uses choices as clues to find the right way.
  • “Where to Wear?” (July 2017 Friend)
    Write or draw pictures of what you think is modest for each situation.

Media

  • Video: “195 Dresses”
    A young woman in Arizona came up with a prom-dress plan that allowed her to dress in a way that respected her body and Heavenly Father’s plan.