On May 6, 1833, the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 93. In this revelation the Savior taught the Saints how to worship and “come unto the Father in my name, and … receive of his fulness” (D&C 93:19). He also taught how we can receive truth and light and instructed the Prophet and other Church leaders to “set in order” their homes so that their families could be strengthened and protected (see D&C 93:43–50). (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual)
Ask your children why it is important to learn about and follow Jesus Christ. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 93:19 to discover one important reason.
19. I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness.
Invite them to think of one way they can learn more about Jesus during the coming week, and give them a chance to share their ideas.
You may want to choose several truths about Christ in section 93 that are inspiring to you and help your children discover and understand them. For each truth you choose, you could give your children a word or phrase to listen for as you read the verse together. For example, Jesus Christ:
Teaching idea: Cover a picture of Jesus with the following blocks. Have the children take turns choosing one, looking it up, reading the scripture out loud, and then guessing who the scripture is about on the back of the paper. They can change their guess one time in the game. At the end, everyone shows what their guess is.
Take turns leading family members through your house or somewhere outside. If it’s dark, have the leader use a flashlight or other light source. Talk about how we are blessed when we follow the Savior. Help your little ones say, “I can follow Jesus Christ.”
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine & Covenants 93” To help your family discuss what they learn in section 93 about the Savior and themselves, you could play a matching game. For example, you could prepare one set of cards with verses from section 93 that teach truths about the Savior (see verses 3, 12, 21, 26) and another set that teaches something similar about ourselves (see verses 20, 23, 28–29). Family members could take turns picking a card from each set, reading the verses, and trying to find truths that match. How do these truths influence how we feel about the Savior and about ourselves?
What does it mean to receive “grace for grace” and to continue “from grace to grace”? (verses 12–13). What do these verses suggest about the way we grow and learn? How does knowing this affect the way we treat others—and ourselves?
I lived with Heavenly Father before I came to earth.
The Savior emphasized three times in section 93 that we lived with God “in the beginning” (verses 23, 29, 38). To help your children discover this, you could invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 93:23, 29, 38 and look for a truth about themselves that is repeated in these verses. Why does Heavenly Father want us to know this truth?
Invite the children to color the activity page and draw pictures of themselves with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the premortal life. Bear your testimony that God loves all of us and that we are all His children.
The Red Crystal Cut out the clouds, and after each scripture verse is read have the children find where they belong, like a puzzle.
You could also sing together “I Am a Child of God” or “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3, 4) and discuss truths we learn from these songs about our purpose for coming to earth.
Sing “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3).
We lived with Heavenly Father before we came to earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 93:23). We are all His children.
Find some smooth rocks and write “You are a child of God” on them with paint or markers. Then give each rock to a friend, family member, or someone you think could use a reminder.
The world has many different views on what truth is and how to find it. How can you help the children you teach understand that truth is true no matter what others may say and that Heavenly Father knows all truth?
To help your children apply the truths about obedience in Doctrine and Covenants 93, consider writing a few scripture references from this section on pieces of paper. On different pieces of paper, write the truths that each of these verses teaches. Your children could work together to read the verses and match the truths to the scripture references. Examples could include:
Verse 24: Truth is knowing things that are real in the past, present, and future.Verse 28: I can receive light and truth as I keep the commandments.Verse 37: When I have light and truth, I am able to resist evil.Verse 39: I lose light and truth when I am disobedient.
For younger children: Help your little ones turn on a light while you read a scripture to them. Tell them how the scriptures have helped you in your life.
Section 88Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet at Kirtland, Ohio, December 27 and 28, 1832, and January 3, 1833. The Prophet designated it as the “‘olive leaf’ … plucked from the Tree of Paradise, the Lord’s message of peace to us.” The revelation was given after high priests at a conference prayed “separately and vocally to the Lord to reveal his will unto us concerning the upbuilding of Zion.”
Friend February 2008 “Gospel Light” The scriptures teach about the light of the gospel. Fill in the missing words in these scriptures about light. The picture next to each scripture stands for the circled letter. When you know what letter each picture stands for, fill in the secret code at the bottom of the page to discover the greatest light of all. (Answer: “Jesus Christ”)
33 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.
You could start a discussion about Doctrine and Covenants 88:33 by asking your children to talk about gifts they have been given—both those they received joyfully and others they did not. Maybe they could act out receiving a gift with joy. Then you could talk about gifts Heavenly Father gives us (such as the gift of the Holy Ghost). How do we receive these gifts with joy?
The Red Crystal In a wrapped box you could put items such as a picture of the prophet, a blanket (you can share how that is like the Holy Ghost), the scriptures, and a picture of your family. How can we receive these gifts with joy? How can we show God we are grateful for these gifts? Then, let the children share additional gifts that God has given us.
63 Drawnear unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:63 contains action words that might inspire some fun activities to encourage your children to seek the Lord’s presence in their lives. For instance, can you and your children think of a game for discussing the phrase “seek me diligently and ye shall find me” (emphasis added) or “knock, and it shall be opened”? (For example, you might hide a small picture of the Savior in the room and have them seek diligently for him.)
To emphasize the Savior’s invitation to “draw near unto me,” you could ask one child to hold a picture of Jesus (like the picture at the end of this outline) on one side of the room while the other children stand on the other side. As your children think of things they can do to come closer to the Savior, they can take a step toward the picture, and the child holding the picture could take a step toward the other children. Talk with your children about how you draw near to the Savior and how He draws near to you. You could also sing with them a song about this topic, like “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75).
To be sanctified means to be made clean and pure. How can you help the children you teach understand that they can be sanctified when they follow Jesus Christ?
Invite one child to read Doctrine and Covenants 88:68 aloud and another to read verse 74. Ask the children to listen for a phrase that is in both of these verses. How do we “sanctify” ourselves? (If needed, help the children look up “Sanctification” in the Guide to the Scriptures.) Draw a picture of a heart, a hand, and a foot on the board. Help the children think of what it might mean to “purify” and “cleanse” our hearts, hands, and feet. How does the Savior help us do this? How can we use our hearts, hands, and feet to become more like Jesus?
Explain that the Lord wanted His people to be sanctified before they could go into the temple. Consider inviting a young man or young woman who has a temple recommend to visit the class. Invite him or her to show the children what a recommend looks like, discuss what they do to live worthy of it, and share why it’s important to have a temple recommend even if we don’t live close to a temple.
Show the children the white shirt you brought, and lay it on top of a spread out plastic garbage bag. Explain to the children that sin is like dirt and stains. Apply staining items to the shirt as you mention sins that stain our spirits, such as lying, stealing, hate, etc. (The garbage bag is to help prevent spills on the carpet.) Ask the children how they would feel if they had to wear the dirty shirt and how they would feel if they could never change the shirt or take a shower.
• Would it be difficult going out among people in that state? Would we feel comfortable in heaven being among spiritually clean people if we have stains of sin upon us?
Show the children the soap and explain that just like we have soap to clean our bodies and our clothes, Heavenly Father has provided a way for us to become clean from our sins. He provided a Savior for us who took upon himself our sins.
In Doctrine and Covenants 88 the Lord instructed Joseph Smith to form a school to teach the leaders of the Church about the gospel and prepare them to serve the members of the Church. In this school, called the School of the Prophets, Church leaders were to teach one another about the gospel and other important subjects (see D&C 88:77–80). Leaders of the Church in the Kirtland area began attending the School of the Prophets at the end of January 1833. The school was held in the evenings, in an upstairs room of Newel K. Whitney’s store. The Prophet taught the men about the importance of learning and preaching the gospel and of learning about the world around them. In addition to studying the scriptures and the principles of the gospel, the men also studied Hebrew and Greek.
In 1831 the Lord had commanded Oliver Cowdery and W. W. Phelps to write and select textbooks for children (see D&C 55:4). After Joseph Smith organized the School of the Prophets for the priesthood leaders of the Church, he organized a school for children. Classes were held in the attic of the Kirtland Temple. One hundred forty children attended the school.
Ask your children to tell you about what they are learning in school or Primary. You might also share some things you are learning. Then you could show your children the words what, why, and how. Help them search Doctrine and Covenants 88:77–79 to find out what the Lord wants us to learn about. Then look together in verse 80 to find out why He wants us to learn and in verse 118 to find out how we should learn.
“Education is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan to help you become more like Him. … The education you gain will be valuable to you during mortality and in the life to come” (For the Strength of Youth, 9).
Display a picture of a school, or draw one on the board, and invite the children to explain what a school is and what happens there. Show the children pictures of a home, a church, and a temple, and ask them how these places are also like schools.
Friend August 2017 “Three Classrooms” There are three different classrooms in life.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:118, and emphasize the phrase “teach one another.” Share some wisdom that you have learned from each of the children in your class, and invite them to share wisdom they have learned.
Display a map of the world, and read together Doctrine and Covenants 88:79. Why is it important for us to learn about other countries and cultures? If you or the children you teach have visited or lived in another country, show items that represent the culture, and share things you learned.
Discuss the following ideas to show the importance of gaining knowledge:
Perfect knowledge is one of God’s attributes (see 2 Nephi 9:20).
The commandment to study and learn is repeated many times in the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 88:118, 130:18–19, and D&C 131:6).
Peter said knowledge was necessary to become like Heavenly Father (2 Peter 1:5–9).
Discuss how learning can help us become more like our Father in Heaven.
“Learn!” (September 2011 Friend) President Dieter F. Uchtdorf tells of how he loved learning as a child and how it is important for everyone to learn as much as they can.
Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Help your littles ones say, “Heavenly Father wants me to learn.” Talk about good things we learn at church and school. Have your little ones draw something they have learned.
119 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 to your children, they could make a temple spire with their arms every time they hear the word “house.” Explain that Heavenly Father wanted Joseph Smith and the Saints to build a temple, or a “house of God.”
You could ask your children to choose seven words that describe their home. Then help them find, in Doctrine and Covenants 88:119, the seven words the Lord uses to describe His house. How can we make our home a “house of God”?
Give each child a phrase from Doctrine and Covenants 88:119–26 to draw. When they show their pictures to each other, let the children search the verses to guess what phrase each picture represents.
Write on the board Do and Don’t. Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119–26 and list things the Lord wanted the Saints to do or not do to prepare to learn in the temple. They could look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary. Invite the children to choose something that they will start doing or something they will stop doing.
Our homes can follow this pattern: “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119).
Organize means to arrange things in order or to prepare an activity or event.
Organize your family in different ways:
Have them stand in line from oldest to youngest.
Have them stand in alphabetical order, according to their first name.
Have them line up according to the month of their birth.
Discussion: How does the Savior want us to organize ourselves (1) in our household jobs, (2) in our spiritual study, (3) in our worship at church and in the temple?
What goals can your family set to create a “house of God”?
To inspire your family to make your home like the description in verse 119, try something like this: Write phrases from this verse on strips of paper, and use them to cover a picture of the temple. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 together, and let family members remove each strip of paper as they hear the corresponding phrase in the verse. What can we do to make our home a “house of God”? (verse 119).
Sing “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns, no. 298).
Heavenly Father wants us to “establish … a house of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119). He wants us to make our homes holy places like the temple, where we can feel the Holy Ghost.
Read “The Important Guest” on page 4. Then build a house out of blocks, sticks, or other items you can find. Every time you add a piece to the house, say something you can do to make your home a place where the Holy Ghost feels welcome.
Section 85This section is an extract from a letter of the Prophet to William W. Phelps, who was living in Independence, Missouri. It answers questions about those Saints who had moved to Zion but who had not followed the commandment to consecrate their properties and had thus not received their inheritances according to the established order in the Church.
The Spirit Speaks with a “Still Small Voice.”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87” Elder Richard G. Scott said, “If you accomplish nothing else in your relationship with your students than to help them recognize and follow the promptings of the Spirit, you will bless their lives immeasurably and eternally” (“To Learn and to Teach More Effectively” [Brigham Young University Education Week devotional, Aug. 21, 2007], 5, speeches.byu.edu).
6 Yea, thus saith the still small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh manifest, saying:
Ask the children what they would say if someone asked them how they know when the Holy Ghost speaks to them. Invite them to read about one way Joseph Smith described the Spirit’s voice in Doctrine and Covenants 85:6. They could then practice listening to and speaking in a small voice. You might also share experiences when the Spirit spoke to you in a still, small voice.
Friend May 2025 “Margo and Paolo: The Still, Small Voice” Margo had heard that the Holy Ghost talks in a quiet voice. But she didn’t think she had ever heard Him! Her grandmother told her that the Holy Ghost usually speaks to us through our thoughts and feelings. Then Margo remembered when she felt like I shouldn’t go to jiu jitsu on Sunday. She realized that the Holy Ghost does speak to her.
Friend August 2023 “A Special Gift” The missionaries teach Mehrimah’s family that the Holy Ghost helps us feel peace and comfort from Heavenly Father. He also encourages us to do good things, and He helps us know what is true. They invited the family to pay close attention to their thoughts and feelings that week, and look for times when when the Holy Ghost is speaking to them. Mehrimah notices that she felt felt calm and peaceful when they said family prayer. When she listened to a song about Jesus Christ she felt happy. It made her want to help other people. She felt warm and happy when she repented of a wrong doing. And when she was baptized she felt peaceful, like someone was telling her to live a good life, to help people, and to keep the commandments. She knew she all those feelings were from the Holy Ghost.
To help your children understand the phrase “still small voice,” you could play a children’s song quietly, such as “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 105). Ask one of the children to guess what song it is while other children make distracting noises. Then you could repeat the song with no distractions. What distractions can we remove from our lives to feel the Spirit more often?
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.)
How can you teach your family to recognize the still, small voice of the Spirit? Maybe you could play a game in which someone whispers important instructions amid distracting noises. What might be distracting us from hearing the Holy Ghost? Perhaps family members could share what they do to hear the voice of the Spirit.
For Doctrine and Covenants 85–87: Sing a hymn or Primary song very quietly. Practice concentrating on hearing and understanding the song. Help your little ones say, “I can listen for 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.
Friend September 2015 “Sister Pettigrew’s Lesson” Child learns to listen to the still, small voice
Section 86
Section 86This revelation was received while the Prophet was reviewing and editing the manuscript of the translation of the Bible. His journal entry states that he had “received a Revelation explaining the Parable [of] the wheat and the [tares]”
11 Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and through this priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel. The Lord hath said it. Amen.
Section 86 describes the important work the Lord wants His servants to do in the latter days. One way children can help with this work is by being a light to people around them.
Read to the children the following phrase from Doctrine and Covenants 86:11: “Blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles [or people who don’t have the gospel].” Here are some questions you can ask your children as you discuss Doctrine and Covenants 86:11: How does light bless us? What is it like when we have no light? How can we be a light to other people? Help your children think of ways we can “continue in [Jesus’s] goodness” and share it with others.
Ask the children to imagine that a friend is trying to walk in the dark (turn off the lights if it helps). Why is it hard to walk in the dark? What can we do to help our friend? Explain that when we follow the Savior, it’s like shining a light to show others the way to go.
Sing “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163).
Jesus said we should be a “light” unto others (Doctrine and Covenants 86:11). That means we should be good examples to everyone.
Draw a candle on a piece of paper and color the flame on the top. Cut it out and attach it to your shirt or hang it around your neck with some string, like a necklace. With your family, talk about what you can do to be a good example.
Friend October 1999 “Let Your Light Shine” Fold in half on the vertical straight line, and glue the backs together. When the glue is dry, cut out the puzzle pieces on the heavy lines and put them into a small container. Have a family member take a puzzle piece from the container and pantomime (act out without using words or noises) what is shown on the small-picture side of it that we can do to share the gospel. Let others guess what it is, then show the picture and post the puzzle piece, candle-side up. Repeat till the puzzle is finished. Remember, each good thing we do helps our light shine.
Friend November 2015 “Be a Shing Light” Ways we can become examples so our lights will shine.
Friend August 2016 Being modest in how we speak, act, and dress is a great way to shine a light for others to follow. Color in the flashlights by the ones you are already doing. Which ones do you want to work on?
Friend April 2017 “Be a Light” Color in the sun as you figure out someone to be an example to by doing certain things for them such as loving, forgiving, encouraging, etc.
The parable of the wheat and the tares is about “the last days, even now” (Doctrine and Covenants 86:4). Use this parable to help the children feel inspired to take part in “the gathering of the wheat” (verse 7).
Tell the children the parable of the wheat and the tares, or invite a child to tell it (see Matthew 13:24–30). Invite the children to draw a picture of something from the parable. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7, and invite the children to write on their drawings what the thing they drew represents.
Prepare several small pictures or drawings of wheat, and hide them around the room. Invite each child to help gather the wheat and write on it the name of someone they can “gather” to Jesus Christ. What does it mean to gather people to Jesus Christ? What are some ways we can do this? What does it mean to “continue in [the Savior’s] goodness,” and how does that help us gather people to Him? (Doctrine and Covenants 86:11).
Section 87Revelation and prophecy on war, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Kirtland, Ohio, December 25, 1832. At this time disputes in the United States over slavery and South Carolina’s nullification of federal tariffs were prevalent. Joseph Smith’s history states that “appearances of troubles among the nations” were becoming “more visible” to the Prophet “than they had previously been since the Church began her journey out of the wilderness.”1–4, War is foretold between the Northern States and the Southern States;
Christmas Day is usually a time to ponder messages like “peace on earth” and “good will toward men” (see Luke 2:14). But on December 25, 1832, Joseph Smith’s mind was occupied with the threat of war. South Carolina had just defied the United States government and was preparing for battle. And the Lord revealed to Joseph that this was only the beginning: “War,” He declared, “will be poured out upon all nations” (Doctrine and Covenants 87:2). It seemed like this prophecy would be fulfilled very soon.
But then it wasn’t. Within just a few weeks, South Carolina and the U.S. government reached a compromise, and war was averted. But revelation is not always fulfilled at the time or in the way we expect. Nearly 30 years later, long after Joseph Smith was martyred and the Saints had moved west, South Carolina did rebel and civil war followed. Since then, war throughout the world has caused “the earth [to] mourn” (Doctrine and Covenants 87:6). While the prophecy was ultimately fulfilled, the value of this revelation is less in predicting when calamity will come and more in teaching what to do when it does. The counsel is the same in 1831, 1861, and 2021: “Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved” (verse 8).
Read together Doctrine and Covenants 87:6 to learn about things the Lord said would happen in the latter days. Then you could talk about some of the challenges you and your children face. In verse 8, what did the Lord say we can do during hard times?
Help your children make a list of holy places, holy thoughts, and holy actions that can help them face spiritual danger. For ideas, see the videos “Standing in Holy Places” and “Stand Ye in Holy Places—Bloom Where You’re Planted” (Gospel Library).
No home is perfect, but there are things we can all do to make our homes into holy places of peace.
Show a picture of a temple, and share why the temple is a holy place. Show a picture of a home, and help the children think of ways they can make their homes holy like the temple (see this week’s activity page). Why do we want to be in holy places?
The Red Crystal Start with the picture of the home (not cut). Then have the children add pieces of the temple (cut), as they share their ideas of how to make their homes like the temple, have them place the pieces on top of the home. Or vise versa.
To introduce a discussion about how to make your home a holier place, you could invite family members to design a home for someone who loves the Savior. This may lead to ideas about how to “redesign” your home to make it a place of peace amid the spiritual danger in the world. Songs like “Love at Home,” “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns,nos. 294, 298), or “Where Love Is” (Children’s Songbook, 138–39) could give you ideas.
Friend November 2009 “Making Your Home a Holy Place” Our home can be one of the holiest places on earth. We can do things to make it easier to feel the Holy Ghost in our homes. Look at each room in this house and decide if what the children are doing will or will not make the house a holier place. If something is happening that will make it easier to feel the Holy Ghost, choose the blue letter. If not, choose the red letter. To find out what your home can be like, fill in the blanks with the correct letters from each room.
Section 84 In September 1832, missionaries returned to Kirtland, Ohio, from preaching the gospel in the eastern United States and reported their successes to the Prophet Joseph Smith. During their reunion, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 84. In this revelation the Lord explained how the priesthood prepares the Saints to enter God’s presence and receive all that He has. The Lord taught of the importance of hearkening to His words and reproved the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri, for treating the Book of Mormon and His commandments lightly. The Lord also commanded the Saints to preach the gospel to the world and provided instructions for doing so. (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual Chapter 31)
Do the children you teach know the purposes of the priesthood? In Doctrine and Covenants 84, the Lord reveals one purpose: to help us return to Heavenly Father. (To learn more, see Gospel Topics, “Priesthood,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
To help your children understand what an ordinance is, consider looking at pictures of several priesthood ordinances with them, such as Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–8, or this week’s activity page. Ask them to describe what is happening in each picture. You could then read together Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22. Why does Heavenly Father want us to receive these ordinances? Tell your children how you have felt God’s power because of ordinances you received and covenants you made. (See also “Priesthood Power, Authority, and Keys” in appendix A or appendix B.)
Many different ordinances are performed throughout a person’s life, some are for comfort and guidance, and others are essential to salvation. (Do the activity below to identify the ordinances and the saving ordinances.) Hint: Ordinances are sacred ceremonies or acts that are performed by the proper priesthood authority.
Ordinances and Covenants:
Invite the children to list the priesthood ordinances they have participated in or witnessed, such as baptism, confirmation, priesthood blessings, or the sacrament. Ask them to share their experiences with these ordinances.
To help your children look forward to going to the temple, you could create a puzzle out of a picture of a temple. On the back of each piece, you could write something we do in the temple, such as being baptized for ancestors, being sealed to our families, and making covenants with God. Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:4–5 with your children, and ask them to listen for what the Lord commanded the Saints to build. As you and your children put the puzzle together, share with each other things we can do to prepare to enter the temple.
77 And again I say unto you, my friends, for from henceforth I shall call you friends, it is expedient that I give unto you this commandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was with them, traveling to preach the gospel in my power;
After reading Doctrine and Covenants 84:77 together, ask your children about what it means to be a friend. You might talk about good friends you’ve had. How does Jesus show us that He wants us to be His friends? How can we show that we want that too? A song like “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79) could help with this conversation.
How can you help the children know that the Savior loves us even more than a dear friend does?
Display a picture of the Savior as you read Doctrine and Covenants 84:77. Invite the children to point to the picture of the Savior every time they hear the word “friends.” Share what it means to you to have Jesus as your friend.
Help the children list some things they can do to show their friends that they love them. What did Jesus do to show us that He is our friend? What can we do to show the Savior that we are His friends? Sing together a song about Jesus, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58).
88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.
Help the children see that we are all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because of missionary work—missionaries either taught the gospel to us, our parents, or our ancestors. Tell the children about how missionaries helped you or your ancestors receive the gospel. Let the children share similar experiences. Encourage them to ask their parents how the first Church members in their families learned about the gospel.
The Lord protects and empowers missionaries.
Then you could read about a special promise the Lord made to missionaries in Doctrine and Covenants 84:88. Maybe your children could think of actions that go with this verse. Consider sharing about a time when you were serving the Lord and felt that He was with you, as described in verse 88.
You might also help your children think of ways they can be missionaries now. Testify that Heavenly Father helps us know what to say when we talk with others about Jesus Christ.
Below are links to stories about different ways to share the gospel.
Help the children think of people they know, or people in the scriptures, who received the Lord’s help when preaching the gospel (such as Samuel the Lamanite [see Helaman 13:2–4; 16:6–7] or Ammon [see Alma 17:32–38]). Share an experience when you felt the Lord’s support while you were serving Him.
The Red Crystal
How can Heavenly Father help us when we share the gospel with others, even when it may be hard or we feel nervous?
Make a paper lily to remind you of Heavenly Father’s love and care. Trace your hand on a piece of paper and cut it out. Roll the hand shape into a cone. Then roll each “finger” around a pencil to curl the paper outward for the petals. If you want, you can tape your flower to a stick to make a stem.
Section 81 The revelation (dated March 1832) should be regarded as a step toward the formal organization of the First Presidency, specifically calling for the office of counselor in that body and explaining the dignity of the appointment.
In March 1832, the Lord called Jesse Gause to be a counselor to Joseph Smith in the Presidency of the High Priesthood (now called the First Presidency). Doctrine and Covenants 81 is a revelation to Brother Gause about his new calling. But Jesse Gause did not serve faithfully, so Frederick G. Williams was called to replace him. Brother Williams’s name replaced Brother Gause’s name in the revelation.
When the Lord called Frederick G. Williams to be a counselor to the Prophet Joseph Smith, He counseled Frederick to be “faithful … in prayer always.”
Read to the children the Lord’s counsel to be “faithful … in prayer always, vocally and in thy heart, in public and in private” (Doctrine and Covenants 81:3).
To encourage your children to pray in their hearts, you could give them paper hearts and invite them to draw or write something they want to pray about to Heavenly Father.
Testify that Heavenly Father knows what we are thinking and feeling and He can hear our prayers even if we don’t say them out loud. You might share with them an experience when you prayed in your heart and Heavenly Father heard you.
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 81:3 with your children, help them think of different “public” and “private” places where they can pray.
The Red Crystal This is a sorting activity for older children, where there children can decide on if it is prayer they say in their hearts or vocally.
This is a fun activity that is in Red Crystal’s store. Example: Put the house, the school, play ground, and store on the four corners of the room. Read the the clues one will say “A place with carts and shelves galore, Let’s take a trip to the great big _________!” They all gather to the picture of the store. Then read short story of Emily getting lost in the store (on a card in this same purchase.) There is a question asking the children if this would be a good place to say the prayer vocally or in her heart. (There is no wrong answer)
You might also listen to or sing with them a hymn about prayer, such as “Secret Prayer” (Hymns, no. 144). Invite the children to share a phrase from the hymn that helps them understand something about prayer. You could also talk about speaking reverently to Heavenly Father.
The Red Crystal Pass out the pictures. When they hear their picture in the song, they can come up front and put it on the board.
Ask the children to show you what they do when they pray. What do they do with their arms? their heads? their eyes? Explain that sometimes we want to talk to Heavenly Father, but we can’t kneel or close our eyes. What can we do? Read to the children from 3 Nephi 20:1: “[Jesus] commanded them that they should not cease to pray in their hearts.” Tell the children how you pray in your heart.
Draw a mouth and a heart on the board. Ask the children to point to the mouth and tell you some things they say when they pray. Then ask them to point to the heart, and explain that we can say those same things in our hearts. Testify that Heavenly Father knows our feelings and thoughts.
Friend June 2025 “Presentation Panic” Allyson hated talking in front of people, but she had to do a history presentation. She had practiced it several times, but when she got up to give it her mind went blank from fear. She said a prayer in her mind for help. As soon as she finished, her panic faded away and she was able to give her presentation.
Heavenly Father knows the needs of each of His children, and He often uses other people—like the children you teach—to help meet those needs. How can you help the children recognize the needs of others and serve them?
With your children, draw pictures of hands and knees, and ask your children to find these body parts in Doctrine and Covenants 81:5. What is the Lord asking us to do in this verse? You might share with each other some ways that people have strengthened you when you felt “weak” or “feeble.”
“Succor the weak” (Succor definition: to give assistance and support in times of hardship and distress.) “Lift up the hands which hang down” means helping others and encouraging them when they are sad or tired.
The Red Crystal Write the scripture on the chalkboard. Have the children draw the feet and hands in the blanks.
Or, have one or three children, stand up as your models. Attach the matching image to their hands feet or knees, as you read the scripture. Then read it a second time and stop and point to that picture when you come to the word and have them say the word instead of you.
The video “Pass It On” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) could give your children ideas about how they serve others.
Encourage the children to seek the Lord’s guidance to know who they can help.
You could also use pictures or videos to tell simple stories of Jesus Christ serving others (see the pictures in this outline; Gospel Art Book, nos. 41, 42, 46, 47, 55; or one of the Bible Videos in Gospel Library). How can we follow the Savior’s example of helping others?
Friend June 2017 “Jesus Healed People” Story of Jarius’s daughter being raised from the dead, and the story of the women with an issue of blood being healed when she touches the hem of Jesus’s robe.
How can we follow the Savior’s example of helping others?
Friend January 2018 “Following Paw Prints” As Derek was following paw prints in the snow, he helped his neighbors along the way. He likes to follow the example of Jesus by helping others. (Also do the activity of finding ways Derek can help family members.)
You could also sing a song about service, such as “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223). Consider helping your children make a plan to help at least one person in need this week.
Jesus taught that we should “lift up the hands which hang down” (Doctrine and Covenants 81:5). That means helping others and encouraging them when they are sad or tired.
Make a helping hand! Trace your hand on a piece of paper and cut it out. Write something on it that you will do to help others and then hang it up where you can see it. If you want, you could hang your family’s hands up together to make a helping hands tree!
For Doctrine and Covenants 81–83: Think of someone your family can serve. Give them a treat or card or help them with something. Help your little ones say, “I can help others!”
You and your children could look in Doctrine and Covenants 82:8–10 for answers to the question “Why does Heavenly Father give us commandments?”
Friend January 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?” An explanation for why it matters that we keep the commandments. For example: How would it feel flying with a pilot who didn’t follow the rules of aviation? What about riding on a bus with a driver who didn’t stop at red lights? The commandments help keep us safe.
You might want to help your children think of examples of His commandments (see, for example, Exodus 20:4–17; Matthew 22:37–39; Doctrine and Covenants 89:5–17). It might help if you and your children find or draw pictures to represent some of them.
How do Heavenly Father’s commandments show His love for us?
Friend June 2025 “Love From Above” When Sister Wright, a counselor in the General Primary Presidency, was growing up, her Primary leaders taught her that the commandments are like loving letters from God. When her oldest son was little, he loved making cookies and watching them bake. She warned not to get too close to the oven, but one day he put his hands and face on the door. It was hot and he ran crying to his mother. Because she loved her son, she had given him a warning to keep him safe. God gives us commandments because He wants to keep us safe because he loves us.
Perhaps a simple game would help your children see God’s commandments as blessings, not burdens. One person could give instructions to help another person, who is blindfolded, to do something like make a sandwich or draw a picture. Think of something fun and creative! Then talk about how God’s commandments are like the instructions in this game.
The Red Crystal Blind fold a child. Have them try to draw a line and stay on the road, everyone can talk and help him/her. It is harder than you think.
Read to the children, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say” (Doctrine and Covenants 82:10). Ask the children to repeat this phrase several times with you, and think of ways to help them remember it, such as inviting them to clap to the rhythm of the phrase. Testify that when we obey God’s commandments, He keeps His promises to us.
Section 77 Joseph Smith’s history states, “In connection with the translation of the Scriptures, I received the following explanation of the Revelation of St. John.”
1–4, Beasts have spirits and will dwell in eternal felicity; 5–7, This earth has a temporal existence of 7,000 years; 8–10, Various angels restore the gospel and minister on earth; 11, The sealing of the 144,000; 12–14, Christ will come in the beginning of the seventh thousand years; 15, Two prophets will be raised up to the Jewish nation.
I Can Receive Answers to My Questions About the Scriptures.
When Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon had questions about the book of Revelation as they worked on the inspired translation of the Bible, Joseph naturally sought wisdom from God. Section 77 contains the questions and the answers Joseph received about the book of Revelation. Ponder how you can follow the Prophet Joseph’s example when you study the scriptures. You might ask Heavenly Father, “What am I to understand?”
Ask the children if they, like Joseph, have ever felt that they didn’t understand something in the scriptures. Let them share their experiences. What did Joseph do to find answers? Tell the children about a time when Heavenly Father helped you understand something in the scriptures.
The children you teach might enjoy reading some of the verses in the book of Revelation that Joseph Smith had questions about. Then they could look in Doctrine and Covenants 77 for what the Lord wanted him to understand. Choose a few verses you feel would be meaningful.
As you and your children read Doctrine and Covenants 77:2 together, you might look at pictures of animals, including insects and birds. Your children could point to the pictures when you read the words “beasts,” “creeping things,” and “fowls of the air.”Testify that God created all of these things because He loves us and wants us to be happy (see also Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–20).Share with each other how God’s creations help you feel His love.
Friend July 2021 “Find It” Julia and Leo went on a nature walk with their dad and stepmom. They loved seeing all of God’s creations! Find the hidden objects below.
After reading this verse, family members could draw pictures of their favorite “beasts, … creeping things, … [or] fowls of the air” created by God. What do we learn about God’s creations from this verse? (see also Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–20). You could also sing a song about God’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook,228–29), and display the painting that accompanies this outline.
Sing with the children a song about God’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook,228–29). Ask the children how the things they are singing about help them feel God’s love.
Friend July 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Animal Actions” Under God’s direction, Jesus Christ created every creature on earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 77:2). Play an animal guessing game! One person pretends to be a certain animal. Everyone else tries to guess what animal they are. Once you guess it right, say something you like about that animal.
For younger children: Go on a walk with your little ones and point out animals you see. Or look at pictures of animals. Teach them that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created every creature on earth.
This verse explains that John ate a book that represented his mission to gather Israel. What does the symbolism of eating suggest about how we should approach our role in gathering Israel or doing other things the Lord wants us to do? Here are some other scriptures in which eating is used to teach a spiritual truth: John 6:48–51; 2 Nephi 32:3; Moroni 4. Perhaps you could make a favorite family dish to eat together during this discussion.
Section 78
Section 78 Less than two years after the Church of Jesus Christ was restored, it had grown to over 2,000 members and was spreading quickly. In March 1832 Joseph Smith met with other Church leaders “to discuss Church business”: the need to publish revelations, purchase land to gather on, and care for the poor (see Doctrine and Covenants 78, section heading). To meet these needs, the Lord called on a small number of Church leaders to form the United Firm, a group that would join their efforts to “advance the cause” of the Lord (verse 4) in these areas. (For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”)
In section 78, the Lord gave specific instructions to several Church leaders that would help them “advance the cause” of the Lord (verse 4). Help the children consider what their roles might be in advancing the Lord’s cause.
To help your children think about their roles in the Lord’s work, consider reading with them Doctrine and Covenants 78:4 to identify the “cause” we “espoused” (accepted or chose to support) when we were baptized. Help them look in scripture passages like these for possible answers: Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37; Moses 1:39. Your children might enjoy role-playing how they can help with the Lord’s work. For example, what does it look like to “bear one another’s burdens” or “take upon [ourselves] the name of Jesus Christ”? How does this “advance the cause” of Christ?
The Red Crystal Have the children sort the cards that they hear mentioned in the scriptures. It should look like the below image
Explain to the children that Newel K. Whitney owned a store and that the Lord asked him and other men to use some of their money to help pay for the Lord’s work (see Doctrine and Covenants 63:42–43). Invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 78:3–7 and look for reasons these men were asked to do so. How would we have felt if we were asked to share like Newel did? Help them think of ways people contribute to the Lord’s work in our day, such as paying tithing and fast offerings, serving in callings, and so on.
To teach what it means to be “equal in earthly things” (verse 6), you could give your children pictures of people in need (hungry, injured, or cold) and objects that would help (such as food, a bandage, or a blanket). Then your children could match the pictures with the objects. What can we share to help people in need?
To get some context for section 78, read with your children the sentences under the first two pictures of “Chapter 28: The Prophet Joseph Goes to Missouri Again” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 108, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). Then your children could pretend they are helping someone build a house, sharing food, or serving in another way.
Heavenly Father wants us to share our blessings freely with each other so that we can be “equal in earthly things” and in “heavenly things” (verse 6).
To teach what it means to be “equal in earthly things” (verse 6), give children pictures of people in need (such as people who are hungry, injured, or cold. (Tip: Google search for images)). Then give other children objects that would help (such as food, a bandage, or a blanket). Invite these children to share what they have to help the people in the pictures. Let other children have a turn sharing. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father wants all of His children to have what they need, and to do this He often asks us to share what we have with others.
Friend December 2019 “Martin’s Favorite Toys” Martin was not happy about having to move, but eventually he got used to his new home. One Sunday, he noticed a lot of new people at church. He found out that they were refugees. He wanted to help them, but he didn’t want to give them any of his toys because he brought them from his old house. Then he realized that many of the children had to leave everything behind. He remembered how hard it was for him to move, but at least he got to bring his things with him. He then wanted to give them his favorite toys to help them be happier.
18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
It may be fun for your children to talk about what it means to be a leader and then lead an activity. After reading together Doctrine and Covenants 78:18, you could discuss times when we need Jesus to lead us. Consider singing a song such as “I Will Walk with Jesus” (Gospel Library).
If we are willing to let the Lord “lead [us] along,” we can “be of good cheer,” even if there are things we “cannot bear … now” (verse 18).
Invite the children to share times when they have been a leader, such as being at the front of a line or leading music. What does a leader do? Show a picture of the Savior as you read the following phrase from Doctrine and Covenants 78:18: “Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.” Use this week’s activity page to help the children think of ways we can follow the Savior.
Invite the children to follow Jesus, and lead them around the room as you hold a picture of Him. As you do, sing a song together about following Jesus Christ, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” or “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79, 160–61). Let the children take turns holding the picture and leading the other children.
19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
Read with your children Doctrine and Covenants 78:19 to discover what the Lord promises to those who are thankful. Help your children understand what “an hundred fold” means, perhaps by showing them a small object and then 100 of that same object. Perhaps they could draw pictures of things they have received from God “with thankfulness.”
The Lord often blesses us more if we are grateful for what He has already given us. How can you help the children you teach be grateful for their blessings?
Sing a song about gratitude, such as “I Am Glad for Many Things” (Children’s Songbook, 151), or watch the video “Think to Thank” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Give the children time to make lists of things they are thankful for. Encourage them to list as many things as possible in the time you give them.
Family members could draw pictures of blessings from God they are thankful for. What are we doing to express our thankfulness for these blessings? You could also discuss how your family is following the counsel to receive “all things with thankfulness” (verse 19). What does the Lord promise to those who do?
Section 76A vision given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Hiram, Ohio, February 16, 1832. Prefacing the record of this vision, Joseph Smith’s history states: “Upon my return from Amherst conference, I resumed the translation of the Scriptures. From sundry revelations which had been received, it was apparent that many important points touching the salvation of man had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled. It appeared self-evident from what truths were left, that if God rewarded every one according to the deeds done in the body the term ‘Heaven,’ as intended for the Saints’ eternal home, must include more kingdoms than one. Accordingly, … while translating St. John’s Gospel, myself and Elder Rigdon saw the following vision.” At the time this vision was given, the Prophet was translating John 5:29.
To help your children understand their divine potential, you could show them pictures of children and their parents. You could then read Doctrine and Covenants 76:24 and share with each other why you’re happy to know that we are all “sons and daughters unto God.”
Media Library
24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.
Explain that God is another name for Heavenly Father.
We lived in Heaven: Explain that before we were born on earth we lived in heaven with Heavenly Father.
Explain that Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, and we are his spirit children
We were spirits there. A spirit is what is inside of us that makes us alive. When we were spirits, we didn’t have flesh and bones like our bodies have now, but we looked the same.
Friend January 2017 “Kylie’s Parents” Kylie is like her earthly parents, and she is also like her Heavenly Parents. PDF version
Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, so we can grow to be like him. Heavenly Father is loving, good, and kind. When we are loving, good, and kind, we are being like Heavenly Father. We should try to become more like Heavenly Father every day.
Have children tell or act out ways they can be loving, good, or kind.
Sing together “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook,2–3), and invite the children to point to themselves when they sing “I.” Ask them to sing the song again, replacing “I am” with “you are” and pointing to someone else in the class.
(The below visuals are from the Nursery Manual. Also see churchofjesuschrist.org/study for the music)
40 And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us
41 That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;
42 That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him;
The word gospel means good news. The good news that the gospel brings is that Jesus Christ “came into the world … bear the sins of the world ” “that…all might be saved” (verse 41 & 42).
Show a picture of Jesus Christ. Ask the children if they know what Jesus Christ did for us. Show the children something dirty and something clean (like a white handkerchief or sheet of paper), and explain that sin is like dirt on our spirits, but Jesus Christ came to help us become clean again.
Consider role-playing with your children a scenario in which someone asks, “What has Jesus Christ done for me?” You and your children can look for possible answers in verses 5, 41–42, or 69 in section 76. (or Write on the board What has Jesus Christ done for me? Ask each child to silently read verses 41–42 and verse 69. looking for possible answers to the question on the board. Let them share their answers
Friend February 2020 “Funstuff: Blessing from Jesus” Match the cards to finish each sentence. Examples: Because Jesus died for us… … everyone who dies will live again. Because Jesus paid for our sins… …we can repent and be forgiven.
Help the children understand that the glorious blessings God promises to the faithful in the next life are possible only because of the Savior Jesus Christ.
You could also sing “He Sent His Son,” Children’s Songbook, 34–35. How can we show our gratitude for what the Savior has done for us?
Heavenly Father has Prepared a Kingdom of Celestial Glory for Me.
Heavenly Father wants me to return to live with Him forever.
You and your children could read or watch part or all of “Chapter 26: The Three Kingdoms of Heaven” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 97–103, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) and share with each other what you like about the vision Joseph Smith had. Let your children share their thoughts and feelings about what it would be like to live with Heavenly Father in the celestial kingdom.
To live in the celestial kingdom means to dwell in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with a perfect, resurrected body and to live the kind of life They live. This life is “a state of never-ending happiness” (Mosiah 2:41) and a “fulness of joy” (3 Nephi 28:10).
It has the greatest glory of any kingdom. Its glory has been likened to the brightness of the sun.
The same kinds of relationships we have here will exist there, including family relationships, but they will be “coupled with eternal glory” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:2).
You could also read Doctrine and Covenants 76:62 and invite your children to draw pictures of themselves with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the celestial kingdom (see this week’s activity page).
Ask the children to close their eyes and imagine they are outside on a cloudy night when everything is absolutely dark.
What do you see?
What could you see if you had the light of the stars?
What could you see if you had the light of the moon?
What could you see if you had the light of the sun?
If you could choose just one of these sources of light to see by, which would it be? Why?
Explain that Heavenly Father has provided three different places for people to live after they are resurrected. These places are referred to as kingdoms of glory in heaven.
The telestial kingdom is the lowest kingdom. It has a glory compared to the brightness of the stars. (See D&C 76:81.)
The terrestrial kingdom is the middle kingdom. It has a glory compared to the brightness of the moon. (See D&C 76:71.)
The celestial kingdom is the highest kingdom. It has a glory compared to the brightness of the sun. (See D&C 76:70.)
As you discuss the three kingdoms, emphasize that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want all of us to live in the highest level, or degree, of the celestial kingdom with them and our families. To be worthy of the celestial kingdom, we must keep Heavenly Father’s commandments and receive important gospel ordinances. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been restored to the earth to help us reach the celestial kingdom.
Draw a large picture of the sun on a piece of paper, and cut it into several puzzle pieces. Give each child a piece, along with one of the following scripture passages to read: Doctrine and Covenants 76:51; 76:52; 76:53; 131:1–2. Ask the children to find in their verses something that we must do to receive eternal life in the celestial kingdom (some verses include more than one answer), and write it on their piece of the sun. As they work together to assemble the puzzle, express your confidence in them that with the Savior’s help, they can qualify for the celestial kingdom.
Friend July 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Someday we can live in the celestial kingdom with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and our families (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:62, 70, 92). The scriptures compare the celestial kingdom to the sun. Use a paper plate or piece of paper to make a sun. Cut out paper triangles for the rays of sunlight and glue or tape them to the circle. Talk about what you can do now to prepare to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ someday.
For younger children: Go outside to feel the sun. Tell your little ones that Heavenly Father’s love for them is warm like the sun.
You could invite your children to read verses 15–19 to find out what Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were doing when they saw the vision in Doctrine and Covenants 76. Tell your children about a time when you received inspiration while reading the scriptures, and ask your children if they have had similar [spiritual feelings] and experiences when reading the scriptures.
Friend September 2015 “A New Feeling” – Child feels Holy Ghost while reading the scriptures
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon received Doctrine and Covenants 76 when they were pondering the scriptures. Help the children see how studying the scriptures can invite revelation through the Holy Ghost.
Ask the children to close their eyes and try to perform a task, like coloring a picture or opening the scriptures to a specific verse. What are some things that are difficult to do when our eyes are closed spiritually? Read together Doctrine and Covenants 76:12, 15–19, 114–16 to find out what we need to do to have our eyes opened spiritually.
Ever since he was a boy, Joseph Smith faced critics—even enemies—as he tried to do God’s work. But it must have been particularly heartrending in late 1831 when Ezra Booth began publicly berating the Church, because in this case the critic was a former believer. Ezra had seen Joseph use God’s power to heal a woman. He had been invited to accompany Joseph on the first survey of the land of Zion in Missouri. But he had since lost his faith and, in an attempt to discredit the Prophet, published a series of letters in an Ohio newspaper. And his efforts seemed to be working: “unfriendly feelings … had developed against the Church” in the area (Doctrine and Covenants 71, section heading). What should believers do in a case like that? While there is not one right answer for every situation, it seems that quite often—including in this case in 1831—part of the Lord’s answer is to defend the truth and correct falsehoods by “proclaiming [the] gospel” (verse 1). Yes, the Lord’s work will always have critics, but in the end, “no weapon that is formed against [it] shall prosper” (verse 9). (See “Ezra Booth and Isaac Morley,” Revelations in Context, 134.)
You can use the section heading for Doctrine and Covenants 71 or “Chapter 25: Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon Go on a Mission” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 96, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) to teach your children about the circumstances that inspired section 71. Then help them discover in verse 1 what the Lord wanted Joseph and Sidney to do about “unfriendly feelings” toward the Church. How did He say He would help them? How can we be like Joseph and Sidney? What did He say they would be given to help them?
The Lord does not expect children to respond to critics of the Church as He called Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to do. But you can help the children understand that their simple testimony of the truth can have a powerful effect on others.
Friend February 2022 “Jesus Shared the Truth” One day, Jesus visited the town where He grew up. He spoke to the people there. He told them that He was the Savior. The people didn’t believe Him. They were angry. But Jesus knew what He said was true. He wasn’t afraid. He always shared the truth.
Invite the children to practice in pairs how to share with others what they know about the Church. For example, they can share a simple testimony or share one of the Articles of Faith.
Explain that in 1831 the Lord called the bishop of the Church, Edward Partridge, to move from Kirtland, Ohio, to be the bishop in Independence, Missouri. Read Doctrine and Covenants 72:8 with the children, and ask them to listen for who the Lord called to serve as the new bishop in Kirtland. Why does the Lord call bishops? Share with the children an experience when you were blessed by the service of a bishop.
You and your children could find pictures or objects that represent the responsibilities of a bishop. The picture and activity page at the end of this outline provide some ideas. Then you could talk together about bishops you’ve known and how the Lord has blessed your family through their service.
“A Day with the Bishop” (August 1990 Liahona and July 1989 Friend) Explains some of the things a bishop does. Includes an activity.
Take the children on a walk to the bishop’s office (you may want to coordinate with other teachers). Describe for them some situations when they might meet with the bishop in his office (such as a baptismal interview or tithing settlement). Tell the children how you have been blessed by the bishop’s service.
Help the children make cards to give to the bishop, thanking him for what he does to help with the Lord’s work.
Sing “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” (Children’s Songbook,177).
Jesus taught that His Church should have bishops to lead and help the members (see Doctrine and Covenants 72:2).
Say thanks to your bishop or branch president by doing something kind. You could write him nice notes or bring him a treat. You could even do your plan without letting him know who did it!
What can you do to help the children see the bishop as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ? (Always teach about Jesus Christ. “No matter what you are teaching, remember that you are really teaching about Jesus Christ and how to become like Him” For example, when you teach your children about bishops, emphasize that they are representatives of Jesus Christ, called by Him to do His work (see 1 Peter 2:25).
Invite the children to make a list of some of the things they have seen the bishop do to help people in the ward. Ask the children to draw pictures of the bishop doing something they mentioned. Bear your testimony that your bishop was called by the Lord to be His servant. Why are we grateful that the Lord has called a bishop in our ward?
“Bishop, Help!” (April 2004 Friend) Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches us about the special calling of a bishop.
Section 73
The Lord Commanded Joseph Smith to Restore Precious Truths that were Lost from the Bible.
As part of his calling as the prophet, Joseph Smith was commanded by the Lord to make inspired revisions to the Bible. These revisions, which the Lord called a “translation” (Doctrine and Covenants 90:13), restored important truths that had been lost or removed from the Bible over the centuries.
Explain that when Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon returned from a short mission near Kirtland, Ohio, the Lord wanted them to resume work on an important project. Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 73:3 to find out what that project was. To help the children understand what the Lord wanted Joseph and Sidney to translate, read with them parts of the Bible Dictionary entry “Joseph Smith Translation (JST).”
Pass around a copy of the Bible, and allow the children to open it and see how many pages are in it. Invite the children to imagine they were asked to translate the Bible into another language. What are the chances they might make some mistakes? Explain that when people translated or copied the Bible before Joseph Smith’s time, they made some mistakes, and sometimes they removed important truths. The Lord commanded the Prophet Joseph Smith to make inspired corrections. Why is Joseph Smith’s work valuable to us? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”)
To talk about the difference between being “idle” and “labor[ing] with [our] might,” perhaps you could select some acts of service or household chores and invite your children to demonstrate doing them idly and then with all their might. As you read “neither be idle” in Doctrine and Covenants 75:3, your children could show how they would do the chores lazily. When you read “but labor with your might,” they could show how they work hard. Why is it important that we do our best when serving the Lord?
The Red Crystal Cut out the cards and lay them face down. Attach the two faces to a large coin or a large button. Let the child/ren pick a card and flip the coin. They can then act out the chore “lazily” or “hard working” depending on what they flipped.
In his message “Two Principles for Any Economy” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 55–58), President Dieter F. Uchtdorf told two stories about work. Maybe you could share them with your children and talk about how it feels to know we have worked hard and done our best.
What words and phrases do you find in Doctrine and Covenants 75:1–12 that help you understand how to preach the gospel effectively? (See verses 4, 10, 11) What blessings does the Lord promise to faithful missionaries? (See verses 5, 13, 16.)
Section 67 William W. Phelps had recently established the Church printing press in Independence, Missouri. The conference decided to publish the revelations in the Book of Commandments and to print 10,000 copies (which because of unforeseen difficulties was later reduced to 3,000 copies). Many of the brethren bore solemn testimony that the revelations then compiled for publication were verily true, as was witnessed by the Holy Ghost shed forth upon them. Joseph Smith’s history records that after the revelation known as section 1 had been received, some conversation was had concerning the language used in the revelations. The present revelation followed.
The Doctrine and Covenants Contains Revelations from God and it Teaches Me About Jesus.
Collect all the copies of the Doctrine and Covenants in the room and put them in a stack near you on the table or floor. Write on the chalkboard Doctrine and Covenants 43:8. Ask the children to discuss this verse among themselves and prepare to tell you what the verse is about. Do not let them use their scriptures as they do this. After a few moments, ask them if they are ready to tell you about the verse.
Why can’t you tell me what the verse is about?
Return the children’s copies of the Doctrine and Covenants, and give copies to the children who have not brought their own. Have all the children look up the verse listed on the chalkboard and follow along as you read it.
Explain that the early Church members were instructed to teach each other about the revelations the Lord had given them through the Prophet Joseph Smith, but the Church members did not have a book where they could read the revelations. The Lord commanded the Church members to publish the revelations in a book so that they would be able to read and study them. We now call this book the Doctrine and Covenants.
Tell your children about how Joseph Smith’s revelations came to be printed in a book (see “Chapter 23: The Doctrine and Covenants,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 90–92, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). Help them remember some of the things you’ve learned about Jesus Christ from Doctrine and Covenants so far this year. You might also share with each other some of your favorite verses from Doctrine and Covenants.
From 1828 to 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith received many revelations from the Lord, including divine counsel for individuals, instructions on governing the Church, and inspiring visions of the latter days. But many of the Saints hadn’t read them. The revelations weren’t yet published, and the few available copies were handwritten on loose sheets that were circulated among members and carried around by missionaries.
Then, in November 1831, Joseph called a council of Church leaders to discuss publishing the revelations. After seeking the Lord’s will, these leaders made plans to publish the Book of Commandments—the precursor to today’s Doctrine and Covenants.
William E. McLellin Tries to Write a Revelation
During one of these conferences, some of the Church leaders at the conference complained about the language of some of the revelations that Joseph Smith had received. They thought they could write better revelations. In response the Lord gave the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 67, testifying that the revelations Joseph Smith had received were true (see D&C 67:4) and challenging anyone who would like to try to write a revelation to do so (see D&C 67:5–8). William E. McLellin took this challenge and tried to write a revelation. Joseph Smith recorded that Brother McLellin thought he was smart enough to write a revelation, but he could not do it. The Prophet said that it is “an awful [great and important] responsibility to write in the name of the Lord” (History of the Church,1:226). All those present who saw Brother McLellin’s failure were strengthened in their testimony that the revelations Joseph Smith had received were true and had come from the Lord.
Explain to the children that the Church leaders at this time decided to publish their testimony of the revelations Joseph Smith had received. When they did, one of the leaders, Levi Hancock, wrote next to his name, “Never to be erased” (see “Testimony, circa 2 November 1831,” Revelation Book 1, 121, josephsmithpapers.org). Why might Levi Hancock have wanted his name “never to be erased” from the published testimony? Give the children an opportunity to write their testimonies of what they’ve learned so far in the Doctrine and Covenants. (Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 22: The Latter-day Revelations Are Published,”)
What Makes the Doctrine and Covenants Similar and Unique to Other Standard Works
You could show your children the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price and talk with them about how they are different and how they are similar (see the descriptions of these books in Guide to the Scriptures).
Show the children each of the standard works one at a time, and as you hold each one up share a little about how we got it. For example:
The Bible tells us about prophecies of Jesus Christ and about the Savior’s life and teachings when he was on the earth.
The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and tells us about the Savior’s dealings with the people on the American continent.
The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of revelations from Jesus Christ for the latter days, or our times.
The Pearl of Great Price gives us teachings and testimonies of Jesus Christ from ancient prophets as well as Joseph Smith’s history and testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Give each child four small pieces of paper, and show the children how to fold each piece in half so it resembles a book. Help the children label their “books” Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.Ask the following questions and have the children hold up the appropriate paper “book” to answer each question:
Which book tells the most about the dealings of the Lord with his people in the Holy Land, beginning with the creation of the earth? (Bible.)
Which book tells about Jesus Christ’s visit to the American continent? (Book of Mormon.)
Which book tells the most about Jesus Christ’s birth and life on earth? (Bible.)
Which book contains a record of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s appearance to Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove? (Pearl of Great Price.)
Which book contains revelations on how the Church should be established in the latter days, given by Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith? (Doctrine and Covenants.) Remind the children that each of the standard works is a testament of Jesus Christ and that we should study all of the scriptures.
Hold up the Doctrine and Covenants, share with the children what makes this book of scripture unique (for example, it contains revelations given in our day).
How can we know that the scriptures are true? What do we learn from Doctrine and Covenants 67:4, 9 about the revelations the Lord gave to Joseph Smith?
Section 68
Section 681–5, The words of the elders when moved upon by the Holy Ghost are scripture; 6–12, Elders are to preach and baptize, and signs will follow true believers; 25–28, Parents are commanded to teach the gospel to their children; 29–35, The Saints are to observe the Sabbath, labor diligently, and pray.
When our Church leaders speak by inspiration, they speak “the word of the Lord.”
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.
In Doctrine and Covenants 68:27, the Lord specified how old a person must be to be baptized. Help your children discover what He said.
27 And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands.
Why age 8? Old enough to understand the doctrine of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and prepared and ready to make sacred covenants.
Friend February 2000 ““Wait Till You’re Eight” Mckay didn’t understand why his 3 year old sister didn’t have to sit in timeout too after they had struggled to get along. His mother explained that Josie didn’t understand why it was wrong to fight and argue, but 8 year old Mckay did understand. His mother talked to him about accountability, and he was grateful he had had to wait until he was 8 so he understood he was responsible for his choices before he got baptized. After Mckay spilled some pie on his shirt, Josie pointed at his shirt and said “What a mess.” Mckay took his napkin and wiped his shirt clean, smiled, and simply said, “Yep, but I’m old enough to know when I’ve made a mess, and I take care of it the best I can.”
Why does Jesus want us to be baptized? A song like “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100–101) can help.
Using pictures or verses 25–31 (or both), help your children discover things the Lord wants children to learn.
(The Lord told Joseph Smith that children should learn to have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and be baptized when they are eight years old. He also said that they should learn to pray, walking uprightly before the Lord and keep God’s commandments.)
Friend June 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Find items around your home that remind you of baptism. A cup of water could remind you of how we are baptized by immersion. A piece of white cloth could remind you of how we wear white. A blanket could remind you of the warm feeling of the Holy Ghost. What else can you think of?
Read with your children about the assignment the Lord gave Oliver Cowdery in the section heading for Doctrine and Covenants 69.
Oliver Cowdery was assigned to take approximately seventy revelations to Independence, Missouri, where William W. Phelps had a printing press. Oliver also took money to help the Saints in Missouri. Because Oliver would be traveling through unsettled country, the Lord told John Whitmer to go with him for safety (see D&C 69:1–2).
Tell the children that when the Lord sent Oliver Cowdery to Missouri, He said that someone “true and faithful” (verse 1) should go with him, so He also sent John Whitmer. What does it mean to be true and faithful?
How can we make sure we are true and faithful to the Lord?
Sing together a song that encourages the children to be true and faithful like the Savior, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79).
How can He use us to bless others when we are true and faithful?
Friend April 2018 “A High-Five Example”Students in a special needs class we’re trying to give Lily’s classmates high fives as they walked by, but nobody did it until Lily gave them all high fives then everyone behind her did it.
Maybe your children could tell about someone they know who is “true and faithful.” How do they know that person is true and faithful?
Why is it important to be with people “who will be true and faithful”? (verse 1). When have friends influenced us to make good or bad decisions? How can we be a good influence on others?
Friend January 2018 “Forts and Friends” Even though Callie and Marco go to different religions, they both have the same standards. While watching a movie at school that made Callie feel uncomfortable, Marco suggested they both go read instead.
In the scriptures, we learn how important it is to have “true and faithful” friends to help us follow Jesus Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 69:1–2). Make a gift to give to a friend! You could paint a picture, make a bracelet, or bake a treat. Write a note with your gift to tell your friend that you love them.
For younger children: Give your little ones the coloring page on page 48 to color. Help them give it to a friend or family member as a gift.
It was a long, cold journey, but in January 1832 Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer arrived safely in Independence. They delivered the revelations to Brother Phelps, who started to set the type to publish them as the Book of Commandments. By July 1833 the first 160 pages of the Book of Commandments had been printed.
Because many Saints were arriving in Missouri, some of the original settlers of the area were uneasy. They began to fear that the Saints would take over the area, elect their own officials, and drive the original settlers off the land. On Saturday, 20 July 1833, four or five hundred people who were against the Saints met in the Independence courthouse. The people formed a mob and demanded that the Saints leave their new homes or be killed. The leaders of the Church in Missouri asked for three months to consult with Joseph Smith, who was in Ohio, but the mob refused this request. The Saints were told they had only fifteen minutes to decide what to do.
Before the fifteen minutes had passed, the mob broke into William W. Phelps’s home, which contained the printing office where the Book of Commandments was being printed. Brother Phelps was not at home. Sister Phelps took her sick baby and her other children and hurried to the woods nearby. Fourteen-year-old Mary Elizabeth Rollins and her twelve-year-old sister, Caroline, watched members of the mob throw the Phelpses’ furniture and other possessions into the street. The mob then threw the press and the type out the window, along with most of the unbound pages of the Book of Commandments. Mary Elizabeth and Caroline courageously decided to save some of the copies, even though Caroline was afraid that the mob would kill them (show the picture of Mary Elizabeth and Caroline saving the Book of Commandments).
The girls ran from their hiding place, gathered up as many pages as they could carry, and ran away. When the mobbers saw them, they shouted for the girls to stop. Mary Elizabeth and Caroline slipped through a hole in a fence and ran into a cornfield. They lay quietly on the ground among the cornstalks, listening to the men searching for them. When the sound of footsteps faded and the girls thought it was safe to leave, they gathered the papers in their arms again and began to find their way out of the field. As they approached an old log stable, they heard sounds. They entered the stable carefully and discovered Sister Phelps and her children making beds from branches so they could hide for the night in the stable. Knowing Brother Phelps would know what to do with the pages, the girls gave them to Sister Phelps. Later some of these original sheets of the Book of Commandments were bound into books, and Mary Elizabeth and Caroline were each given a copy. They treasured these books for the rest of their lives.
Section 701–5, Stewards are appointed to publish the revelations; 6–13, Those who labor in spiritual things are worthy of their hire; 14–18, The Saints should be equal in temporal things.
Section 64 Kirtland, Ohio, September 11, 1831. The Prophet was preparing to move to Hiram, Ohio, to renew his work on the translation of the Bible, which had been laid aside while he had been in Missouri. A company of brethren who had been commanded to journey to Zion (Missouri) was earnestly engaged in making preparations to leave in October. At this busy time, the revelation was received.
In the miserable heat of August 1831, several elders were traveling back to Kirtland from the land of Zion in Missouri. The travelers were hot and weary, and tensions soon turned into quarrels. It may have seemed like building Zion, a city of love, unity, and peace, was going to take a long time.
Fortunately, building Zion—in Missouri in 1831 or in our hearts, families, and wards today—doesn’t require us to be perfect. Instead, “of you it is required to forgive,” the Lord said (Doctrine and Covenants 64:10). He requires “the heart and a willing mind” (verse 34). And He requires patience and diligence, for Zion is built on the foundation of “small things,” accomplished by those who do not become “weary in well-doing” (verse 33).
Note: As you teach your children about the Lord’s command “to forgive all,” you may want to clarify that forgiving does not mean allowing people to hurt us. Encourage them to tell a trusted adult if someone hurts them or touches them inappropriately.
After reading Doctrine and Covenants 64:10 with your children, talk with them about what it means to forgive someone. You might share a few simple examples.(include some family examples) Help them role-play these examples to practice saying sorry and forgiving each other by acting it out. Share your testimony of the peace and happiness that come when we forgive others (Forgiveness involves an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger.)(As people forgive each other, they treat one another with Christlike love and have no bad feelings toward those who have offended them. (Guide to the Scriptures, “Forgive,”))
Friend August 2021 “Not Invited” Becky isn’t invited to her friend’s birthday party. She feels really left out and sad. She prays to be able to forgive her friend and is able to play together the next day. When Becky has her birthday party she invites her.
Friend March 2024 “Pencil Peacemaker” A child forgives after another child takes the colored pencil she was using out of her hand. Even though she was angry, she wanted to follow what Jesus asks us to do. Her decision helped both of them reconcile.
Friend April 2019 “A New Block Tower” Mason accidentally knocks down Bo’s block tower. Mason says sorry and offers to help build another one. Bo forgives him, and they both are happy.
You might ask your children to plan how they would teach someone—such as a younger sibling—about forgiving others. Help them find phrases in Doctrine and Covenants 64:7–10 that they could use as they teach.
.Read Doctrine and Covenants 64:10 slowly to the children, and have them shake hands with another child when they hear the word “forgive.”
Why do you think the Lord commands us “to forgive all”? (verse 10). Think of an analogy that might help the children understand how we are “afflicted” when we don’t forgive (verse 8). For example, show the children a bag of mud or dirt; ask them to imagine that someone threw mud on them. How might failing to forgive be like saving the mud and always carrying it with us? Why would it be better to throw the mud away? Help the children think of other analogies that teach why it is important to forgive.
“Pockets Full of Rocks” (February 2014 Friend) A humorous poem about a man who carries rocks around to remind him of all things people have done to him.
Sing a song about forgiveness, such as “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). What does this song teach us about forgiving others? How does Heavenly Father help us forgive others?
You could show your children some things that are made up of small parts, like a puzzle or a rug. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 64:33. What is God’s “great work”? What are the “small things” we can do that will help?
Friend June 2021 “Origami Hearts” Each fold could represent a small thing that brings about something great. If each fold isn’t done what happens? Write on the heart something your family or each individual could do to bring about Heavenly Father’s work?
What does Heavenly Father want your family to do to bring about His “great work”? Maybe it’s going to the temple, sharing the gospel with a neighbor, or overcoming contention. Perhaps each family member could collect small objects, like rocks or buttons or puzzle pieces, and use them to represent “small things” we can do every day to “[lay] the foundation” for God’s great work. As a family, pick one of these small things to work on this week. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 64–66”
The Lord taught the Saints that to build Zion, they needed to give Him their hearts and willing minds.
As you read to your children from Doctrine and Covenants 64:34, you could point to your heart and head as you read “heart” and “mind,” and invite the children to do it with you. How can we give our hearts (desires) and minds (thoughts) to the Savior?
Friend June 2021 “One Peach at a Time” When Sister Eubanks was a child she went to a church farm to help pick peaches. Pretty soon she and her sister didn’t want to do it anymore because the peach fuzz was making their arms itch. Their mother explained that the peaches would be going to feed families who needed food. After that they stopped worrying about their itchy arms because they were helping to feed families who needed food! (They had a willing heart and mind.)
Ask the children to complete an action that requires two objects, but give them only one (for example, writing on the chalkboard without chalk or cutting a piece of paper with no scissors). Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 64:34 to find out what two things the Lord asks of us. Why do we need to give both our heart and mind to the Lord? How do we do this? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 64–66”
Friend February 2021 “For Older Kids” I know that obeying Heavenly Father is worth it because He always has a plan with good consequences in the end. I am grateful that Heavenly Father helps me do hard things. No matter how hard things get, I know I can always rely on Heavenly Father. Jayden T., age 10, New Mexico, USA (see photo)
The Lord wants us to have a willing heart and mind (see Doctrine and Covenants 64:34). We can spend time thinking about Jesus Christ to come closer to Him! Get a bag or basket to represent your mind. Put things inside the bag that will help you think about the Savior.
For younger children: Help your little ones point to their mind and their heart. Talk about how we can fill our minds and hearts with happy things that help us be close to Jesus Christ.
A standard is something established by authority… as a model or example
41 For, behold, I say unto you that Zion shall flourish, and the glory of the Lord shall be upon her; 42 And she shall be an ensign unto the people, and there shall come unto her out of every nation under heaven.
As your children look at a picture of the Savior’s Second Coming, ask them to describe what they see or what they know about this event. You could also give your children words and phrases about the Second Coming to find in Doctrine and Covenants 65. What do these words and phrases teach us? How can we prepare for the Savior’s return?
5 Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth.
The mission of the Church—God’s kingdom on earth—is to prepare the world for the return of the Savior. The children you teach are an important part of this mission. What can you do to help them participate?
Ponder ways you can “make known [God’s] wonderful works among the people” (verse 4).
Help your children understand that William E. McLellin had five questions for the Lord. Joseph Smith received answers to these questions even though he did not know what William’s questions were. Tell your children about a time when the Lord showed you what He wanted you to do, and talk about the blessings that came from following His direction. You could then read Doctrine and Covenants 66:4 together and invite your children to seek opportunities to understand what the Lord wants them to do. This experience could help you teach the children that God is aware of them and can answer their questions. Read the verse again, this time inserting the name of one of the children. Repeat for each of the children.
4 And now, verily, I, the Lord, will show unto you what I will concerning you, or what is my will concerning you.
Friend March 2018 “Heavenly Father Listens” Elder Clayton felt the love of God as a teen when he prayed about some worries. Heavenly Father loves us and is interested in our lives just like a parent would be. (Activity page included: Find the hearts in the room of the girl who is praying.)
Avoid Being Cumbered by Things that Aren’t of Eternal Value.
Friend January 2017 “The Next Level” Max takes a week off from playing games and he learns new things, spends time with his family, serves, and feels the Spirit.
How do we decide what our priorities are? (Ideas might include remembering what the purpose of earth life is, asking ourselves how our choice helps us toward gaining eternal life, and praying to have guidance in making our choices.)
Friend August 2018 “Soccer and Sundays” When we try to live the gospel and put the most important things first, we are blessed! Follow the path of scriptures to help the boy get to church.
