Lehi’s Final Words to His Family

Lehi grew old. Before he died he talked to his sons and told them to obey God’s commandments. He also blessed his grandchildren.

Book of Mormon Videos “Lehi Blesses His Family”

Jesus Christ helps me overcome the effects of sin.

2 Nephi 1:13, 15, 23

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” To help your children understand Lehi’s invitation to “shake off the chains” of sin, maybe you could work together to make a chain from slips of paper. On the slips, your children could help you write some things Satan tempts us to do. Then you could read together 2 Nephi 1:13, 15, 23 as they act out some of the phrases in these verses—including shaking off the paper chain. How is sin like a chain? How does Jesus help us “shake off the chains” of sin?

Explain that when we first make a mistake or sin we are easily able to break free of its grasp and repent. But Satan knows that if he can get us to do the sin again and again, that eventually the sin will become a habit or an addiction and then we are bound in captivity to the sin.

Also see Ensign July 2006 “Breaking the Chains of Sin”

I am blessed when I obey God’s commandments.

2 Nephi 1:20

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” Would it help your children to compare God’s commandments to shoes, hats, gloves, or other things that protect us? Maybe you could let them try on some as you talk about how the commandments protect us. Then you could read 2 Nephi 1:20, emphasizing that we “prosper” (are blessed or protected) as we keep the commandments. Share an experience when you were blessed or protected by following the commandments.

Friend January 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?” Heavenly Father’s commandments are His loving way of helping us stay safe and return to Him.

• He tells us not to smoke or use drugs so our bodies can stay healthy.
• He tells us to be honest so others can trust us.
• He tells us to keep the Sabbath day holy so we can keep our spirits strong and rest our bodies and minds.

When you think about it, every commandment is like a love letter from our Heavenly Father. Each one says, “I love you. I want you to be safe and happy. And I want you to come back to Me.”

Friend February 2024 “Bug Bites and Blessings” Carlos wish he had listened to his mother and put sunscreen and bug spray on when he went for a hike. Now his skin hurt all over with bug bites and sunburn. His mother said, “I think that’s how a lot of Heavenly Father’s children feel when they disobey Him. They wish they’d listened to Him. And He hurts for His children when they’re in pain.”

Friend February 2024 “How to Be Happy” President Dallin H. Oaks “The prophet Lehi taught that “men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). Heavenly Father created us to have joy. He wants us to return to Him. He wants us to be happy in this life. How do we seek happiness or joy? King Benjamin invited his people to “consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things” (Mosiah 2:41). Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love you. Their plan for us is the “great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). That plan and Their commandments lead us to the greatest happiness and joy. I urge each of you to seek the joy that comes from keeping the commandments of God.”

Friend August 2020 “Happiness and Obedience” God gives us commandments to bless us and bring us joy. Trying to obey all of God’s commandments will:

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” To illustrate the difference between prospering and being cut off from God (see 2 Nephi 1:20), you and your children could look at a healthy plant and a leaf or branch that has been cut off from the plant. Then your children could review choices that Nephi and his brothers made (see 1 Nephi 2:11–16; 3:5–7; 18:9–11). What were the results of these choices? What choices help us stay connected to God?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 What is the difference between a leaf that is on the plant and one that has been cut off? How are we like the leaf on the plant when we obey God’s commandments? Invite

See Obedience and Commandments

God gave me the freedom to choose.

2 Nephi 2:11, 16, 27

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” To help your children understand what Lehi taught about opposites and making choices, you could play a game in which you say a word (such as light) and your children say its opposite (dark). Help them learn why opposites are part of God’s plan as you read together 2 Nephi 2:11, 16. Then you could share stories about a child who is tempted to make a wrong choice. Your children could share what the opposite of the wrong choice is and act it out.

Friend February 2024 Come, Follow Me Activities Lehi taught that having both good and bad times is part of God’s plan for us on earth (see 2 Nephi 2:11). Write down words with opposites (like “tall” and “short”) on pieces of paper and put them in a bowl. Take turns reading the papers. See who can guess the opposite of each word the fastest! For younger children: Having opposites in life is good. Turn a light on and off. Explain how the light helps us see and the dark helps us sleep. We need both to be happy.

Friend May 2019 “Last Friend Standing”  Some new friends of a girl want to hide their bowling shoes and not pay for the game. The girl prays for courage and then tells them that she won’t steal.  Even though she loses them as friends, she feels the Holy Ghost telling her that she did the right thing.

Primary 6: Old Testament “Lesson 4: The Fall of Adam and Eve” Ask the children to think of opposites—such as happy and sad, hot and cold, hard and soft, smooth and rough, heavy and light, high and low, or fast and slow—to illustrate the importance of opposition (see 2 Nephi 2:11, 15). Let the children describe their experiences with opposites. To help them get started, you might use the following examples: After someone has been sick, they can better appreciate feeling well. Or without darkness, you cannot recognize light, which is why you cannot see the stars during the day. To illustrate this second example, you might bring a flashlight and show how its light is barely noticeable in a well-lit room, but the light is much brighter when you darken the room.

Liahona February 2024 “Why Is Opposition Necessary in God’s Plan?” Opposition means that we will face challenges, but it also means that we can find some good in our trials. What good can you find in failure, loss, financial stress, or other challenges?

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” To learn about the difference between “liberty” and “captivity” (2 Nephi 2:27), your children could draw pictures of an animal in a cage and an animal in its natural environment. Which animal is free? Invite the children to point at the correct picture when you read the word “free” in 2 Nephi 2:27. Testify that Jesus Christ makes us free.

Clipart Library

Sing together a song like “Choose the Right” (Hymns, no. 239). What do we learn from the song about making choices?

2 Nephi 2:22–28

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020

• Hold up a picture of Adam and Eve (see Gospel Art Book, no. 4), and invite the children to share what they know about what happened to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Help the children find answers in 2 Nephi 2:22–27. Explain that because of Adam and Eve’s choice, we are blessed to come to earth and use our agency to make good choices and repent through Christ’s Atonement when we make wrong choices.
• Write the words of 2 Nephi 2:27 on the board. Help the children memorize the verse by repeating it and taking turns erasing words every time they repeat it. Help the children imagine what a life without choices would be like. Why are they grateful for agency?

“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.”

Friend February 2011 “Article of Faith Two” Crossword puzzle and lesson ideas about Adam and Eve and free agency.

Friend February 2018 “Adam and Eve”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 1-5”

God’s premortal children could not become like him … unless they obtained … experience in an arena where both good and evil were present.… We wanted the chance to … confront good and evil and be strong enough to choose the good. (Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon [1997], 200, 204)

Also see Choice

Joseph Smith was a “choice seer.”

2 Nephi 3:6–24

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) Chapter 3 of 2 Nephi records Lehi’s dying words to his youngest son, Joseph. Lehi quoted a prophecy [from the brass plates] made by Joseph of Egypt roughly 1,700 years before the birth of Christ. Imagine Joseph Smith’s surprise when he discovered that he was the subject of much of the prophecy made by Joseph of Egypt. (see also Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24–38 (Note that “fruit of thy loins” refers to children or posterity.)

Read the verses for each picture and identify who these four pictures represent. 2 Nephi 3:3; 2 Nephi 3:4; 2 Nephi 3:11; 2 Nephi 3:15

• Invite the children to search 2 Nephi 3:6–24 for clues about which prophet is being spoken of. List the clues on the board. Why is Joseph Smith called a “choice seer”? What did Joseph Smith do that is “of great worth to [his brethren]”? (verse 7).

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) It was decreed in the counsels of eternity, long before the foundations of the earth were laid, that he, Joseph Smith, should be the man, in the last dispensation of this world, to bring forth the word of God to the people, and receive the fulness of the keys and power of the Priesthood of the Son of God.(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 96, 343)

• Sing a hymn about Joseph Smith, such as “Praise to the Man” (Hymns, no. 27), or watch a video that depicts different aspects of his mission, such as those found at history.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/article/joseph-smith-video-downloads. Ask the children why they are grateful for the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith was a prophet.

2 Nephi 3:6–24

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 3-5”

• Consider how you can teach your children about the great work that God accomplished through Joseph Smith. To begin, you could help your children find the word “seer” in 2 Nephi 3:6 and explain that prophets are called seers because Heavenly Father helps them see things we can’t see. Share why you are grateful to have a seer leading the Church.

To help family members understand what a seer is, perhaps you could show them 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? What evidence do we have that Joseph Smith was a seer?

• The Gospel Art Book has several pictures you could use to teach about the work God did through Joseph Smith (see pictures 89–95). Let your children share what they know about the pictures. Why is Joseph Smith called a “choice seer”? What did Joseph Smith do that is “of great worth”? (verse 7).

Liahona February 2020 “Meet the Four Josephs” Lehi tells his son Joseph about some of the prophecies that Joseph of Egypt made about Joseph Smith, who was named after his father, Joseph. The article includes the following: What Did Joseph of Egypt Say about Joseph Smith? How Was Joseph Smith Like Joseph of Egypt? How Did Lehi Know about Joseph of Egypt?

Friend February 2020 “My Family Night Fun: Pretend Plates”

• Prophets long ago knew that a man named Joseph would translate the scriptures (see 2 Nephi 3:7, 15). They wrote about him on the gold plates. Can you imagine how Joseph Smith felt when he translated those words?
• Make your own metal plates! Wrap heavy aluminum foil around a piece of cardboard and tape it in place. Use a matchstick and press gently to write on your “plates.”

The Nephites Separate from the Lamanites

2 Nephi CHAPTER 5 The Nephites separate themselves from the Lamanites, keep the law of Moses, and build a temple—Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites are cut off from the presence of the Lord, are cursed, and become a scourge unto the Nephites. About 588–559 B.C.

Book of Mormon Stories ” Chapter 9: A New Home in the Promised Land” Watch from 0.40

Living After the Manner of Happiness

I love “the things of the Lord.”

2 Nephi 4:15–35; 5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 3-5”

• What makes us happy? Consider reading together verses from 2 Nephi 4 to find out what delighted Nephi or made him happy (see verses 15–16, 20–25, 34–35). In his message “The Things of My Soul,” Elder Ronald A. Rasband shared seven “things of the Lord” that are precious to him (Liahona, Nov. 2021, 39–41). Perhaps you could review his list together and talk about “things of the Lord” that are precious to you.
• 2 Nephi 5 also describes things that helped the Nephites live “after the manner of happiness” (verse 27). You could provide some words or pictures that represent these things and help your children match them to verses in chapter 5. Some examples include family (verse 6), God’s commandments (verse 10), the scriptures (verse 12), work (verses 15 and 17), temples (verse 16), and Church callings (verse 26). How do these things bring us happiness?

Liahona February 2024 “How Can We Live “After the Manner of Happiness”?” Often in life we can make the mistake of believing that happiness consists only of having fun or not having any problems. Nephi said, “We lived after the manner of happiness” (2 Nephi 5:27). But did that mean they were happy because they had easy lives? Of course not! In 2 Nephi 4, Nephi describes problems that frustrated him. “[Many people] seek only to have fun in life. With this as their main goal, they allow temporary pleasure to distract them from lasting happiness. They rob themselves of the enduring joys of spiritual growth, service, and hard work.

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me Kid “We Lived after the Manner of Happiness”

The Cozy Red Cottage

 Ensign February 2020 “Family Study Fun” All of us want to live “after the manner of happiness” (2 Nephi 5:27). But happiness requires effort. Create a family plan to help your family experience more joy. Read 2 Nephi 5:10–12, 15–17, 26–27. Discuss what Nephi’s people did to live “after the manner of happiness.” Make a list together of commandments that, if kept, will bring your family happiness. Add to the list other things that bring you joy (good friends, game night, etc.). Turn your list into a family declaration. (“We, the Jones family, hereby commit to pursue happiness by …”) Place your declaration in a prominent place where you can see it often.

Friend March 2011 “How can the gospel help me be happy?” Elder David A. Bednar shares how to have happiness in life: “The source and cause of true happiness are gospel truth and obedience to eternal law. Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness is designed to provide direction for His children, to help them become happy, and to bring them safely home to Him. For your happiness and protection, I invite you to study and live more diligently the Savior’s gospel.”

Friend February 2024 “How to Be Happy” President Dallin H. Oaks “The prophet Lehi taught that “men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). Heavenly Father created us to have joy. He wants us to return to Him. He wants us to be happy in this life. How do we seek happiness or joy? King Benjamin invited his people to “consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things” (Mosiah 2:41). Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love you. Their plan for us is the “great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). That plan and Their commandments lead us to the greatest happiness and joy. I urge each of you to seek the joy that comes from keeping the commandments of God.”

Friend February 2024 “Tommy’s Very Bad Day” Everything had gone wrong during Tommy’s day and he wanted to just sit so nothing else bad would happen, but that just made him feel worse. Then he saw his neighbor raking leaves and having a hard time putting them in the bag. Tommy decided to help, and pretty soon he was having so much fun he forgot about his bad day.

Friend  November 2009 “A Happy Home.” This cut-and-paste activity reminds us of the things we can do to make our homes a happier place.

The temple is the house of the Lord.

2 Nephi 5:15–16

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 3-5”

• As you read 2 Nephi 5:15–16 to your children, they could pretend they are helping Nephi build a temple. You could also show them pictures of different buildings, including a temple. How are temples different from other buildings? Share with each other why the temple is important to you (see also “I Love to See the Temple,” Children’s Songbook, 95).

The Red Crystal

Here are some of the key blessings associated with LDS temples:

1. Participation in Ordinances: Temples are the only places where certain sacred ordinances — such as the Endowment, sealing of couples in marriage for eternity, and baptism for the dead — can be performed. These ordinances are considered essential for individual progression and salvation.
2. Eternal Families: The temple is where families can be sealed together, meaning they can be together forever, not just “until death do us part.” This sealing extends to children as well, who are considered to be sealed to their parents for eternity.
3. Learning and Instruction: In the temple, individuals receive instruction and make covenants related to the Plan of Salvation and their relationship with God. These teachings provide guidance for personal development and spiritual growth.
4. Personal Revelation: Many members of the LDS Church report that the peaceful, sacred atmosphere of the temple is conducive to receiving personal revelation and divine guidance.
5. Service to Others: In the temple, members perform vicarious ordinances on behalf of those who have died, providing them with the opportunity to accept these ordinances in the afterlife. This service to others is considered a significant blessing and a manifestation of love and selflessness.
6. Peace and Comfort: Many Latter-day Saints find that attending the temple provides a sense of peace and comfort, offering a spiritual refuge from the world. It can be a place to seek comfort, find answers to prayers, and feel closer to God.
7. Communion with the Divine: Temples are considered “Houses of the Lord,” and as such, are places where individuals can feel a special closeness to God and Jesus Christ.
8. Protection and Power: The covenants and ordinances performed in the temple are believed to provide spiritual protection and power from God, including the power to resist temptation and overcome worldly challenges.

Friend July 1988 Nephi helps his people build buildings, a temple, and swords to defend themselves.

Friend March 2024 “A Temple in the Promised Land”

See additional resources at Temple Lesson Ideas

Additional Resources

What was the curse that came upon the Lamanites?

2 Nephi 5:20–21

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024)

In Nephi’s day the curse of the Lamanites was that they were “cut off from [the Lord’s] presence … because of their iniquity” (2 Nephi 5:20–21). This meant the Spirit of the Lord was withdrawn from their lives. When Lamanites later embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, “the curse of God did no more follow them” (Alma 23:18).

The Book of Mormon also states that a mark of dark skin came upon the Lamanites after the Nephites separated from them. The nature and appearance of this mark are not fully understood. The mark initially distinguished the Lamanites from the Nephites. Later, as both the Nephites and Lamanites each went through periods of wickedness and righteousness, the mark became irrelevant as an indicator of the Lamanites’ standing before God.

Prophets affirm in our day that dark skin is not a sign of divine disfavor or cursing. The Church embraces Nephi’s teaching that the Lord “denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female” (2 Nephi 26:33). President Russell M. Nelson declared: “I assure you that your standing before God is not determined by the color of your skin. Favor or disfavor with God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments and not the color of your skin” (“Let God Prevail,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 94).

Come Follow Me Kid “We Lived After the Manner of Happiness” Lesson and activity ideas.

The Red Crystal

The Red Crystal

1 Nephi CHAPTER 16 The wicked take the truth to be hard—Lehi’s sons marry the daughters of Ishmael—The Liahona guides their course in the wilderness—Messages from the Lord are written on the Liahona from time to time—Ishmael dies; his family murmurs because of afflictions. About 600–592 B.C.

The Liahona

Book of Mormon Videos 

Friend January 2020 “Book of Mormon Cutouts”

Friend June 1987 “Compass of Faith” Liahona dot-to-dot and story figures.

Stand up figures as you tell story of journey to promised land. Tell ways that each member of family did, or did not, show faith through their obedience.

When I keep the commandments, the Lord guides me.

1 Nephi 16:10, 28–29; 18:8–13, 20–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 If you have a compass, a map, or something else that helps us find our way, you could show it to your children. This could be a good way to begin a discussion about the Liahona, which you can read about in 1 Nephi 16:10, 28–29. What are some reasons a compass or map might not work? Why did the Liahona sometimes not work for Lehi’s family? (see 1 Nephi 18:9–12, 20–22). What has Heavenly Father given us today to guide us back to Him?

Friend February 2024 “The Liahona”

To help your children apply what they learn about the Liahona in 1 Nephi 16:10, 26–31; 18:8–22, you could invite them to think about an important or difficult decision. What has God given us to guide us today that works like the Liahona? (See, for example, Alma 37:38–44.) Consider sharing a personal experience in which Heavenly Father guided you. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024)

Friend February 2016 “Savannah the Engineer” Savannah needs to decide whether or not to join an after school science team.

New Era January 2019 “How to Get Better Revelation Reception” Use a cup and string communication device and put folded papers on the string of things that might interfere with receiving revelation. (See article for more information.)

Come Follow Me Kids “I Will Prepare the Way Before You If it’s something that would be conducive to receiving revelations, have the kids make a thumbs up sign. If it’s something that would interfere with receiving revelation, make a thumbs down sign. Talk about additional ways we can keep the commandments and feel the Lord’s spirit and guidance.
 You hurt your brother/sister.
 You disobey your mom/dad.
 You share your candy with your brother/sister.
 You tell your family members that you love them.
 You help your brother/sister clean up their toys.
 You give a family member a hug to help them feel better when they get hurt.
 You listen to songs with bad words.
 You pray reverently.
 You try to be like Jesus

Friend February 2019 “Yo-Yo Decision” While shopping with her mom, Lea found a yo-yo. Oscar had brought one to school and had impressed everyone with tricks. Lea wanted to do that too, but she didn’t have enough money to buy the yo-yo. A thought came into her mind that she could just put it in her pocket, but then she had a bad feeling. She realized it was the Holy Ghost warning her, so she put it back and felt peaceful and happy.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: 1 Nephi 11-15 Bring a box containing several clues that describe a location in or around the church building. Use the box and clues to represent the Liahona, and let the children take turns selecting clues and guessing what the location is. Then travel to the location together. Explain that when we show faith and follow the direction the Lord gives us, He will help us return to Him (see Alma 37:38–42). How does Heavenly Father guide us in our journey back to Him?

The Red Crystal This print out can be used to write clues on to describe a location in the church, or you can place scriptures a picture of a prophet, church magazine, etc…around the room. When the children find them they can stick a Liahona on them, because they are….”What helps us today to find our way back to Heavenly Father.” CFM-For Primary page 17

The Cozy Red Cottage

The Liahona Teachingldschildren.com Attention Activity: Tape the sign “Eternal Life” on a wall. On an opposite wall put the sign “Mortal Birth.” Ask for a volunteer. Blindfold that person, and tell them they need to get from the sign that says “Mortal Birth” to the sign that says “Eternal Life.” Tell them there will be obstacles in the way but you will provide someone to help them get safely around the obstacles. (See additional instructions at link.)

Game: Put the game board and the Liahona on a display board for everyone to see. Choose a volunteer. Tell the volunteer that the object of the game is to get from the starting square to a square that says “The Promised Land.” There are two ways they can do this: they can try and guess which way to go, or they can check the Liahona for directions. Tell them it will take a little diligence and effort to get directions from the Liahona. They will have to look up a scripture and find the directions in the scripture. But if they try to guess which way to go, and it is the wrong guess, they will lose their next turn. (See additional instructions at link)

Friend February 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” The Liahona guided Nephi’s family to the promised land (see 1 Nephi 18:21–23). Have one person hide an object. Everyone else takes turns asking the hider yes-or-no questions to find the object together.

For younger children: Have your child hide an object. Ask them to give you hints about where it is by saying “hotter“ when you get closer and “colder“ when you get farther away.

“The Holy Ghost Testifies of the Truth of all Things” (June 2010 Liahona and Friend)

“Lehi and His Family Are Led through the Wilderness” Primary 4: Book of Mormon (Lesson Ideas) Attention Activity: Give the children each a piece of string 20 inches (50 cm) long. Have them hold one end of the string in their right hand and the other end in their left hand. Ask them to tie a knot in the string without letting go of the ends. If you do not have enough string, have one child do the activity in front of the class.

• Does this seem too hard or impossible to do?

Have the children try to tie a knot again, but this time have them fold their arms first and with their arms still folded have them pick up one end of the string with their right hand and the other end with their left hand. Ask them to hold onto the ends as they unfold their arms. Their string will be knotted. Collect the strings from the children. Point out that the children could tie the knot when you showed them how to do it. Tell the children that in the same way we all have challenges in our lives that might seem impossible to solve. If we do all we can and put our trust in Heavenly Father, he will help us find the answers.

Nephi’s Broken Bow

Friend February 2020 “Nephi’s Broken Bow”

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I can be a good example to my family.

1 Nephi 16:21–32

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 As you read 1 Nephi 16:21–32 together, help your children discover how Nephi’s example blessed his family (see also the video “The Lord Guides Lehi’s Journey” [Gospel Library]). This could lead to a discussion about how we could be like Nephi. Invite your children to plan one thing they can do to be a good influence on other family members.

The Cozy Red Cottage Example match game cards also include truthful, forgiving, peacemaker, kind & loving, unselfish. (The link to download the free printables is at the end of the post.)

Friend March 2011″Daniel’s Example of Prayer” Daniel sets an example for his grandparents who aren’t members of the church.

Friend March 2011 “Being a Good Example”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: 1 Nephi 11-15 Assign each child to draw a picture of something from the story of Nephi’s broken bow (see 1 Nephi 16:14–32), such as Nephi, a bow, or the Liahona. Then use the pictures to tell the story to the class, and let the children take turns doing the same. How can we be like Nephi when our families are going through hard times?

The Red Crystal How would someone with faith and hope react to the following situations? How would someone who is murmuring react?

The Cozy Red Cottage The manual states, “Perhaps your family could contrast Nephi’s account of traveling in the wilderness (see 1 Nephi 17:1-6) with his brothers’ account (1 Nephi 17:17-22). Why do you think they saw the same events differently? What can we learn from Nephi about having a faithful perspective?”
(Could write responses to the above situations on this form.)

Friend February 2020 “Coloring Page: Nephi Trusted God”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: 1 Nephi 11-15 Invite the children to each cut out a paper circle and draw a sad face on one side and a happy face on another. As you tell the story of Nephi’s broken bow, invite them to use the faces to show how Nephi’s family was feeling during different parts of the story. How did Nephi help make his family happy? What can we do to make our families happy?

The Red Crystal

Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “As Lehi’s family journeyed toward the promised and, the Lord made them this promise: “I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments” (1 Nephi 17:13). Clearly, that promise did not mean that the journey would be easy—family members still disagreed, bows broke, and people struggled and died, and they still had to build a ship from raw materials. However, when the family faced adversity or seemingly impossible tasks, Nephi recognized that the Lord was never far away. He knew that God “doth nourish [the faithful], and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them” (1 Nephi 17:3). If you ever wonder why bad things happen to good people like Nephi and his family, you may find insights in these chapters. But perhaps more important, you will see what good people do when bad things happen.”

Friend January 2020 “Following the Liahona: Action Rhyme”

Friend January 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 1 Nephi 17:13 together and help your little ones say, “The Lord will guide me.” Turn off the lights and walk around a room using just flashlights. Talk about how Jesus, like the light, can help us feel safer and know what to do.

Teaching the Scripture Readers: In the Wilderness

Friend January 2016 “Journey to the Promised Land” We can be obedient like Nephi.  Video

Friend July 2020 “Small and Simple Puzzle” Like the Liahona that guided Lehi’s family, simple things can help us solve big problems (see Alma 37:6, 38–44). What are small and simple ways you can follow Jesus? Can you find each of the pieces below in the puzzle?

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon Draw what you think the Liahona looks like. How did the Liahona work?

“A Real Hero” (July 2007 Friend) Ji-Woong likes to play super heroes. At family home evening he learns about a real hero, Nephi. Nephi had power from the Lord to pray and stop a storm, build a ship, shock his brothers, be led by the Spirit through the streets of Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates. Ji-Woong asked, “How did Nephi get his power?” “The Lord gave him power because Nephi was a righteous man who prayed in faith,” Appa explained. “You too can pray and then follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father will help you know when people need help.”

Elder Richard G. Scott: “Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses
applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence
that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate
growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from
where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails
discomfort and pain.”

Come Follow Me Kids “I Will Prepare the Way Before You” Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Nephi Builds a Ship

1 Nephi CHAPTER 17 Nephi is commanded to build a ship—His brethren oppose him—He exhorts them by recounting the history of God’s dealings with Israel—Nephi is filled with the power of God—His brethren are forbidden to touch him, lest they wither as a dried reed. About 592–591 B.C.

1 Nephi CHAPTER 18 The ship is finished—The births of Jacob and Joseph are mentioned—The company embarks for the promised land—The sons of Ishmael and their wives join in revelry and rebellion—Nephi is bound, and the ship is driven back by a terrible tempest—Nephi is freed, and by his prayer the storm ceases—The people arrive in the promised land. About 591–589 B.C.

Book of Mormon Stories: Chapter 7: Building the Ship. Images and video

Book of Mormon Videos “1 Nephi 17-18”

Gospel Art Picture: “Nephi Subdues Rebellious Brothers”

Friend February 2016 “Nephi’s Family Crosses the Ocean” Video

Heavenly Father can help me do difficult things.

1 Nephi 17:7–19; 18:1–4

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024

• Children love telling stories. You could invite them to help you tell the story of Nephi being commanded to build a boat (see 1 Nephi 17:7–19; 18:1–4; see also “Chapter 7: Building the Ship,” in Book of Mormon Stories, 21–22; or the video “The Lord Instructs Nephi to Build a Ship” [Gospel Library]). They could also sing together the second verse of “Nephi’s Courage” (Children’s Songbook, 120–21). What helped Nephi have courage when his brothers mocked him for trying to build the boat?

 The Red Crystal Tell the story using this puzzle.

Book of Mormon Scripture Figures: “Heavenly Father Commands Nephi to Build a Ship” (February 2012 Liahona and Friend)

35395, Children’s Songbook, Nephi’s Courage, 120

Verse Two Visual Aids and Teaching Ideas
The Lord commanded Nephi to go and build a boat.
Nephi’s older brothers believed it would not float.
Laughing and mocking, they said he should not try.
Nephi was courageous. This was his reply:
“I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.
I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.”

Verse Three Visual Aids and Teaching Ideas\

The Lord gives us commandments and asks us to obey.
Sometimes I am tempted to choose another way.
When I’m discouraged, and think I cannot try,
I will be courageous, and I will reply:

“I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.
I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.”

• Nephi did not know how to build a boat, so he relied on instruction from the Lord. After reading 1 Nephi 18:1 with you, your children could complete this week’s activity page. As they do, talk with them about how Heavenly Father can help us do hard things, just as He helped Nephi.

Friend February 2024 “Nephi Built a Ship”

Nephi was not a sailor. He had been reared in Jerusalem, an inland city, rather than along the borders of the Mediterranean Sea. It seems unlikely that he knew much about or had experience with the tools and skills necessary to build a ship. He may not have ever previously seen an oceangoing vessel. In essence, then, Nephi was commanded and instructed to build something he had never built before. (David A. Bednar, “Learning to Love Learning,” Ensign, Feb. 2010, 28)

Teachingldschildren.com “Lesson 6: Nephi Builds a Ship” Paper Boat Activity: Give each child a blank piece of paper. Show an example paper boat you folded before class. Tell the children you want them to make the same boat with their paper. Give them a couple of minutes to try and complete the activity. Ask if it was hard to do without instructions. Teach them how to build the boat using the instructions found at the link.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “1 Nephi 16-22” Have the children color the boat and then cut out the boat and the rectangle. Follow the directions to glue the boat together. Words on the handout/craft: Nephi built a boat. Heavenly Father can help me do difficult things too!

Ensign January 2020 “Family Study Fun” Shipbuilding 101: Before Nephi could start building a ship, he asked the Lord where he should go to find ore to make tools (see 1 Nephi 17:9–10). Gather items in your home to use as “shipbuilding materials” (for example: blocks or pots or sofa cushions). Hide the materials throughout the room. Give your family instructions on where the materials are hidden. Bring the materials to the shoreline (middle of the room) and give instructions on how to build a ship.

Discussion: Why did Nephi need help from the Lord? What are some hard things that the Lord asks us to do? What attributes did Nephi possess that made the ship a reality? How can we as a family develop those same attributes?

Friend March 2021 “Dear Friends” Ian built a ship like Nephi did.

Friend January 2016 “Funstuff: Build Your Own Boat”

Crossing the Sea

I must keep the commandments to have the guidance of the Lord in my life

Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Book of Mormon “Laman and Lemuel Bind Nephi”

Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 7 – Crossing the Sea” (See additional lesson ideas at link.) Attention Activity: Ask the class if they think crossing the sea in a ship is easy.

Pour the container of water into the rectangular pan. Have a volunteer try to blow the paper boat from one long side of the pan to the other. Have two other volunteers try to make the task difficult by blowing the boat in the opposite direction and by blowing on the water to make waves. (Have the volunteers stay about a foot away from the boat as they do their individual tasks.) When the boat reaches the other side of the pan, or when it sinks, point out the difficulties that occurred during the activity: the boat tumbling over, the boat filling with water, the boat going in the wrong direction, etc.

Remind the children of the ship that Nephi built. Nephi was blessed with Heavenly Father’s guidance in building the ship, so it was a well built ship, but crossing a sea in any ship can be dangerous. Storms can occur, causing heavy winds that could blow the ship off course. Large waves can form that could flood or capsize a ship. Navigating a ship can also be a problem. In the vast, wide open, empty sea it is difficult to know where you are and what direction you are going. People could starve to death or die of thirst if they can not find their way to land. Nephi and his family needed the help of the Lord to carry out the difficult and perilous journey of crossing the sea.

Game: Show the game board and explain to the children that the object of the game is to get the ship from the start to the promised land.

Ask the children if they remember what the promised land is a representation of. (Eternal Life) Explain that as we travel through our mortal lives, we need to strive to do the things necessary to attain eternal life. There are things that help us move toward that goal, and there are things that impede our progress. In this game we talk about both.

Have the children take turns drawing papers out of the bag and moving the ship on the game board. If they draw the sun, they move the ship forward two spaces. They must then tell of something that helps keep the guidance of the Lord in their lives. They must also explain how doing that thing helps them in life. Answers might include: prayer, scripture reading, keeping the commandments, being honest, being kind to others, etc.

If they draw the lightning they move the ship back one space. They then tell of something that drives the Spirit away and causes suffering in people’s lives. They must also explain how it causes suffering. Answers might include: swearing, lying, cheating, complaining, arguing, stealing, using drugs or alcohol, etc. Note: If they draw a lightning piece at the start, they stay at the start position.

Continue in this manner, with the children taking turns drawing papers from the bag and moving the ship, until they have reached the space marked “Promised Land.”

Come Follow Me Kids “I Will Prepare the Way Before You”Liahona in Our Home – Imagine that there is a Liahona in our home. Mom/Dad read the following statements. If it’s something that would make the Liahona work, have the kids make a thumbs up sign. If it would stop the Liahona from working, make a thumbs down sign. Talk about additional ways we can keep the commandments and feel the Lord’s spirit and guidance in our home even though we don’t have an actual Liahona.
 You hurt your brother/sister.
 You disobey your mom/dad.
 You share your candy with your brother/sister.
 You tell your family members that you love them.
 You help your brother/sister clean up their toys.
 You give a family member a hug to help them feel better when they get hurt.
 You listen to songs with bad words.
 You pray reverently.
 You try to be like Jesus

Primary 4: Book of Mormon ” Lesson 7: Crossing the Sea” Write words or phrases such as prayer, choice of friends, words we use, television shows, video programs, music, movies, obedience to parents, keeping the commandments, kindness to brothers and sisters, respect for other people, service, or other appropriate activities on separate slips of paper. Put the papers in a small container. As each child draws out a piece of paper, have him or her read it to the class and tell how what is written can affect our ability to have the Holy Ghost in our lives. (See more lesson ideas at link.)

Gospel Art Picture: “Lehi and His People Arrive in the Promise Land”

Book of Mormon Stories ” Chapter 9: A New Home in the Promised Land” Watch to timecode 0.40

Additional Resources

Friend February 2024 “Nephi Built a Ship”

• Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “1 Nephi 16-22”
• Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 6: Heavenly Father Commands Nephi to Build a Ship”
• Come Follow Me Kids “I Will Prepare the Way Before You”

Teachingldschildren.com “Lesson 6: Nephi Builds a Ship”

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon  Connect the dots to help Nephi build the ship. How did Nephi know how to build a ship?

“Sharing Time: Nephi Builds a Ship” (March 1992 Liahona and Friend)

Friend February 2020 “Scripture Boats” Use this script to act out parts of 1 Nephi 17.

Friend February 2020 “Scripture Boats” Ideas for making different kinds of boats.

Teachingldschildren.com “Lesson 6: Nephi Builds a Ship” Print the ship on brown paper. Cut out the boards and give one to each child. Have the children write a commandment on their board. Have the children take turns taping their boards to the ship outline, telling what commandment they chose, and what the good results of keeping that commandment would be. (See additional instructions and lesson ideas for this activity at link. )

Friend March 1988 “Nephi Builds a Ship” When the Lord told Nephi to build a ship, Nephi made his own tools. Circle the tools Nephi might have made in those days, then color.

Friend February 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Banana Boats: Cut unpeeled bananas lengthwise about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep, leaving 1/2 inch (1 cm) uncut at each of the ends. Stuff the slit bananas with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Then wrap in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes.

Friend February 2024 “Boat Building” Find the hidden objects.

Coloring Page: “Nephi was blessed for choosing the right.” (February 2012 Liahona and Friend)

Friend June 2020 “For Older Kids” Nephi is one of my heroes. He was brave enough to go and get the plates from Laban. He was also obedient to the Lord in building a ship. He trusted the Lord would help him, even though he had never built a ship before. When his brothers were mean to him, he forgave them. I hope to “go and do” whatever the Lord asks me to do, just like Nephi. Thomas P., age 10, Florida, USA

Use building blocks to make a scene from your favorite Book of Mormon story, like Thomas did!

1 Nephi 19-22

1 Nephi CHAPTER 19 Nephi makes plates of ore and records the history of his people—The God of Israel will come six hundred years from the time Lehi left Jerusalem—Nephi tells of His sufferings and crucifixion—The Jews will be despised and scattered until the latter days, when they will return unto the Lord. About 588–570 B.C.

1 Nephi CHAPTER 20 The Lord reveals His purposes to Israel—Israel has been chosen in the furnace of affliction and is to go forth from Babylon—Compare Isaiah 48. About 588–570 B.C.

1 Nephi CHAPTER 21 The Messiah will be a light to the Gentiles and will free the prisoners—Israel will be gathered with power in the last days—Kings will be their nursing fathers—Compare Isaiah 49. About 588–570 B.C.

1 Nephi CHAPTER 22 Israel will be scattered upon all the face of the earth—The Gentiles will nurse and nourish Israel with the gospel in the last days—Israel will be gathered and saved, and the wicked will burn as stubble—The kingdom of the devil will be destroyed, and Satan will be bound. About 588–570 B.C.

I can liken the scriptures to my life.

1 Nephi 19:22–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Ask a child to read 1 Nephi 19:22–24 out loud, and ask the children what they think it means to “liken all scriptures” to ourselves. Help them discover how Nephi likened a scriptural account to his experience of getting the brass plates (see 1 Nephi 4:1–4; see also Exodus 14). How did remembering this story help Nephi and his brothers?

As we liken the scriptures to ourselves, we will learn and profit from them.

Review some of the stories that the children have learned about Lehi and his family from 1 Nephi, and invite them to share what they learned from these stories. Help them think of situations in their lives that might be similar to these stories. For example, the Lord asking Nephi to build a ship might remind them of times when they needed to do something difficult and sought the Lord’s help.

I Have Graven Thee Upon My Hands

1 Nephi 21

Come Follow Me Kids “I Will Prepare the Way Before You” I Have Graven Thee Upon the Palms of My Hands – Review who Nephi was. Explain that Nephi shared a scripture about Jesus’s hands. Show picture of the mark in His hands after He was crucified (below). Read 1 Nephi 21:15-16. To help them visualize that we are graven on the palms of Christ’s hands, have each person write their names on the hand in the picture below. You can either give each person their own small picture or print up the big one for everyone to write on together. Remind them that Heavenly Father and Jesus love us, remember us, and want to help us in life. They want to lead us to good things.

Jacob 1-4

Unshaken Faith in Jesus

Jacob 5-7

Allegory of the Olive Tree

Jacob’s Encounter with Sherem

Enos, Jarom, Omni, Words of Mormon

Enos

Jarom, Omni, Words of Mormon

2 Nephi 1-5

Lehi’s Final Words to His Family

The Nephites and Lamanites Separate

2 Nephi 6-10

Jacob Teaches the People About the Savior

2 Nephi 11-19

The Words of Isaiah

2 Nephi 20-25

The Words of Isaiah

2 Nephi 26-30

The Book of Mormon is a Blessing

2 Nephi 31-33

First Principles of the Gospel

Moroni 1-6

Moroni Gives Clarifying Details about Ordinances & Church Attendance

Moroni 7-9

Faith, Hope, and Charity

Moroni 10

Moroni’s Special Promise

Gifts of the Spirit

Come Unto Christ

Ether 1-5

The Jaredites Leave Babel

The Jaredites build Barges

The Brother of Jared Sees the Finger of the Lord Touching the Stones

Ether 6-11

The Jaredites Cross the Ocean

The Jaredites Reject the Prophets

Ether 12-15

The Jaredites are Destroyed