Fear and Courage: Lesson Ideas

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Friend August 2022 “How Can I Find Peace in Scary Times?”

Friend February 2025 “Looking to the Light” When Elder John A. McCune was young he had to feed the cows, and when it was dark outside he was scared because his home seemed so far away. He focused on the light coming from the windows, but when he took his focus from the light, his fear felt overpowering. It is very easy to feel afraid in the world today. But if we stay focused on the light of Christ, our fears become less powerful. Each day, we can choose: Are we going to focus on the darkness or focus on the light? We are children of God. He will guide us safely to our heavenly home.

Make this craft to remind you to focus on the light of Christ. How has focusing on Him helped you overcome your fears and feel peace?

  1. Draw a picture of yourself in the center of the sun. Then cut out the picture!
  2. Hang the picture on your window so light can shine through.

Friend March 2023

Courage

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.

Matthew 14:22–33

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” Peter showed great faith when he walked on the water toward Jesus. What lessons might there be for the children in this story?

New Testament Stories “Jesus Walks on the Water” Video and images

Show the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families (see also Gospel Art Book, no. 43) as you tell the story from Matthew 14:22–33 in your own words. Consider using this week’s activity page to help the children tell the story back to you. You could also bring a small bowl of water and invite the children to pretend to “walk” their fingers across the surface of the water.

Friend October 2009 “Jesus Walks on the Water” Rebus

Show the video “Wherefore Didst Thou Doubt?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and ask the children why Peter was afraid. Then ask them to tell about times when they felt afraid and share what helped them. Help them see that faith in Jesus Christ helps us overcome fear.

Friend October 2019 “Coloring Page: Jesus Can Help Me Do Hard Things”

Friend April 2013 “Coloring Page”

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus Walked on Water”

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.

Matthew 14:22–33

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” Faith and fear play prominent roles in the story of Jesus and Peter walking on the sea. What can children learn from this story?

Show the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families (see also Gospel Art Book, no. 43). Ask the children to find phrases in Matthew 14:22–33 that describe the picture.

Ask the children to look for signs of faith and signs of fear as they read Matthew 14:22–33. You could also show the video “Wherefore Didst Thou Doubt?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ? Help the children think of times when their faith helped them overcome fear.

Ask the children to imagine they were present and had a camera when Jesus and Peter walked on the sea. Which moment would they choose to photograph and why? Suggest that they search Matthew 14:22–33 for ideas. Invite them to draw a picture of the moment they chose, share their pictures, and explain why they chose that moment.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 6:22–58”Peter’s example teaches us what we should focus on. Remember what happened to Peter when he focused on Jesus Christ and what happened when he shifted his focus to the storm around him (see verses 28–31).

Latter Day Kids “Look to Christ in Faith” Lesson ideas

“Be strong and of a good courage, the Lord thy God is with Thee”

Joshua 1–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” After Joshua became the leader of the Israelites, the Lord encouraged him by saying, “Be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:6). What can the children learn from Joshua about how to be strong and courageous for Christ?

  • Invite the children to find the phrase that is repeated in Joshua 1:6, 9, and 18, and write it on the board (see also verse 7). Help the children think of reasons we might need this message, just as Joshua did. Review as a class some of the stories in Joshua 1–46 (see also “Joshua the Prophet” and “Rahab and the Spies” in Old Testament Stories), and ask the children to identify how the people in these stories showed courage and strength.

Old Testament Stories “Joshua the Prophet”

Friend May 2022 “Joshua’s Courage”

Old Testament Stories “Rahab and the Spies”

  • Invite the children to talk about someone they know who is strong and courageous for Jesus Christ. Encourage them to write down something they would like to do to be stronger and more courageous for Christ.

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Have Courage and Serve God” Lesson ideas

Friend July 2022 “Bright Idea”

Friend July 2022 ““I Don’t Want to Grow Up!” Chakell had a lot of worried thoughts about the future. She worried about going to middle school and whether she would be smart enough or have friends. She worried that future changes in her life would be too hard. Her mother explained that with faith we can let Heavenly Father lead us and help us.

Heavenly Father helps me have courage when I am afraid.

Friend October 2018 “Esther the Queen” Video

Esther CHAPTER 3

Mordecai, the Jew, refuses to bow to Haman—Haman arranges a decree to kill all the Jews in the kingdom.

Esther CHAPTER 4

Mordecai and the Jews mourn and fast because of the king’s decree—Esther, at the peril of her life, prepares to go in unto the king.

Esther 4:15–16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther” The children you teach will face situations when they need the Lord’s help to be brave. How will you help them learn from Esther’s example of courage?

  • Do the children you teach know what it means to be brave? Share a simple definition, such as “Being brave means doing what is right even when you are afraid.” Share the story of Esther (see “Queen Esther” in Old Testament Stories), and help the children see how Esther was brave. Let the children use the figures on this week’s activity page to retell the story.
  • Show a picture of Esther (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Sing with the children a song about being brave, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162). Point out words and phrases in the song that describe Esther, and testify that the Savior can help the children be brave.
  • Tell the children about times when Jesus Christ was brave; for example, when He suffered for our sins, both in Gethsemane and on the cross (see Matthew 26:36–3927:33–35). Ask the children to tell about a time when they were brave (consider contacting their families in advance to ask them for some examples). What helped them be brave? Tell the children how the Lord has helped you be brave when you were afraid.

Friend August 2020 “Maddy’s Courage” Maddy didn’t want to start school because she was afraid. Her mom reminded her of sometimes we have to do brave and hard things, such as Daniel facing the lions, or Nephi crossing the ocean, or Esther talking to the king. And just like Heavenly Father helped all of those people, He would help her too.

Esther 3:1–114:10–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther” When have you seen the children you teach be courageous? What experiences can you share when you needed the Lord’s help to be brave?

  • Write on the board Mordecai showed courage by … and Esther showed courage by … Invite some of the children to read Esther 3:1–11 and others to read Esther 4:10–17. Ask them to use what they read to complete the sentences on the board. Then write I will show courage by … and invite the children to list things Heavenly Father wants them to do that require courage. How can we be like Mordecai and Esther?
  • Invite the children to think of situations they face in which it might be hard to do the right thing. Write on the board Esther’s courageous words “So will I go in unto the king, … and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Help the children apply Esther’s words to themselves by replacing “go in unto the king” with a righteous but difficult choice they might have to make. Then invite them to replace “perish” with something unpleasant that might come from doing what is right. Why is it better to do the right thing, even if there are difficult consequences?
  • Show the video “Choose the Harder Right” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and invite the children to decide on a “harder right” in their lives that they will choose. Discuss how Jesus Christ is an example of this principle.

God Can Help Me Do Hard Things.

Moses 6:26–34

Liahona January 2022 “Who Was Enoch”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

When Enoch was called to preach the gospel, he worried that he would fail. But God helped him do great things.

  • Ask the children to share a time when they were asked to do something that was hard or scary for them. Share the story of Enoch’s call to be a prophet, found in Moses 6:27, 31–34 (see also “Enoch the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories). Emphasize that although Enoch did not feel ready to be a prophet, God promised to help him. Help the children understand some ways God helps us when we are asked to do hard things.
  • Share some scriptural examples of when God helped people do difficult things—for example, Noah building the ark, David fighting Goliath, Ammon defending the king’s flocks, or Samuel the Lamanite preaching. (For pictures and scripture references, see Gospel Art Book, nos. 7197881.) Share an experience when the Lord helped you do something difficult.
  • Read Moses 6:26–34 with the children. Why did Enoch feel that he couldn’t preach the gospel? (see Moses 6:31). How did God help Enoch? (see Moses 6:32–347:13).
  • Invite the children to name some difficult things that children their age sometimes do (such as completing an assignment for school, being kind to someone who is unkind, or telling the truth when they have made a mistake). Help the children find phrases in Moses 6:32–34 that can help them. Ask the children to share a time when God helped them do something difficult. Share your own experiences too.

New Era December 2020 “Not Ice-olated” Object lesson that demonstrates that with the Lord’s help, we can lift even the heaviest, slipperiest burdens.

Friend August 2020 “Maddy’s Courage” Maddy didn’t want to start school because she was afraid. Her mom reminded her of sometimes we have to do brave and hard things, such as Daniel facing the lions, or Nephi crossing the ocean, or Esther talking to the king. And just like Heavenly Father helped all of those people, He would help her too.

Friend April 2022 “For Older Kids”

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

When I am afraid or in danger, Jesus can help me feel peace. (Junior)

Mark 4:35–41

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7”The account of Jesus calming a storm can help children know that He can give them peace when they feel afraid.

  • Help the children imagine that they are on the ship as you read Mark 4:35–41. (See also “Chapter 21: Jesus Commands the Winds and the Waves,” in New Testament Stories, 53, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Ask the children to describe how they might have felt if they had been there. When have the children been scared? How did they find comfort?

Friend September 2013 “Jesus Calms the Tempest”

Friend March 2023 “Jesus Christ Calms the Storm” Illustrations by Apryl Stott

Friend March 2023 What are some things that scare your little ones? Calmly talk about one of those fears. Then help them say, “When I am afraid, Jesus can help me feel peace.”

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: The Storm”

Story: Read the story of Jesus Christ calming the storm on page 46 or in Mark 4:36–41. Talk about ways Jesus brings you peace.

Song: “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75)

Activity: Stand in a circle and hold the sides of a blanket. Put a ball on the blanket and gently toss it around, like the ship was tossed on the waves. Take turns telling the group to go fast, slow down, or “be still.”

  • Invite the children to make the sounds of a storm and stop when someone says “Peace, be still.” Testify that just as Jesus can bring us peace when there is a storm outside, He can bring us peace in our hearts when we feel bad on the inside.

Friend March 2023 “The Earthquake Prayer” Violet woke up when she felt an earthquake. She and her family ran to the kitchen and crawled under the table. They had practiced what to do in an earthquake, but Violet was scared. She said a prayer, and felt like someone was giving her a hug. She was glad Heavenly Father helped her feel peace.

  • Teach the children actions to accompany the third verse of “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 57), and sing the verse together while doing the actions.

When I am afraid or in danger, Jesus can help me feel peace. (Senior)

Mark 4:35–41

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Children need to know that the Savior can give them peace when they face the storms of life—now and in the future.

  • Ask one of the children to use Mark 4:35–41 and the picture Jesus Calms the Storm (Gospel Art Book, no. 40) to tell the story of Jesus calming the storm. Ask the children to describe how they might have felt if they had been there.

Friend September 2021 “Singing for Jesus” Songs about Jesus can bring us peace and comfort

  • Invite the children to share experiences when they felt peace after praying for help. Remind them that this peace comes from the Savior.

Friend March 2023 “The Earthquake Prayer” Violet woke up when she felt an earthquake. She and her family ran to the kitchen and crawled under the table. They had practiced what to do in an earthquake, but Violet was scared. She said a prayer, and felt like someone was giving her a hug. She was glad Heavenly Father helped her feel peace.

  • Give each child a paper rain cloud, and ask them to write on it a trial that someone might have. Put all of the clouds on the board, covering a picture of the Savior. Invite a child to remove one of the clouds and suggest ways we could help someone with that trial to find peace. When all the clouds are removed, testify of the Savior’s power to calm the storms in our lives.

Friend March 2023 “Peace from the Savior” President Eyring gives ideas on how to feel peace even during difficult times such as remembering the Savior and following him.

For the Strength of Youth March 2023 “Jesus Christ: PEACE among the STORMS”

The Savior has the power to calm any storm in your life. He can heal your pain, ease your burdens, and provide light when you’re in darkness.

It’s important to remember that sometimes the Lord calms the storms in your life, and sometimes He instead calms and comforts you while the storm rages on. When you have faith in Him, you also trust in His will and timing. You believe that He will help you, regardless of when your peace and calm actually arrive.

When you’re lonely, sad, anxious, or waiting for promised blessings, remember this question: Are you waiting for “a great calm” with a fearful heart or with a faithful heart?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Children might enjoy pretending they are in a boat in a stormy sea while someone reads Mark 4:35–38. Then, when someone reads verse 39, they could pretend to be in a boat in a calm sea. You could also sing together a song about finding peace in the Savior, such as “Master, the Tempest Is Raging” (Hymns, no. 105). What phrases in the song teach us about the peace Jesus offers?

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Lesson ideas

I Can Learn to Always Follow the Spirit.

The Lord is watching over me.

2 Kings 6:8–17

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

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

I am not alone.

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

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

Liahona July 2022 “You Are Never Alone”

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

Liahona July 2022 “Coming Closer to Jesus Christ”

Numbers Unbreakable

2 Kings 6:8–23

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

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

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

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

Fears

Fear of the Bad Things that Could Happen

Friend July 2022 “What’s on Your Mind?” A child writes the Friend with this question: “Sometimes I worry about all the bad things that could happen. How can I feel more hopeful and less worried?, and the Friend Magazine responds.

Fear of what Others Think

Doctrine and Covenants 30:1–2

Friend February 2017 “Conference Cards” Handout that says, ““The only opinion of us that matters is what our Heavenly Father thinks of us.”

Friend July 2021 “Courage to Stand Alone” Sometimes we need to do the right thing even when no one else is doing it. Activity page brining to mind moments and people who had courage to do the right thing. Also, ideas about how to gain courage.

I can be faithful even when others make fun of me. (Sr)

Jude 1:18–22

Ask children to share times when others made fun of them or someone they know because they did what is right. Invite the children to read Jude 1:18–22 and look for how we can remain faithful when others mock or make fun of us. Write what they find on the board, and discuss ways they can follow this advice. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Summarize Lehi’s dream (see 1 Nephi 8:1–35), asking a few children to read verses from 1 Nephi 8:26–28, 33. Discuss how the people in the great and spacious building were like the mockers Jude talked about. What can we do to not be influenced by those who make fun of us or don’t agree with what we believe? (see 1 Nephi 8:30, 33). (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

People in a large building on the other side of the river made fun of those who ate the fruit. Some who had eaten the fruit became ashamed and left the tree.

Dealing with Changes in Life

Ensign December 2019 “Navigating Through Transitions” Starting school, leaving Primary, and moving to a new location can all be new, scary situations for children. These tools and tips can help them navigate them successfully.

Friend November 2023 “What’s on Your Mind?” Someone who is struggling with change says, “I feel like so much is changing, and I’m not ready. Why can’t things stay the same?” A few of the things the Friend magazine responds include: “Remember that you are the hero of your story. Each change is a chance to learn and grow. And Heavenly Father will help you.”

Fear of Failing

Friend February 2020 “What’s on Your Mind?” A child writes to the Friend saying that sometimes he is afraid to try new things because he might fail. The Friend magazine reminds him that all people who are really good at something started out as beginners, and it’s okay to make mistakes. They also share some examples of people who weren’t very good when they first started, but they kept trying and eventually became successful.

Dealing with Seeing Bad or Scary Things in the World

Friend August 2022 “How Can I Find Peace in Scary Times?”

Ensign August 2018 “Dealing with Disasters” Helping children cope with traumatic situations.

Friend August 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?” Ways to feel better after seeing bad or scary things in the world. You can turn to Heavenly Father in prayer, to the scriptures, and to a grown-up you trust. Serving others can also help the Holy Ghost bring you peace.

Friend January 2019 “Friends by Mail”

Every night, I read the Friend before sleeping. Whenever I read it, I feel happy and my worries go away. It has helped me when I have worries. Thank you for the Friend!

Friend March 2017 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas for helping children deal with fear.

Handouts

Look for the Good

Friend August 2022 “Matt and Mandy”

If I am Prepared, I need not Fear.

Doctrine and Covenants 38: 30-31

The Saints had already faced much opposition, and the Lord knew more was coming (see Doctrine and Covenants 38: 28–29). To help them not be afraid, He revealed a precious principle: “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 37–40”)

Write the first word of each pair below on slips of paper and hand them out to the children. Ask each child to think of a word that means the opposite of the word on his or her paper. Let each child say the opposite word he or she has thought of while the rest of the class tries to guess the positive word on the child’s paper. (You may want to write both words on the board for more emphasis.)

Word Examples: light/dark, life/death, good/bad, love/hate, success/failure, true/false, peace/war, truth/lie, clean/dirty, happy/sad, healthy/sick, kind/mean, joy/sorrow (Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 20: Korihor, the Anti-Christ,”)

Satan wants us to feel afraid and unhappy. Heavenly Father wants us to follow him so we can be happy. The more we learn the gospel, the better prepared we are to know and do what is truth and right and be not afraid in this world.

For Example:

Friend July 2017 “Fighting off Falsehoods” The gospel truths help us fight against the falsehooods of Satan that we see and hear on media. Match the falsehood with the truth.

Being prepared also helps with tasks that may seem difficult or scary. You could discuss recent family or personal experiences that required preparation. How did your preparation affect the experience?


History & Building of Temples

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Latter Day Kids “Why We Build Temples” Lesson ideas and activity ideas

Tabernacle of Moses

Friend May 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Build a Tabernacle

Story: The Lord asked Moses and his people to build a tabernacle. A tabernacle is like a temple. The Lord told them to build it like a tent so they could take it with them as they traveled to the promised land. You can read about it in Exodus 39:33–43.

Song: “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95)

Activity: Build a tent like the tabernacle. You can use blankets, towels, chairs, and anything else in your home. Then sit in your tent and talk about why temples are important. Or you could make a small tabernacle with blocks or other items.

Old Testament Coloring Book “The Tabernacle”

The tabernacle not only allowed the children of Israel to have the presence of God with them, but it also taught them things they could do to become more like God.

  • Younger Children: Display a picture of the ancient tabernacle (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Ask the children to find different parts of the tabernacle in the picture, such as the candlestick or the altars, and explain that these things were meant to help the Israelites think about the Lord (for more information about the tabernacle, see Exodus 40:17–34). What holy places do we have today that help us think about the Lord?
  • Older Children: Invite the children to use Exodus 40:17–33 to identify things that were part of the tabernacle and find some of them in a picture of the ancient tabernacle (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Invite the children to draw their own pictures of the tabernacle. Talk about how each part of the tabernacle could teach about the Savior or Heavenly Father. For example, the ark of testimony could remind us of God’s commandments, the altar could remind us of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, the candlestick could remind us that the Savior is the Light of the World, and so on.

Latter Day Kids “Symbols of the Tabernacle” Lesson ideas

Ensign March 2018 “Journey through the Ancient Tabernacle” Images of items found in the tabernacle and their meaning.

  • Complete the activity page with the children. As you do, sing a song with them about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95).

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Holy Places” Lesson ideas

Old Testament Stories “Chapter 21: The Tabernacle” Video

The Tabernacle A video explaining the Tabernacle and its importance.

The Temple of Solomon

1 Kings CHAPTER 8

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

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

1 Kings 8:57–58

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

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

For additional lesson ideas see TempleResources for Teaching Children: Temples

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

Old Testament Coloring Book “The Temple of Solomon”

The Nephites Built Temples

2 Nephi 5:15–16

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

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

The Red Crystal

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

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

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

Kirtland Temple

The Lord Instructed His Servants on How To Build Temples

Doctrine and Covenants 88:119

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 88”

Consider how you will help the children feel love for the temple and a desire to worship the Lord there when they are ready.

  • Show the children how to make a temple “spire” by raising their arms and touching their fingertips together. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119, and ask them to make a spire every time you say the word “house.” Explain that Heavenly Father wanted Joseph Smith and the Saints to build a temple, or a “house of God.” Display a picture of a nearby temple as you talk about the differences between a temple and a Church meetinghouse.
  • Share your testimony of the temple, and sing together a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves going to the temple.

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “The Church of Jesus Christ in Kirtland”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 25: The Kirtland Temple Is Constructed,”

Give each child a piece of paper and a crayon or pencil. Ask the children to each draw a picture of a temple, and give them a few minutes to do so. Let each child display his or her picture to the rest of the class.

Explain that it probably was not too hard for the children to draw a temple because they know what temples look like. They have seen temples or pictures of temples. However, when Joseph Smith was commanded to build a temple, he had never seen a temple or even a picture of one. The Lord revealed the plans for the Kirtland Temple to the Prophet Joseph in a vision.

Today there are more than a hundred temples all over the world. But when Joseph Smith was commanded to build a temple in Kirtland, Ohio, he had never even seen one! The Kirtland Temple was the first temple built in the latter days.

“First Latter-day Temple” (April 2002 Friend) A description of the building of the Kirtland Temple.

Since Joseph Smith did not yet know what a temple ought to look like or exactly how it was to be used, Heavenly Father revealed to him a plan for the temple. He and his counselors saw a vision of the completed building. In the vision, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams saw the pattern of the temple both inside and out.

When an architect suggested that the seats in the building be rearranged, the Prophet Joseph would not allow it. He had seen them in the vision. According to his mother, Lucy Mack Smith, when the Saints wanted the temple to be built as a frame or log house, he said, “‘Shall we, brethren, build a house for our God, of logs? No, I have a better plan than that. I have a plan of the house of the Lord, given by himself.’”* The temple walls, two feet thick and over sixty feet tall, were to be built of stone.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 25: The Kirtland Temple Is Constructed,”

  1. Bring two identical sets of blocks (or paper cut in block shapes) that could be used to create a small building. Divide the children into two groups, and have them sit so the members of each group cannot see what the other group is doing. Have one group “build” a temple with their blocks, and then have them give directions to the second group on how to build an identical temple. Have the second group try to build an identical temple by listening to the directions, without looking at the first group’s temple. (You may need to set a time limit for this activity.)When the second group is done building, have them look at the first group’s temple and make any corrections needed to make theirs identical. Remind the children that Joseph Smith not only received verbal directions on how to build the Kirtland Temple, but he also saw the temple in a vision, so he knew exactly how it should be built.

Friend September 2021 “The Kirtland Temple”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 25: The Kirtland Temple Is Constructed,” See link for more lesson ideas.

In December 1832 the Lord commanded the members of the Church to build a temple in Kirtland, Ohio. They were to “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” (D&C 88:119).

The Saints were very poor and they knew the temple would cost a lot of money, so they did not start building it right away. Six months later they still had not started building the temple. In June 1833 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that he was displeased with the Saints for not starting to build his house. The Lord said the Saints had committed “a very grievous sin” by not obeying this commandment (D&C 95:3). The Church members repented of their delay, and four days later men began hauling stone and digging trenches in preparation for building the temple.

Joseph Smith asked some of the other Church leaders how they thought the temple should be built. Some said it should be made of logs, while others said it should be of wooden boards. Joseph said, “Shall we, brethren, build a house for our God, of logs? No, I have a better plan than that. I have a plan of the house of the Lord, given by himself; and you will soon see by this, the difference between our calculations and his idea of things” (quoted in Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, p. 230). The plans for the Kirtland Temple were shown to the First Presidency of the Church—Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams—in a vision. Frederick G. Williams reported that the Lord told Joseph to gather with his counselors, and the Lord would show them how to build the temple (see D&C 95:14).

The three men knelt to pray, and they saw a vision of the temple. First they saw the outside, and then the building seemed to pass over them and they saw the inside. Frederick G. Williams said that when the Kirtland Temple was completed it looked exactly as it had in the vision. During the building of the temple someone tried to get Joseph Smith to change some of the design, but Joseph insisted that the temple be built just as it appeared in the vision.

The Kirtland Temple was not exactly like today’s temples, where families are sealed for time and all eternity and work is performed for the dead. It was more like a special meetinghouse where the Saints held their Church meetings. The Lord told the Saints exactly how big to build the temple (D&C 95:15). It was 110 feet from the ground to the dome. The temple was built of stone, and the outside walls were covered with plaster. Inside, the main floor had three ascending rows of three pulpits each at both the east and west sides. The rows at one end of the floor were the Melchizedek Priesthood pulpits, and the rows at the other end were the Aaronic Priesthood pulpits. The seats in the room were reversible so that the audience could face either direction.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 94–97”

After being chastised for not building a house of the Lord in Kirtland, Church leaders chose a site in a wheat field where they would build. Hyrum Smith, the Prophet’s brother, immediately ran to get a scythe and begin clearing the field. “We are preparing to build a house for the Lord,” he said, “and I am determined to be the first at the work” (in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 271, 273). 

What do we learn about chastening from Doctrine and Covenants 95: 1-2? What do we learn about the Lord? How do these insights affect the way we receive chastening or chasten others?

The Lord’s People Contributed to the Building of Temples

Doctrine and Covenants 95:897:15–16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 94–97″

Even the children in Kirtland helped, in small but meaningful ways, to build the Kirtland Temple. Help the children you teach strengthen their love for the Lord’s holy house.

  • Show a picture of the Kirtland Temple (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Use phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 95:8 to teach the children about the Lord’s commandment to build this temple. Let the children take turns holding the picture and saying “The temple is the house of the Lord.”
  • Tell the children that on every temple is written “Holiness to the Lord. The House of the Lord.” If possible, show them a picture of these words on a temple. Why is the temple a special place? Read phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 97:15–16 that teach about the temple being the Lord’s house, and share your feelings about the temple.

Friend January 2022 “For Older Kids”

  • Invite the children to pretend they are helping to build a temple (cutting wood, hammering nails, painting walls, and so on). Explain how important the temple is to the Lord, how hard the Saints worked to build the Kirtland Temple, and how much they sacrificed for it (see Saints,1:210).
  • Ask the children to talk about times when they were supposed to do something but didn’t do it immediately. Help a child read Doctrine and Covenants 95:3, 8, and ask the children what commandment the Lord said the Saints hadn’t obeyed. Read together verse 11. What did the Saints need to do so they could build the temple? What can we learn from the Lord’s promise to them?
  • On cards, write principles about the temple found in Doctrine and Covenants 95 and 97, along with the corresponding scripture references, and place the cards in a bag. For example: Building temples requires sacrifice (Doctrine and Covenants 97:11–12) and We must be worthy to enter the temple (Doctrine and Covenants 97:15–17). Divide the children into pairs. Let each pair draw a card from the bag and then work together to read the scripture on the card and talk about what the principle means to them. Help the children understand what they are reading as needed.

Gospel Art Picture: “Kirtland Temple”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 94–97”

Doctrine and Covenants 95:8

How have making and keeping temple covenants brought “power from on high” into our lives? Perhaps family members could share how they feel about the temple or share experiences when they have felt blessed with “power from on high” through worship in the temple.

Friend September 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

  • Jesus told the Saints to build a temple (see Doctrine and Covenants 95:8). Temples are important places where we can make covenants (promises) with Heavenly Father and be sealed to our families.

Doctrine and Covenants 109:12–13110:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

Ponder how you will help the children feel reverence for the Lord’s house and look forward to the day when they can enter the “place of [His] holiness” (Doctrine and Covenants 109:13).

  • Ask the children to tell you something they love about their homes. Show the children a picture of the Kirtland Temple, and use Doctrine and Covenants 109:12–13110:1–7 to tell them about the day the temple was dedicated and became the Lord’s house . To show that the temple is the Lord’s house, read the following from the dedicatory prayer that Joseph Smith gave: “It is thy house, a place of thy holiness” (Doctrine and Covenants 109:13). Ask the children to share something they love about the temple.

Chapter 39: The Kirtland Temple Is Dedicated,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 154

Friend September 2021 “The Kirtland Temple”

For the Strength of Youth September 2021 “The House of the Lord”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Books “Kirtland Temple Dedication”

Liahona September 2021 “Teaching about Keeping Covenants and Building Zion” The Kirtland Temple was dedicated on March 27, 1836. Many spiritual experiences were recorded from this event.

  1. Read through a few of the accounts from the “Voices of the Restoration” section at the end of the September 27–October 3 lesson in the Come, Follow Me manual.

Discussion: Why are temples important to you? Share spiritual experiences you have had because of temples.

Doctrine and Covenants 109110:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

How will you share with the children your love for the Lord’s house? Consider how you will inspire them to accept Elder Quentin L. Cook’s challenge “for each of us, wherever we live, to see ourselves in the temple” (“See Yourself in the Temple,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 98).

In some ways, the Kirtland Temple was different from temples we know today. There were no altars and no baptismal font, and ordinances like baptism for the dead and sealing had not yet been restored. But the blessings described in section 109, the dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple, are the blessings we receive in the Lord’s house today.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

  • Choose verses from section 109 or 110 that you feel highlight the blessings of the temple (such as the ones listed below from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). List these blessings on the board, and invite the children to search the verses you chose to find those blessings. How might we explain to someone why the temple is important to us?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

  • Ask the children to silently read Doctrine and Covenants 110:1–10, and invite them to share something they learn about Jesus Christ or the temple from these verses. Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves and the Savior in the temple.
  • Ask the children to imagine that a friend is trying to find their house. How can we help our friend know which house is ours? How do we know that the temple is the Lord’s house? Read Doctrine and Covenants 109:12–13 with the children, and tell them how you know that the temple is the house of the Lord. Show pictures of temples, and let the children share their feelings about the Lord’s house.

Salt Lake Temple

Isaiah’s Prophecy about Latter Day Temples

Another fulfillment of this prophecy has to do with the Lord’s house being established in the “top of the mountains” (Isaiah 2:2). Not only does the prophecy have symbolic reference to putting the temple in the highest place in our lives, but it also has a literal fulfillment in the location of the Church headquarters in the latter days. Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide “Isaiah 2”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 11-25” Read 2 Nephi 12:3, and explain that in this verse a prophet named Isaiah prophesied that there would be temples in the last days. Read the verse again, and and invite the other children to listen for reasons why Isaiah said we need temples. Emphasize that when we go to the temple, the Lord “will teach us of his ways” and help us “walk in his paths.”

2 Nephi 12:2–3

2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 11-19” Isaiah described the temple as “the mountain of the Lord’s house.” Your children might enjoy pretending to climb a mountain as you read 2 Nephi 12:2–3. Help them find phrases in these verses that describe why we have temples.

For the Strength of Youth “Ascend into the Hill of the Lord”

3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the chouse of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

  • To illustrate the phrase “we will walk in his paths” from 2 Nephi 12:3, you could make a path on the floor, leading to a picture of a temple. As your children walk on the path, they could name things they can do to walk in the Lord’s paths.

Modern Day Temples

Temple Ground Breaking

Friend November 2021 “Elder Gong and the Temple”

Friend July 2019 “Elder Andersen Visits Ivory Coast” Elder Neil L. Andersen and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, traveled to Ivory Coast for the groundbreaking of a new temple. (Activity: Children sing the words “I love to see the temple” in many different languages. Follow the line from each of these sentences to the correct language.)

Temple Construction

Friend March 2019 “Watching the Rome Temple Grow” Gioele and Michele were excited to have a temple being built closer to their home. From time to time, they would go and see the progress of the construction, Their father, who worked on the temple, even invited them to see the angel Moroni being placed.

Temple Open Houses & Dedications

Friend December 2017 “The House of the Lord” Idea: Place each item on a folder layout or board as you discuss temple open houses and dedications.

Open House

Friend May 2023 “The Temple Open House” Svetan and his family go to a temple open house.

Friend September 2020 “Isaac and the Temple” Isaac was excited to go to the temple open house. He saw lots of paintings on the walls, but his favorite was a painting of Jesus holding out his arms. His dad told him that Jesus always has His arms open for him because he loves each of us. He imagined walking next to Jesus in the temple. He imagined Jesus giving him a hug.

Inviting Others

Friend July 2022 “The Sweetest Goal” David can’t wait to go to the Dubai Temple when it is built. He was preparing by praying, reading the scriptures, and trying to follow Jesus. He tells his Aunt Ana about the temple and wants to invite her and his friends to come see it when it’s done.

Dedications

Friend October 2017 “The Temple Dedication” At his first temple dedication, CJ’s heart was filled with peace and the Spirit, and he knew that what the Apostles were saying was true.

Friend September 2019 “Elder Stephenson Visits Chile” Elder Stephenson visits Chile for a temple dedication, the second temple in Chile.

Friend December 2020 “Elder Soares Visits Colombia” Elder Ulisses Soares traveled with President Dallin H. Oaks to help dedicate a new temple in Colombia. (Also a build a temple activity)

Remodeling and Rededication

Friend March 2021″Elder Uchtdorf Visits Germany” Elder Uchtdorf and his wife visit Germany for the rededication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple. (Article includes photos)

Inside Temples

Friend November 2024 “Temple Tour”

Friend July 2022 “Temple Tour”

Friend February 2020 ” Come Follow Me For Little Ones” Read 2 Nephi 12:2 and help your little ones say, “The temple is the house of the Lord.” Then use items around your house to build a model temple. You could look at pictures of different temples in the photo gallery at temples.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Friend May 2017

Friend September 2020 “For Older Kids” The celestial room is peaceful and beautiful. It represents what heaven is like. In this room, people think, pray, and feel the Spirit. Crack the code to find out which temple this is. 

Friend August 2020 “For Older Kids” Each temple has a desk where people show their temple recommends before they go inside.

Friend July 2020 “For Older Kids” In the temple, a man and a woman can be married and sealed together forever. This room in the temple is where the bride gets ready. Unscramble the letters to find out which country this temple is in.

Friend February 2020 “For Older Kids” Some temples have paintings on the walls to remind us of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s beautiful creations. The temple in this photo took 40 years to build and is now closed for renovation. Can you guess which temple it is?

Temple Grounds

Friend June 2023 “Friends by Mail” Pepijn B., age 5, visited the Hague Netherlands Temple. He noticed many circles around the temple. A circle symbolizes eternity! (See image at link.)

Temples Around the World

Friend December 2020 “Elder Soares Visits Colombia” Elder Ulisses Soares traveled with President Dallin H. Oaks to help dedicate a new temple in Colombia. (Also a build a temple activity)

Friend October 2021 “Dear Friends” “I cut out the picture of the Barranquilla Colombia Temple and drew my family inside (Dec. 2019). I want my family to be together forever!” Lane S., age 10, Iowa, USA (See image at linkP)

Friend July 2019 “Elder Andersen Visits Ivory Coast” Elder Neil L. Andersen and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, traveled to Ivory Coast for the groundbreaking of a new temple. (Activity: Children sing the words “I love to see the temple” in many different languages. Follow the line from each of these sentences to the correct language.)

Friend March 2019 “Watching the Rome Temple Grow” Gioele and Michele were excited to have a temple being built closer to their home. From time to time, they would go and see the progress of the construction, Their father, who worked on the temple, even invited them to see the angel Moroni being placed.

Friend October 2017 “From Paris to Sapporo” Two children tell of their excitement to get a temple near them.

Friend May 2018 “Show and Tell” Three children tell of their excitement to have a temple built in their country—India.

Friend September 2019 “Elder Stephenson Visits Chile” Elder Stephenson visits Chile for a temple dedication, the second temple in Chile.

Friend May 2023 “Temple Cards”


Sacrament: Lesson Ideas

Posted on

The Sacrament Helps Me Remember My Deliverance Through Jesus Christ.

Exodus CHAPTER 12

The Lord institutes the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread—Lambs without blemish are slain—Israel is saved by their blood—The firstborn of all Egyptians are slain—Israel is thrust out of Egypt after 430 years—No bones of the paschal lambs are to be broken.

Exodus CHAPTER 13

The firstborn of man and of beasts are to be sanctified unto the Lord—The Feast of Unleavened Bread is to be kept in the land of Canaan—Moses takes Joseph’s bones out of Egypt—The Lord attends Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

Old Testament Scripture Stories “The Passover”

Exodus 11:5–612:1–13, 13:10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13” The Passover taught the children of Israel that the Lord delivered them from Egypt. The Passover also taught the Israelites about the Savior and the sacrifice He would one day make for us. The Passover is symbolic of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which delivers us from sin and death. Today, the sacrament helps us remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for us. Teaching the children about the Passover can help them have a more meaningful experience with the sacrament.

  • Ask some of the children to read Exodus 11:5–6 to learn about the final plague the Lord sent upon the Egyptians. Ask the other children to read Exodus 12:3, 5–7, 13 to learn about how the children of Israel were saved from that plague.
  • To help the children understand that the Savior is the Lamb who saves us, show a picture of a lamb. Invite the children to read Exodus 12:3–7 to find out what kind of lamb God wanted the people to use for the Passover meal. How is this lamb like Jesus Christ? (For example, Jesus was perfect, and Jesus shed His blood to save us.) What other symbols help us think about Jesus Christ?
(Gospel Art Book, no. 64)
  • Ask the children to name things we do to remember important events such as birthdays and holidays. Read Exodus 13:10, and explain that the Lord asked the children of Israel to celebrate the Passover each year to help them remember that He saved them from the Egyptians. What are some ways we can remember that Jesus saved us from sin and death?
  • If possible, visit the sacrament table with the children, and talk about how the sacrament helps us remember Jesus Christ. Sing together “The Sacrament” (Children’s Songbook, 72) or another reverent song about Jesus Christ. Help the children notice the peaceful feeling they have when they think about the Savior, and invite them to seek that feeling when they take the sacrament.
  • 1. As I take the water and bread,
  • I’ll think of the words the Savior said:
  • “This do in remembrance of me.
  • This do in remembrance of me.”
  • 2. Jesus gave his life for me.
  • I want to serve him thankfully.
  • I will remember him.
  • I will remember him.
  • Give the children pieces of paper with the words “I can remember Jesus Christ during the sacrament by …” written at the top. Invite them to draw pictures they can look at during the sacrament to help them remember Jesus.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19: “Behold, My Joy Is Full” Have the children draw a picture of themselves with Jesus on the last square.

  • Read the sacrament prayers together (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79), and watch the video “Always Remember Him” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How is the sacrament similar to the Passover? What can we do to think about Jesus during the sacrament?
  • Share with the children one of your favorite sacrament hymns (see Hymns, nos. 169–96), and talk about how it helps you remember the Savior’s sacrifice. Invite the children to share a hymn that does the same for them.

Exodus 12:1–42.

After reading Exodus 12:1–42 together, you could write on pieces of paper things you can do as a family to remember Jesus Christ’s Atonement. Because the lamb’s blood on the door posts (see verse 23) represented the Savior, you could place these papers around a doorway in your home. You could also eat some of the foods from the Passover, such as unleavened bread (crackers or tortillas) or bitter herbs (parsley or horseradish), and discuss how the Passover helps us remember how God delivered His people. For example, the unleavened bread reminded them that there was not time for their bread to rise before they fled from captivity. The bitter herbs reminded them of the bitterness of captivity. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13”)

Lesson 19: Moses Delivers the Israelites from Bondage,” Primary 6: Old Testament When Jesus lived on the earth, he and his family celebrated the Feast of the Passover (Luke 2:4122:7–8). A lamb without blemish was killed for the feast. The lamb represented the Lamb of God, or Jesus Christ, who died to save us. After the Crucifixion, the disciples partook of the sacrament, which Christ instituted at the Last Supper, instead of the Feast of the Passover.

Institute: Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Exodus 11–19: The Passover and the Exodus” Great explanation of the symbolism of the passover

During the sacrament, I can think about how I am following the Savior. (Sr)

1 Corinthians 11:23–29

Ask a child to read 1 Corinthians 11:28. What does it mean to “examine” ourselves before taking the sacrament? Ask the children to think of other people who examine things, like doctors, detectives, or scientists (for example, doctors examine us to make sure we are healthy). When we partake of the sacrament, what can we do to examine how we are living our baptismal covenants? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8–13” )

Print and cut out the magnifying glass and the pictures of the children. Place one of the pictures from the left onto the magnifying glass. Explain that before we take the sacrament we could examine our actions from the week. If we find any that we might need to repent of, we could try to think of ways we could try to do better, repent, and promise to do be better in the coming week as we take the sacrament. As we do so, we can recommit yourself to always remember Him and keep His commandments.Ask the class for some ideas oh what the child could to do to better keep his or her baptismal covenants. Replace the picture on the magnifying glass with its matching picture on the right. Ask how they think that child now feels. Do the same with the other pictures.

Ask the children to make a list of things they can think about when they partake of the sacrament. Invite them to use their lists as a reminder to examine themselves during the sacrament. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8–13” )

Friend June 2019 “The Sacrament Reminds Us of Jesus Christ”

Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 36: Jesus Christ Gives the Sacrament to the NephitesWhy is it important for us to always remember Jesus? When we remember Jesus, we remember the things he did for us. We remember his love for us, and we remember the things he taught. When we remember those things, our faith and love for Jesus grows and our desire to keep his commandments increases.

Sacrament Flip Book: Make, or have the children make, sacrament flip books to help them think about their covenants and the meaning of the sacrament during the sacrament. The children reads the question and tries to think of the answer and then flips over the question to check their answer.

Sacrament Book Assembly Instructions: For each child, print one copy of the Sacrament Book pages (colored or black and white) onto heavy paper. Cut out the answer pages by cutting straight across the dotted lines (you should only need to make two cuts per page using a paper cutter.) Turn the pages so they all face the same direction and then stack them together in numerical order. Hole punch the left side. Assemble the book by loosely tying the pages together with the ribbons through the punched holes, and then by putting each cut out question on top of its matching answer and taping down the left side edge of each question. (You could have the kids do the assembly part.)

Point out the last few pages and explain that during the week they can draw or glue pictures of things they remember about Jesus on those pages. This will help them remember Jesus throughout the week. They can even add more pages if they desire.

Friend May 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Taking the Sacrament” Activity: Jesus Christ taught us how to have the sacrament. We follow the same order every week. Point to what comes first! What comes next?

I Renew My Baptism Covenants When I Take the Sacrament

Friend February 2021 “The Savior and Me” Fill out the page and look at it during the sacrament to remember Jesus and the covenant you made.

Friend June 2002 “The Sacrament and Repentance” Dallin H. Oaks “We are commanded to repent of our sins and to come to the Lord with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and partake of the sacrament in [keeping our part of] its covenants. When we renew our baptismal covenants in this way, the Lord renews the cleansing effect of our baptism. In this way we are made clean and can always have His Spirit to be with us. (Ensign, November 1998, page 38.)

“Lesson 33: The Sacrament Reminds Us of Our Covenants,” Primary 3 

  1. Hand out scissors, glue, and copies of the following handout to the children. Read the top part of the page with the class. Instruct the children to cut along the dotted lines and put the words in proper order. When the children have done this, the words should read “always remember Jesus Christ” and “obey the commandments.” Have them glue the word pieces in place to complete the sentence.

I take the sacrament to show that I will always remember Jesus Christ.

Moroni 4–5

Friend December 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Sing a song that helps the children think about Jesus, such as “Reverently, Quietly” (Children’s Songbook, 26). Ask the children to practice sitting reverently like they would during the sacrament.

  • Write phrases from Moroni 4:3 and 5:2 on separate strips of paper, and ask the children to put the phrases in the correct order. According to these verses, why is the sacrament important?
  • Invite the children to imagine that a friend is coming to sacrament meeting for the first time. How would they explain to their friend what the sacrament is and why we partake of it? Encourage them to use Moroni 4:3 and 5:2 in their explanations.
  • Invite the children to share things their families do during the sacrament to be reverent and think about Jesus Christ. What other ideas do they have? Invite them to pick one of these ideas and set a goal to spend more time thinking of the Savior during the sacrament.

Always Remember Him

Friend December 2024 “How Does the Sacrament Help Us Remember Jesus?”

Friend June 2023 “Bright Idea: I Will Always Remember Him”

Judges CHAPTER 2

An angel rebukes Israel for not serving the Lord—As a pattern of future events, a new generation arises that forsakes the Lord and serves Baal and Ashtaroth—The Lord is angry with the children of Israel and ceases to preserve them—He raises up judges to guide and lead them—The Canaanites are left in the land to test Israel.

Judges 2:10.

After Joshua died, the next generation of Israelites “knew not the Lord.” Talk with your family about how they know the Lord and “the works which he [has] done” for them. How will you ensure that this knowledge will be preserved for future generations? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16”)

How do we come to know the Lord? Through scripture study, prayer, sacrament, living the commandments. etc.

Friend June 2019 “The Sacrament Reminds Us of Jesus Christ” Ways to prepare for the sacrament before hand, what to do during the sacrament, and remembering Jesus and following him after the sacrament.

Friend August 2023 “Taking the Sacrament”

New Era March 2008 “How Can I Come to Know Christ?”

Friend November 2017 “Family Night Fun” Ways you can look for blessings every day.

The sacrament helps me think about Jesus.

Matthew 26:26–29Mark 14:22–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13” Help the children understand that taking the sacrament is a chance to remember what Jesus has done for us.

  • Summarize the account of Jesus introducing the sacrament. You might use “Chapter 49: The First Sacrament” (in New Testament Stories, 124–26, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or the video “Sacrament” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Why do we take the sacrament? Help the children understand that we remember Jesus during the sacrament.

New Testament Scripture Stories “The First Sacrament”

Friend June 2023 “The First Sacrament”

“The Sacrament Helps Us Remember Jesus” Friend September 2015 

Friend June 2019 “Jesus Taught about the Sacrament”

Friend April 2017 “Jesus Gave Us the Sacrament”

  • Show the children a piece of bread and a cup of water. Ask them if they know what the sacrament bread and water stand for. Explain that these emblems help us remember that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead.

Read the sacrament prayers together (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79), and watch the video “Always Remember Him” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Blessing on the Bread

Blessing Bread

Blessing on the Water

Blessing Water
  • Ask the children to close their eyes and think of someone they love, and then invite them to tell you about that person. Ask them to close their eyes again, think of the Savior, and then share things they know about Him. Encourage them to think about Jesus during the sacrament each week.

Friend April 2017 “Jesus Gave Us the Sacrament”

  • Invite the children to show you what they can do to remember Jesus and be reverent during the sacrament.

Friend October 2020 “The Sacrament and Me” The sacrament is the most important part of church. To make the sacrament special, we …

We can show our love for Jesus by being reverent during the sacrament by…

  • Help the children make the booklet described on this week’s activity page and use it to help them think about Jesus during the sacrament. Or let them search some Church magazines for pictures of Jesus and create a collage they can look at during the sacrament.

New Testament Coloring Book “The Last Supper”

Friend June 2023 “I Can Take the Sacrament”

Latter Day Kids “Always Remember Him” Lesson ideas

For Additional Resources see Resources for Teaching Children “Sacrament”

See also “Lesson 38: I Will Remember Jesus Christ during the Sacrament,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A” for story, activity, and lesson ideas.

“Lesson 29: Jesus Christ’s Triumphal Entry and the Last Supper,” Primary 7: New Testament 

Click on image to go to site where you can download this Sacrament Book

Friend May 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Taking the Sacrament”

Friend October 2024 “A Reminder to Remember” Make this craft to help you remember Jesus Christ! In the white box, write some things you can do during the week to think of the Savior. Then cut on the dotted lines. Hang your goals on a doorknob where you’ll see them often to help you remember Him.

The sacrament helps me remember Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for me.

Matthew 26:26–29Mark 14:22–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13” How can you help the children have a more meaningful experience with the sacrament?

Watch the video “Always Remember Him” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

  • Ask the children what they do to help them think about Jesus during the sacrament. Help them find scriptures or words from sacrament hymns that they could read during the sacrament, and then list them on a card that the children can refer to the next time they take the sacrament. Sing a few of these songs with the children (see Hymns, nos. 169–97).

“I Will Remember Jesus Christ” (December 2009 Liahona and Friend)
Create a booklet to write down things learned about Jesus Christ in the sacrament hymns.

  • Write key phrases from the sacrament prayers on the board, and help the children memorize them. What do these phrases mean? Why is it important to renew our baptismal covenants every week?

O God, the Eternal ____________________, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, _______________________________, to bless and ____________________ this bread to the ________________ of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in _______________________ of the body of thy Son, and _______________________ unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the ____________________ of thy Son, and ____________________ remember him and keep his _________________________________ which he has given them; that they may always have his ____________________ to be with them. Amen.

Bonus: What’s different between the prayers for the bread and water? (Hint: see D&C 20:77, 79.)

Blessing on the Bread

Blessing Bread

Blessing on the Water

Blessing Water

Friend June 2023 “A Small Act with Big Blessings” Match the questions and answers below. (See link for lesson ideas)

  • Invite an Aaronic Priesthood holder to tell the children about his experience preparing, blessing, or passing the sacrament. What helps him prepare to do this? How does he feel as he does it? How do the bread and water remind him of the Savior?

  • Ask children who have been baptized to share what they remember about their baptisms. How did they feel? What covenants did they make? (see Mosiah 18:8–10). Tell them that every week when we partake of the sacrament, it can be like being baptized again—we can be forgiven of our sins, and we renew our covenants.

Friend March 2017 “A Great Feeling” Paulo didn’t want the feeling he had when he was baptized to go away, but the next day he yelled at his brother. Through repentance and the sacrament he was able to get the feeling back.

Compare baptism covenants with sacrament prayer:

Friend February 2019 “The Baptism Covenant” Cut out and mix up these cards. Then take turns matching cards that go together. With each match, talk about that part of the baptism covenant.

Blessing Bread

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 Perhaps you can create a list together of questions that someone might have about the sacrament, such as “Why did the Savior give us the sacrament? Why are bread and water such powerful symbols of Jesus Christ? What do we promise as we partake of the sacrament? What promises do we receive?” Class members could look for answers in the following resources: Matthew 26:26–29Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79; and Gospel Topics, “Sacrament

Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “Figuratively eating [the Savior’s] flesh and drinking His blood [means] to internalize the qualities and character of Christ, putting off the natural man and becoming Saints ‘through the atonement of Christ the Lord’ [Mosiah 3:19]. As we partake of the sacramental bread and water each week, we would do well to consider how fully and completely we must incorporate His character and the pattern of His sinless life into our life and being” (“The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 37).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 But that bread and water are sacred to us because they help us remember Him. They’re our way of saying, “I’ll never forget Him”—not just, “I’ll never forget what I’ve read about His teachings and His life.” Rather, we are saying, “I’ll never forget what He did for me.” “I’ll never forget how He rescued me when I cried out for help.” And “I’ll never forget His commitment to me and my commitment to Him—the covenant we have made.”

For Additional Resources see Resources for Teaching Children “Sacrament”

See also “Lesson 38: I Will Remember Jesus Christ during the Sacrament,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A” for story, activity, and lesson ideas.

“Lesson 29: Jesus Christ’s Triumphal Entry and the Last Supper,” Primary 7: New Testament 

Click on image to go to site where you can download this Sacrament Book

I can think about Jesus when I take the sacrament. As I take the sacrament, I can be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 45: Jesus Christ Teaches about the Sacrament and Prayer” Video and Images

Lesson 36: Jesus Christ Gives the Sacrament to the Nephites

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Jesus Introduced the Sacrament to the Nephites”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19: “Behold, My Joy Is Full” Have the children draw a picture of themselves with Jesus on the last square.

Latter Day Kids “Come Follow Me: Renewing Our Covenants” Video and lesson ideas

Friend October 2020 “The Sacrament and Me” The sacrament is the most important part of church. To make the sacrament special, we …

We can show our love for Jesus by being reverent during the sacrament by…

Friend May 2024 “I Can Think about Jesus”

Friend June 2019 “The Sacrament Reminds Us of Jesus Christ” Ways to prepare for the sacrament before hand, what to do during the sacrament, and remembering Jesus and following him after the sacrament.

Friend October 2018 “For Parents of Little Ones”  Teaching little ones to think about Jesus and show reverence during the sacrament.

Ensign October 2017 “Friends, chores, homework, TV–there are so many things that ask for our attention. But every week, we promise Heavenly Father “that [we] do always remember [His Son, Jesus Christ]” (D&C 20:79).
President Eyring says that we can “make choices every day” that help us remember the Savior. Consider making a goal this month to remember the Savior more each day. You could make a calendar and commit to doing one thing per day. President Eyring lists things like reading the scriptures, praying in faith, and serving the Savior and others. There’s also journaling, attending Church meetings, listening to general conference, going to the temple, singing hymns–the list goes on!”

Friend April 2019 “The Living Christ” Draw a picture of one of your favorite stories about Jesus. Then write down a word about Jesus that begins with each letter of the word sacrament. You could think about these words during the sacrament to remember Jesus.

Ensign July 2017 “The Bread and the Water” What the bread and water teach us about Jesus.

Friend May 2017 “Making the Sacrament Special” Fill in the missing words of the sacrament prayer for the bread. Then cut out the colored card and keep it in your scriptures to help make the sacrament special to you every Sunday!

Friend November 2016

Friend November 2016

Friend November 1987 “Be Grateful for the Sacrament” Jesus Christ has revealed the ordinance of the sacrament on several different occasions. Cut out scripture references and pictures. Study the scriptures listed, then put each one with the picture that it tells about. Color the pictures and put them in the order in which you think they happened. At your next family home evening, use the pictures and scriptures to tell about the sacrament. (See more at link)

Friend November 1987

 “The Sacrament Helps Us Remember Jesus” Friend September 2015

Friend January 2018 “Show and Tell” (See picture at link) “I decided not to color or draw when the sacrament is being passed. My little sisters have followed my example, and I have felt closer to Jesus.” Heidi H., age 6, Tennessee, USA

Sacrament Hymns

Ensign August 2019 “Family Study Fun”Sacrament Hymn Sing-Along (1 Corinthians 11:23–26) Paul taught how Christ introduced the sacrament to His Apostles and instructed them, “This do in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24).

  1. Ask each family member to identify a favorite sacrament hymn and explain why it’s a favorite.
  2. Sing one or more of the hymns chosen.
  3. Watch the “The Last Supper” from the Bible videos series or “The Sacrament” from the children’s Bible videos series (both at ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Discussion: How do the sacrament hymns prepare us to partake of the bread and water? What can we do during the sacrament to help each other focus on the Savior?


Church Around the World: Oceania

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Table of Contents

Australia

Friend November 2020 “Hello from Australia”

Friend November 2020 “Food and Fun” The Aboriginal people in Australia use dot painting to tell stories and create beautiful artwork. Here’s a craft for you to make your own!

Friend November 2020 “Food and Fun” Damper is a traditional Australian bread. Travelers would sometimes make this bread outside over a campfire with hot coals. Here’s a version you can try!

Friend July 2018 “Matt and Mandy” Matt gets an email from his cousin in Australia. He doesn’t know what a lot of the things are that his cousin talks about in the email, but they do have one thing in common: the gospel. Matt’s cousin tells about his baptism and his family getting sealed in the temple.

Friend October 2018 “Matt and Mandy” Matt sends an email to his cousin in Australia telling about himself. Then he goes and watches conference, which is something his cousin would be doing too.

Friend January 2020 “Matt and Mandy” As they walk in the snow, Matt tells his friend that in Australia it’s summer and that his cousin is probably at the beach. Also, he tells him that his cousin has never felt snow or played in it.

Friend October 2021 “Margaret Cummings” Margaret’s family experienced difficulties getting to the temple to be sealed together, but their prayers were answered and they were blessed.

Friend May 2022 “The Footy Decision” Sam loved playing footy and when he found out the games were on Sunday he was sad. He prayed about what to do. He knew it was important to make Sunday special so he decided to go to practices on Thursdays but go to church on Sundays.

American Samoa

Friend July 2021 “Adventures in American Samoa with Margo and Paolo”

Friend July 2021 “Meet Eta from American Samoa” Eta’s mom owns a dessert bakery. Eta and her older sister, Talai, love to share the desserts with their teachers and leaders and with people who might be having a hard time. (includes photo)

Eta followed Jesus by sharing food with others.

Challenge: Look for a chance to share what you have with your friends and family, even if it seems small.

Tahiti

Friend February 2021 “Adventures in Tahiti with Margo and Paolo”

Friend February 2021 “Meet Raiarii from Tahiti” Story of Raiarii sharing the gospel by explaining scriptures and praying with two of his grandmother’s friends. (See story and photos at link.)

Friend November 2023 “Coconuts and Tithing” During the summer Avehei and her brother work in the coconut groves. She always pays my tithing with the money she receives because she knows she and her family are blessed when she obeys.

Samoa

Friend March 2020 “Hello From Samoa”

Friend March 2020 “Food and Fun” Make Samoan coconut rolls and a pretend Samoan Siapo cloth.

Friend May 2022 “Tom and the Terrible Flu” Tom helped take are of his dad and other villagers when the Spanish Flu hit. He gave them coconut milk, made chicken soup for them, and got them water.

New Zealand

Friend December 2023 “Hello from New Zealand!”

Friend November 2019 “Hello From New Zealand”

Friend December 2023 “Following Jesus in New Zealand” Tarnae is preparing to go to the temple to do baptisms. His nan (grandma) found information about some ancestors so he could be baptized for them. “I am really excited to enter the temple,” says Tarnae. “I feel honored to help do the work for my ancestors.”

When their cousin got baptized, Nephi shared his testimony. Nephi told those at the baptism about Jesus Christ. “I know it is important to share my testimony to strengthen others,” Nephi says.

Friend November 2019 “Fun and Food” A popular flavor of ice cream in New Zealand is hokey-pokey, or honeycomb toffee. Here’s how to make a version at home.

Friend November 2019 “Food and Fun” Here are some fun words from New Zealand. Now find them in the word search!

Friend November 2019 “Jesus is Real” (story about New Zealand kids at school) Everyone at Ismay’s table at school were excitedly talking about Christmas and their favorite traditions such as going to a church service. Suddenly Charlotte spoke up and said, “Jesus isn’t even real.” Ismay was sad to hear this and she quietly bore her testimony to Charlotte that Jesus was real, and that she felt it in her heart. She was glad she had spoken up and planted a seed about Jesus.

[unitegallery 2019Nove]

Friend May 2021 “Pioneers in Every Land: Sam Beazley”Sam was called to serve as a Labour Missionary building a church school for teenagers. His labor also helped build the Hamilton New Zealand Temple which he later was called to serve in.

Friend July 2022 “Rākau Sticks” The Māori people of New Zealand play a game by tapping, throwing, and catching sticks to a rhythm. Find four sticks or paper rolls to play your own version of this game!

Tonga

Friend July 2021 “Vaha’i Tonga”Vahai’ was determined to remain faithful, so he said his prayers every night at boarding school. At first the other kids made fun of him, then they started to join him. He invited them to a district conference and 77 of them came. Seven of them wanted to be baptized after the conference.

Kiribati

Friend March 2023 “Hello from Kiribati!” See larger images at link

Friend March 2023 “Following Jesus in Kiribati” Scott is such a good friend to his cousin that he always calls him his younger brother. Scott prays every night and every morning. He always wants to go to Church activities, and he loves home evening. He likes to help others too. “Helping other people makes me happy,” he says. (See more images at link.)

Papua New Guinea

Friend March 2024 “Hello From Papua New Guinea”

Friend March 2024 “Following Jesus in Papua New Guinea”

Vanuatu

Friend May 2024 “Hello from Vanuatu!”

Friend May 2024 “Following Jesus in Vanuatu”


Lesson 38: Peace Among the Nephites

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image
Lesson 38: Peace among the Nephites

Preparation

  • Items needed: two large, clear plastic cups, string, a dowel rod or ruler, a clear glass of water, food coloring, a large clear glass bowl, pencils, a small scoop of dirt in a baggie, tape, tacky wax, chalk and eraser, one sheet of colored card stock, a black marker, and small bag of butter mints.
  • Measuring scale assembly instructions: Punch two holes beneath the top edge of each plastic cup (the holes should be evenly spaced and on opposites sides of the cup). Cut two 24 inch pieces of string. Stick one end of one of the strings through a hole on one of the cups, then stick the other end through the other hole. Tie the ends into knots. Do the same with the other cup and string. Cut another piece of string 40 inches long and tie the ends together so it forms a loop. Hang it around the center of the dowel rod and tape down the string on the dowel. Hang the top of the string loop on a door handle and make sure the dowel rod sits evenly. Make adjustments if needed. Loop each cup’s string over an end of the dowel rod and tape down the string on the dowel. The scale should sit evenly. Once again make adjustments if needed.
  • Print and cutout all the signs. Tape the end of the arrow to the center of the dowel rod so the arrow points up. Using tacky wax, attach all the small words to the cardstock in random order.
  • Print one crossword puzzle for each person in the class. Print and cut out some healthy food items and some junk food items (from clipartix). Print the scripture story pictures or display them on an electronic device.
  • Before class starts, hang the scale on a clip or tack at the top of the board. Attach the sign “Health” in-between the cups on the scale. Attach the smiley face to the left of the scale and the sad face to the right. Put the cup of water and the food colorings in the clear glass bowl to help protect against spillage.

Attention Activity

Show the children the scale. Explain that our physical bodies need the nutrients that are found in healthy food choices in order to sustain good health. Add pictures of healthy foods to the left cup, and the scale arrow will point to the smiley face which represents good health.

  • What happens if we decrease the amount of healthy foods we eat (take off the healthy foods) and increase our consumption of junk food like candy bars, chips, soda, (put these items in the right scale cup)? (Good health could decrease.)

Explain that just as our bodies need proper nourishment to be healthy and strong, our spirits also need proper nourishment to be healthy and strong. (Put the sign “Spiritual” above the health sign, and take off the junk food items from the scale.)

  • What does our spirit need in order to be healthy and strong? (Spiritual food such as scripture study, prayer, church attendance, etc.)

Scripture Story

(Show the children the story pictures as you tell the story.

  1. Explain that after Jesus departed from the Nephites, the disciples continued to teach the people, and within a few years all the people in the land were converted to the Lord.
  2. The people listened to the disciple’s teachings. They repented and were baptized, and they received the Holy Ghost. Their spirits were nourished. (Write the things they did to nourish their spirits on the healthy food pictures. Tape them on the left scale cup as you mention each item.)

Have the children look up 4 Nephi 1:12 to find out what other ways the people nourished their spirits. (Have the children write the items they find on the healthy food pictures and put them in the left cup.) (They kept the commandments, fasted, prayed, and they attended church to hear the word of God.)

Explain that when our spirits are strong and nourished we tend to make righteous choices, and making good choices helps our happiness levels increase. Explain that because the Nephites nourished their spirits and were committed to following Jesus’s teachings, their happiness level increased. According to 4 Nephi 1:16 there never was a happier people.

Activity

Show the children the cardstock with the words on it. Have them take off the words they associate with happiness and put them under the smiley face. Then hand out a crossword puzzle and a pencil to each child. Have the children take turns reading the clues and finding the word on the board that matches the clue. Put a check mark next to the word if it is the correct word. Have the children write the answer in the correct spot on their crossword puzzle. Explain that the clues and words tell us what the Nephites experienced as a result of living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(See the following answers for discussion ideas on some of the words.)

Activity Answers

Fairness/Every man did deal justly one with another.

Sharing/They had all things common among them. (There were no poor.)

  • What does it mean that the people had “all things common among them”? Each person gave the extra he produced (crops, flocks, etc), and this extra was used for those who were in need of help.

Healing/All manner of miracles did they work.  (Read 4 Nephi 1:5)  The miracles included healing the lame, the blind, the deaf, and raising the dead.)

Peace/There were no contentions, strifes, or tumults in the land.  (Meaning there was no fighting, arguing, riots, or war.)

Charity/The love of God … did dwell in the hearts of the people.

Goodwill/There were no envyings.  (There was no jealousy. There was only gladness that others were blessed.)

Honesty/There were no … lyings.

Safety/There were no robbers or murderers.

Virtue/There were no whoredoms nor any manner of lasciviousness (crude behavior). (The people were chaste and clean.)

Unity/ There were no divisions of race or class. (There was no manner of “ites.” The people were no longer divided into Nephites and Lamanites but were united.)

Help the children understand that each one of the clues in the crossword puzzle relates to how we treat people. Help them see that the most important key to happiness is how we treat others. When we live the gospel, we treat each other with love and kindness, and as a result we enjoy greater peace and happiness in our lives.

Scripture Story Continued

3) The people were blessed in all their doings because of their righteousness. They prospered and built cities. They were strong and multiplied. The people lived in peace for many years. After nearly 200 years, two generations had passed on, and the people had multiplied and had spread out over all the land.

4) Then sin slowly started creeping into the land again.

Object Lesson

Show the children the glass of water, and put one drop of blue food coloring into the water. Have the children watch it spread throughout the glass and observe how quickly one little drop spreads. Explain that if people allow themselves to be exposed to a little sin, it can quickly grow and spread if left unchecked. We need to be careful about what we allow into our thoughts and lives.

4) The people had become very rich because of their prosperity in Christ, and they began allowing pride to take a hold in their lives. (4 Nephi 1:23-24)  The people began to wear expensive clothing, jewelry, and other fine things of the world. From that time forth the people did not have their goods and their substance common among them. (4 Nephi 1:25)

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said this about pride: “At its core, pride is a sin of comparison, for though it usually begins with ‘Look how wonderful I am and what great things I have done,’ it always seems to end with ‘Therefore, I am better than you.’

The people began to focus on themselves instead of helping others. (Put the words “selfishness” and “poverty” on the right side of the board. Do the same for the italicized words as they are mentioned below.)

Have the children read 4 Nephi 1:26-27 & 29 to find the ways pride and sin began to spread. Put a different colored drop of food coloring in the water for every item mentioned. (The water should turn brown.)

  • They once again began to be divided into social classes. (Inequality)
  • They built many different churches to themselves (not to God). The churches were built up to help people get gain (Greed). They denied the true church of Christ.
  • These churches professed to know Christ but denied most parts of his gospel. (These people were no longer nourishing their spirits with the teachings of Christ and they were becoming spiritually weaker and weaker.) (Take out the items from the left side cup on the scale.)
  • The churches became open to all manner of wickedness. They allowed the wicked to participate in sacred ordinances.
  • One of the churches denied Christ and persecuted the members of the true church of Christ because of the members’ humility and belief in Christ. (Persecution) They despised them because of the many miracles which were wrought among them. (Hate) (Jealousy)

Point out that as the people let wickedness into their lives, it spread. Have the children observe the color of the water, and explain that instead of nourishing their spirits, they filled their lives with worthless, self-indulgent thoughts, and their choice became increasingly wicked. They were filling their lives with darkness and dirt. (Put the dirt in the cup on the right side of the scale.) The choices they made resulted in misery and unhappiness for many people.

5) Among the true church of Christ were three disciples that Jesus had given power to remain on the earth until his second coming. Before Jesus Christ departed, he had asked each of his twelve Nephite disciples what they desired of him. Nine requested to speedily return to him when their ministry on the earth was complete.

6) Three of the disciples asked to remain on the earth to bring souls unto Christ. Those three became translated beings who would not taste death.

7) Those who denied Christ began to try and exercise power and authority over the three disciples. They cast them into prison; but by the power of God which was in them, the prisons were broken and they came out. They also cast the disciples into fiery furnaces and into dens of wild beasts, and from each place they came out unharmed. (4 Nephi 1:30, 33)

  • Why didn’t the people repent, realize their mistake, and change their ways after seeing these mighty miracles of God? (Their hearts were set upon wickedness. They wanted to do all manner of iniquity.) (4 Nephi 1:34)

The people dwindled more and more in unbelief and wickedness from year to year. Point out that the people had been given the wonderful blessing of the gospel. Show the children the butter mints and explain that they represent gospel blessings. Give each child a couple of mints to eat. Point out how sweet and wonderful they are. Put two mints in the water near the side of the glass so they are visible to the class. Ask the children to watch what happens to them in the dirty water. (They will dwindle away and disappear.) Explain that the Nephite’s faith and blessings dwindled and wasted away as the people increased in wickedness.

8) Once again the people began to divide into different groups of “ites.” Those who did rebel against God were called Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmealites. They did teach their children that they should not believe. The children were taught to hate the children of God, just as the Lamanites had taught their children to hate the Nephites. The wicked grew in numbers and became more numerous than the people of God. The more wicked part of the people began again to build up the secret oaths and combinations of Gadianton. The robbers of Gadianton spread over all the land. (4 Nephi 1:34-39) (Add “Theft” and “Murder” to the right side of the board.)

9) Eventually, even those who were called the people of Nephi began to be proud in their hearts because of their exceeding riches, and they become vain like unto their brethren the Lamanites. (4 Nephi 1:43) After three hundred years had passed from the time of Christ, both the Nephites and the Lamanites had become exceedingly wicked.

Conclusion

Explain that just as our bodies feel miserable and sick when we are unwell, we can experience misery and unhappiness in our lives when our spirits are not strong and healthy because we tend to make choices that lead to unhappiness. In the next lesson we will learn about the increasingly terrible and sorrowful things that occurred among the Nephites because of the poor choices they made as a result of allowing wickedness into their lives. (Put the words “War” and “Destruction” on the right side of the board.)

Point out the lists under happiness and unhappiness and ask the children which they would prefer. Remind the children that if they desire to live lives filled with the blessings of happiness and peace, they must strive to follow the Savior and his teachings. Remind the children that the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us how to make good choices that lead to happiness.

Weekly Reading Assignment

Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: 3 Nephi 28:1-9 &  4 Nephi 1:1-18, 2346

 

 

 


7th Article of Faith

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“We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.”

Friend June 2021 “Matt and Mandy” In FHE the family discusses the seventh article of faith about gifts of the spirit.

Friend July 1987

Friend July 1987

Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “7th Article of Faith: Spiritual Gifts” Match each picture to its spiritual gift.

Friend June 2015

Memorization Tip: Article of Faith 7 is about gifts of the Spirit. Seven and Spiritboth begin with s!

Articles of Faith in Action: When I was seven, I was sick with a fever for a few days. I prayed about what to do. A warm feeling came to me, and the Holy Ghost told me to ask for a blessing. I asked my dad for a blessing. He called our home teacher to come help. When my dad gave the blessing, I felt the Spirit. At the end of the day, I felt much better. Faith M., age 11, Minnesota, USA


Praise to the Man: Verse One

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Praise to the Man  – Verse One
Preparation
  • Print the pictures, and the word pages. Cut each picture page in half lengthwise so one picture is on each half. Put each of the word pages in a page protector. (Optional: cover each word page with a colored paper, and tape the top edges so the colored paper can be flipped up to show the clue.)
  • Items needed: a large picture of Joseph Smith, a dry erase pen or strips of paper, a digital copy of the song “Praise to the Man” (or a CD player and a CD of “Praise to the Man.” The CD hymns with words can be found at most meetinghouse libraries. If a CD is not available, the song can be downloaded from www.lds.org onto a laptop. A microphone can be put next to the laptop speaker so the children can hear the song. Another idea would be to have the adults in the room sing the song.)

Presentation
Explain to the children they are going to learn a new song, and they are going to do two activities to help them remember it. The first activity is to try and guess who the song is about. (Post the pictures on the board and explain that the song is about one of these people. Also post the first seven word pages on the board, in order, but turned over or covered with another sheet of paper.) Explain that the covered pages are lines in the song, and they are clues to who the song is about. One person on the board will be eliminated as each clue is read. (Some of the children may guess the name before the clues are finished, but tell them not to say it out loud.)

The second activity they are going to do is find the correct word in each line. Explain that there will be two orange words on each song page. One of the words is the correct word that is in the song, and the other is a synonym and means the same thing as the correct word. They are going to listen to the song on CD and see if they can figure out which is the correct word.

To begin teaching the verse, turn over the first song page on the board, and explain to the children that the first line in the song is the name of the song – “Praise to the Man.” Point out that this line doesn’t have any orange words in it, but it is a clue. Have a volunteer take off one of the pictures on the board that doesn’t match with this clue. (Emma Smith, because she is not a man.)

Turn over the second song page on the board – “who talked/communed with Jehovah.”

• Who is Jehovah? (Jesus) Which of the people on the board did not talk to or communicate personally with Jesus. (Benjamin Franklin) (Note: We don’t know if President Monson has talked directly with the Savior, but we do know that as His spokesman on the earth, President Monson has received direction from the Savior through revelation. The picture of President Monson is included because he is needed for a clue further on in the song.) (Lorenzo Snow saw and talked with the Savior Jesus Christ in the Salt Lake Temple – see Friend/August 1993)

Once the children have taken off one of the pictures, have them listen to the CD and see which of the orange words is correct. (Whenever they listen to the CD, start it from the beginning. Have the children sing along until they get to the clue they are working on, and then they should just listen.) Have a volunteer cover up the incorrect word with strips of paper or cross it out with a dry erase pen.

Turn over the third song page on the board – “Jesus anointed/appointed that prophet and seer.” Explain that the clue for this line is the words “prophet and seer.”

  • Which person on the board is not considered to be a prophet and seer? (Joseph had a very special role as Jesus’ guardian, but as far as we know he was not considered to be a prophet and seer.)

After the children guess the clue, have them listen to the CD to find out which of the orange words are correct. After they figure out which is correct, explain that one definition of anointing is- a sacred ceremony or process of appointing someone to a position of great responsibility, usually using consecrated oil. (For example, in the scriptures, kings and priests were anointed to their office in ancient times by prophets.)

Explain to the children that the next line in the verse needs to be skipped for now because it would give away who the song is about. Turn over the line that comes after the skipped line – “Kings shall praise/extol him and nations admire/revere.

• Which of these prophets is not well enough known for kings to praise and nations to admire?” (The choice would be either the Brother of Jared or Lorenzo Snow. Have them take off Lorenzo Snow.)
After the children remove a picture, have them listen to the CD for the correct words in the line. (Try to start the CD at this point instead of at the beginning.)

Turn over the next song page on the board – “Hail/salute to the prophet ascended /risen to heaven”.

• What does ascended or risen to heaven mean? It means that the person is no longer living and is in heaven. Which prophet is still living in mortal life? (President Monson) (Note: Moses might be a confusing one for this category because he is not dead but was taken up to heaven in a translated state.)

Turn over the next song page on the board – “Traitors and tyrants/oppressors now fight him in vain/unsuccess.”

• Which prophet did not have traitors and tyrants fighting against him, that we know of? (The Brother of Jared)

After the children remove a picture, have them listen to the CD for the correct words in the line. After they have crossed out the incorrect word, go back to the song line that was skipped, and turn it over -“Blessed to open the last dispensation/gospel period“.

• Dispensation is a period were the gospel is renewed upon the earth. Which prophet opened the last dispensation? (Joseph Smith) Remove the picture of Moses and replace the small picture of Joseph Smith with the large picture. Point out that the children have discovered who the song is about.

Have the children listen to the CD for the correct words in the line. Start the CD from the beginning and remind them to sing all lines, except for the current clue.

Put the last two lines on the board one at time starting with – “Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren.”

• Do you think Joseph Smith is still serving in heaven trying to help us, his brothers and sisters?

Turn over “Death cannot conquer/overcome the hero again.”

• How is Joseph Smith a hero? (See D&C 135:3) He gave his all, including his life, in service to God and his fellow man.

  • Can death overcome him again after he is resurrected?  No, he will never die again.

Play the CD all the way through, and have the children sing the song until they come to the last line, then they should listen for the correct word.

 

Note: If you have already taught this verse, this activity can be used as a review. This was a hard song to prepare and teach. If you find any problems with the presentation, please let me know.


Lesson 16 – Anguish in Ammonihah

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Lesson 16
Anguish in Ammonihah

Preparation
• Items needed: a piece of rope, a basket, string, and a blindfold.
•Print the visual aids and make scrolls out of them by doing the following: Cut off the word strips at the bottom of each numbered scroll section. If there is more than one page to a scroll section, glue the pages together to form a vertical line of pictures. (Thick, tacky glue works best.) Glue each  word strip to the back of the scroll on the bottom of the section it goes with (see picture). Wait until the glue is completely dry, then roll each scroll into a tube.  Roll from the bottom up so the headline will be the the first thing showing when it is unrolled. Tie each scroll with a piece of string. Number the outside of each scroll so they will be read in the correct order. Put the rolled up scrolls into a basket. (Note: The visual aids are from chapter twenty-two of Book of Mormon Stories.)

Attention Activity
Blindfold a volunteer and place the child in the center of the room. Ask the child how they would feel if you asked them to fall backward and trust that one of the other children would catch them. The child will probably respond with trepidation. They will probably also feel relief when you explain that it won’t be required of them. Have the child take off the blindfold and sit down.

Ask the children who they would pick from among their friends and family to catch them if they had do the activity. Ask them why they would pick that person. Most likely it will be because they know that person cares about what happens to them and is strong enough to catch them.

Explain to the children that having faith and trust in someone is very important, and that today’s lesson is about having faith in Jesus Christ. To have faith in Jesus Christ means that we know he loves us and that he knows what is best for us. Because we know these things, we follow what he asks us to do. We also know that he has the strength and power to help us to rise above the challenges and difficulties we face each day.

Remind the children of last week’s lesson about Alma and Amulek teaching the people of Ammonihah. Alma and Amulek had faith and trust in Jesus Christ. They did as he asked even though it was a difficult. In today’s lesson we learn the results of those teachings. Many good and miraculous things occurred, but also many terrible and tragic things.

Scripture Story
Tell the children they are going to hear the news of what happened to Alma and Amulek in a way that people in that day may have learned news.

Show the children the scrolls. Tell the children that each scroll has a headline, such as a newspaper from our day would have. Newspaper headlines tell the most important news of the day.

Have the children take turns reading the scrolls in numerical order. Direct them to unroll the scroll and first show and read the headline to the class. Then unroll to the first picture and read the word strip on the back. Continue in this manner until each picture is shown and each wordstrip has been read. After a child reads a scroll, ask any bulleted questions found under that scrolls headlines below.

1) ALMA THE HIGH PRIEST ACCUSED UNJUSTLY OF CRIMES

2) CITIZENS THROWN OUT OF AMMONIHAH

3) PEOPLE BURNED ALIVE IN AMMONIHAH

• Amulek had prophesied earlier that the only thing protecting the people of Ammonihah from being destroyed was the righteous people in the city. What would happen to the wicked people of Ammonihah if they cast out and killed all those who believed in the word of God? They would be destroyed.

4) HIGH PRIEST FORCED TO WATCH PEOPLE BURN

• Why didn’t the Lord allow Alma to exercise the power of the priesthood and deliver the faithful women and children? (See Alma 60:13) The Lord allows people to do wicked things so that the judgments he will exercise upon them will be just. The blood of their victims would stand as a witness against them.

• What happens to righteous people who die in defense of the truth? (See Alma 14:11) The Lord receives them to himself in glory.

5) HIGH PRIEST THROWN INTO PRISON AND TORTURED

• Is it necessary to answer every person who mocks you and your beliefs? Why not? Some people’s hearts are so hard it would not make a difference what you said in reponse; they would continue to belittle and mock those things which are sacred.

• What helped Alma and Amulek have the courage to endure the threats and suffering perpetrated by those who sought to destroy them? They trusted the Lord. They had faith in him and in his plans and purposes.

6) LEADERS IN AMMONIHAH FLEE IN FEAR AFTER PRISONERS BREAK THEIR BONDS

• Have two children try to break the rope you brought. It should not be possible. Ask why Alma and Amulek could break the cords that bound them.

• Why did the chief priest and other leaders flee in fear when Alma and Amulek broke their bindings? They knew in their hearts that what they were doing was wrong. They were probably afraid, and rightfully so, that the power and judgments of God were about to come upon them.

7) PRISON IN AMMONIHAH COLLAPSES – KILLS ALL EXCEPT HIGH PRIEST AND COMPANION

• Why were the people of Ammonihah afraid? They may have been afraid that the power and judgments of God were about to come upon them.

• Why were Alma and Amulek’s lives preserved? (See Alma 14:13) They still had a work to do.

8) MIRACULOUS HEALING IN SIDOM

• What could Alma and Amulek have told the people to comfort them in this time of sorrow? They could have told them about the revelation: that the Lord had received their wives and children to himself in glory.

• Have you ever known someone who was so worried about something that they became physically ill? Our emotional state can affect our health.

  • What made it possible for Zeezrom to be healed? His faith in Jesus Christ.

9) AMMONIHAH DESTROYED BY LAMANITES – ALL DEAD

• What did Alma prophesy would happen to the people of Ammonihah if they did not repent? (See Alma 9:18) That they would be destroyed by the Lamanites.

10) NEW CONVERTS FORSAKE RICHES, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY

• Many times new converts have to endure numerous difficulties. Friends and family may not agree with the person’s choice and may disown and reject them. The converts usually also have to make many lifestyle changes. How do new converts have the strength to sacrifice so much? Because they have faith and trust in the Lord.

Conclusion
• How can we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ? To help answer this question remind the children of the blindfold object lesson that was done at the beginning of class. Also remind them of the person they would trust enough to catch them, and remind them of the reasons they trust that person – because that person cares about them, and that person is strong enough to catch them.

• Ask how they have come to know that the person they chose cares about them. Responses might include the following: the person helps them, the person shows love for them by doing caring things for them, and the person tells them that they love and care for them.

• How can we gain faith and trust in Jesus? Explain to the children that as we get to know Jesus through reading the scriptures, we will learn about all the things he has done for us and we will know that he loves and cares for us and wants what is best for us. We will also learn through the scriptures that Jesus is the son of God, and that He has the strength and power to lift us up when we fall.

Weekly Reading Assignment

Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: Alma 14:1-29, Alma 15:1-12, Alma16:1-3 and Alma 16:9-11


Praise to the Man – Verse Three

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Praise to the Man – Verse Three

Preparation

  • Print the word pages and the pictures. Cut out the pictures. Cut out the word strips if you are doing the drawing activity. Fold up each word strip. Put the word pages into page protectors.
  • Items needed: magnets, chalk and eraser, tape, paper, and pencils or crayons.

 

Presentation (I’ve included two teaching ideas for this verse, and they can be used together or individually.)

Explain to the children they are going to learn another verse of “Praise to the Man”, and it is about Joseph Smith’s rewards in heaven for his faithful service.

Post each word page on the board as you read them to the children. Explain that the chorus is sung after those four lines.

First teaching idea to help introduce and get the children thinking about the verse:

Give each child a paper and pencil, and explain that they are going to create visual aids for the verse. Give each class one of the folded up word strips that contain the lines from the verse. (If you have more than four classes you may need to divide the children into four groups.) Have each child in the group draw a picture of the line they’ve been given. Explain that they need to keep it secret from the other groups which line they are drawing.

When the children are finished drawing, have a random group come to the front and hold up their drawings so everyone can see them. Have the other primary children try to guess which line the class drew. Have the children vote for which line the pictures go with by raising their hands. Circle the one on the board with the most votes. Have the class reveal which line they drew by putting their pictures under the correct line (using magnets or tape). When only two classes are left, have both classes come up and show their pictures. Have the rest of the children vote on which line each group’s pictures go with.

In junior primary, if you are short on time, you can use the pictures that senior primary drew for this activity (if you are on the senior first schedule). Have junior vote for which line each group of pictures goes with. Choose a helper who can read, and give the helper the folded up matching line that goes with the class’s pictures. After the children vote, have the helper reveal which is the correct line by putting the pictures under the correct line.

Sing the verse. You may need to review one line at a time with junior primary, and then sing only that line before reviewing the next line.

Memorizing Activity
Explain that they are now going to memorize the verse. Cover up the words on the first page with the pictures that match each word. Discuss and explain those words if needed. Sing the verse. Continue in this manner until each page is covered with the pictures. Remove the word pages from the page protectors and see if the children can sing the song without the words.

Great – (large great) Great means large amount or wonderful.
Glory – (sun) Glory means the grandeur and blessings of heaven. Joseph Smith will inherit the highest degree of glory, the Celestial Kingdom, which is compared to the glory of the sun.
Endless – (arrow circle) Explain that the circle picture is used to represent the word “endless” because there is no end to a circle.
Priesthood – (Joseph receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood) Power and authority from God.
Ever and ever – (two rings)  Explain that ever and ever means forever, and the picture of the rings is used to represent forever because rings have no end. The two rings are also meant to help them remember to say the word “ever” twice.
Keys – (keys) Keys are the directive and governing powers held by presiding priesthood holders.

Hold – (hand holding a key)

Faithful – (Yellowstone’s Old Faithful) Explain that Old Faithful  is a geyser at Yellowstone National Park, and it got its name because its eruptions are regular and reliable, unlike other geysers in the park whose eruptions are unpredictable. Explain that Joseph Smith was also reliable. He could always be depended on to do what the Lord wanted him to do. He did the Lord’s bidding because he trusted and had faith in the Lord.
True – (blue diamond) Explain that real diamonds have great value and are hard rock-solid. Joseph was also solid; he was committed, and faithful to God. His beliefs were real and genuine, and his actions were always true to those beliefs. (The children can also try to remember the word “true” by thinking of true blue.)

Enter – (open door)
Kingdom – (castle)  Explain that the castle picture is used to depict the word “kingdom” because a castle is part of a king’s kingdom.
Crowned –  (crowns)  The word “crowned” means to confer royal status upon someone. (All those who are righteous, obedient, and faithful become heirs of God.)
Midst – (blue circle with the yellow middle) Explain that in the midst means in the middle of, or surrounded by.

Prophets of Old – (picture of prophets) Joseph, along with the prophets of old, will enter into the celestial kingdom, become heirs of God, and be crowned with glory because of their righteousness and faithful  service.

 


Lesson 9: Enos Prays

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Lesson 9
Enos Prays

Preparation

• Items needed: removable double-sided tape, two cell phones (or two pretend phones), several sheets of paper, pencils, and an eight inch piece of ribbon and a small Ziploc baggie for each child.
• Print and cut out the Scripture Story pdf Visual Aids or word. Also print and cut out the game items pdf or word; print one copy of the game questions and large phone and one copy per every two children of the small cell phone and game answers.  Put a piece of removable double-sided tape on the screen area of each cell phone. Put a small phone and one set of answers in each Ziploc baggie.

Attention Activity

Ask for a volunteer. Hand the volunteer one of the cell phones. Tell them to answer the phone when it rings. Call them using your cell phone. Greet them by name and then say, “I have a problem with my sister. She uses my stuff and doesn’t return it. It makes me very upset. What should I do about it?” Hang up before they can answer, or say, “Oh, I got to go, bye.”

• Did it do any good to ask the person for help and advice? Why not? Because time was not taken to listen for an answer. Do we sometimes do that: ask Heavenly Father for help with a problem but then don’t listen for the answer?

In today’s lesson we are going to learn about someone who prayed fervently and then took the time to listen for answers.

Ask the children if they remember which prophet they learned about in last week’s lesson. Give hints if needed. After they have recalled Jacob’s name, tell them that the prophet Jacob had a son named Enos. Jacob grew old and saw he would soon die, so he passed the spiritual and historical records of the people to his son Enos.

Have the children turn to the “Book of Enos.” Tell the children that the “Book of Enos” is only one chapter long, but it teaches important lessons about prayer.

Using the scripture story visual aids, tell the following story. Direct the children to listen for three things that Enos prayed for.

Scripture Story
One day as Enos was hunting in the forest, he recalled the words his father had spoken about the joy of eternal life. Enos wanted to be forgiven of his sins so he could be worthy to receive the blessings of eternal life, so he knelt down, prayed, and asked for forgiveness. He prayed all day, and he was still praying when it became night.

• How long did Enos pray? Ask the children what things they do in a normal day. Explain that Enos would have been praying during the time they normally spend going to school, attending classes, and eating lunch. He still would have been praying during the time they come home from school, eat dinner, and get ready for bed.

After praying all day and into the night, a voice came to Enos saying, “Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.” Enos knew God could not lie, so his guilt was washed away. He asked the Lord how it was done. The Lord told him it was because of his faith in Christ.

• Why is faith in Jesus Christ necessary for forgiveness of sins? Jesus suffered and paid the price for our sins to make it possible for us to be forgiven. If we have faith in Christ and his atonement, we will believe we can be forgiven, and then we will do the things that are necessary to be forgiven, such as repent.

After Enos’s sins were forgiven, he was concerned for the welfare of the other Nephites, and he prayed for them. (Post picture of the Nephites.) The Lord told Enos they would be blessed if they kept the commandments, but if they disobeyed, their sins would bring sorrow upon them.

• Why did Enos pray for the Nephites? He was concerned about them and their eternal spiritual welfare. The Nephites constantly had to be reminded to keep the commandments. Enos preached the word of God to them throughout his whole life.

After Enos prayed for the Nephites, he began to pray diligently for the Lamanites. (Post picture of the Lamanites.) The Lamanites had become a wild, ferocious, bloodthirsty people full of idolatry and filthiness. They lived in tents and fed on wild beasts, and many ate nothing but raw meat. They wandered around the wilderness with their heads shaven, wearing nothing but a short girdle made out of skins. They would not listen when the Nephites tried to teach them the gospel.

The Lamanites were constantly seeking to destroy the Nephites, and they swore to destroy the Nephite records and traditions. Enos prayed that if the Nephites were someday destroyed, the Lord would preserve a record of the Nephites and at some future date bring forth the record so the Lamanites might perhaps be brought to salvation.

• Why do you think Enos prayed for the Lamanites when they were the Nephites’ enemies? He had a great love for all of Heavenly Father’s children. He was sad about the choices the Lamanites were making and the consequences they would suffer. He wanted to help them change their ways, if not now then someday.

• What could we pray for in behalf of someone who has not been kind to us?

The Lord told Enos he would grant his desire; a record would be preserved. The Lord also said that other ancestors of Enos had prayed for the same thing.

• What is the Nephite record called that was preserved and brought forth in the latter days to help bring the Lamanites to God? The Book of Mormon

Discussion
• When Enos prayed, how do we know he took the time to listen for answers? He prayed all day and into the night asking the Lord to forgive him of his sins.

We don’t have to pray all day like Enos, but we should take the time in each prayer to ponder and think about our problems and to listen for help and counsel.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “The trouble with most prayers is that we give them as if we were picking up the phone and ordering something. We place our order and then hang up.”

• What happens when we ask for guidance and help concerning a problem but then don’t take time to listen for the answer? We might miss out on the help and guidance Heavenly Father would like to share with us.

Ask the children to name some difficulties kids their age have to face. Possible answers might include problems with family, friends, schoolwork, health, etc. Explain that the Lord wants to help them with these challenges, but they need to ask for His help and then listen for His response.

• In what ways might answers come? Ideas and solutions might come into their mind as they think about the problem. Or if they have asked a specific yes or no question about their problem, they might have a peaceful or an uneasy feeling according to what the answer is.

• Enos said he cried in mighty prayer and supplication to the Lord. How can we make our prayers more sincere and deeply felt so we are not just repetitiously repeating the same words? One possible answer might be to think about our specific problems and blessings before saying our prayers.

Activity
Give each child a piece of paper and a pencil. Instruct them to fold the piece of paper like a fan and then fold the fan in half. On the inside of the folds on the left side of the paper, have the children write specific things that Heavenly Father has blessed them with. On the inside folds on the right side of the paper, direct them to write specific things they might need help with. After they are done, instruct them fold it into a fan again. Have them tie a ribbon around the middle part of the fan. (If they desire to keep their lists private, they can fold the fan down into thirds until it is a small block of paper. They can use the ribbon that is in the middle of the fan to tie up the block.) Tell the children to put the fan on their pillow and open it when they say their prayers. Explain that it will help remind them of the things they need to thank Heavenly Father for, and it will also remind them of the problems and concerns they need help with.

Explain to the children that their blessings and needs will change as their life changes, but if they will always take a few moments to think of specific things that are going on in their life before they pray, their prayers will be more sincere and heartfelt.

Review Game

Pass out the baggies you have prepared (one per every two children). Explain that the class is going to play a review game. Show the children the large cell phone. Tell the children that you are going to place a question on the large cell phone screen. They can find the answer to the question in their baggie and then place the answer on their small cell phone screen. After everyone shows you their response, you will let them know how many phones have the correct answer on them. If they don’t all have the correct answer, they can look at each other’s phone and decide which ones are correct and then try again. When everyone has the correct answer, replace the question on the large cell phone with another question. Continue in this manner until all the questions have been answered.

Weekly Reading Assignment

Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: The Book of Enos