Tag Archives: teaching children
Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35
Posted onTable of Contents
There was a war in heaven.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” Before the world was created, Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior. Isaiah 14:12–14 describes the pride that Satan showed in the premortal Council in Heaven.
- Use “Introduction: Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” (in New Testament Stories, 1–3) or the song “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 4) to tell the children about the War in Heaven before we were born. (As you do, include phrases from Isaiah 14:12–14 that describe Satan.) Then invite the children to take turns telling the story back to you. Emphasize that Jesus Christ followed Heavenly Father’s plan and became our Savior.
New Testament Stories “Introduction to Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” Images and video
- On the board, draw a heart with the word Satan and a sad face inside it. Explain that Satan said in his heart, “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God” (Isaiah 14:13), which means that he wanted to be better than Heavenly Father. Invite a child to draw another heart, this one with the word Jesus and a happy face inside it. Help the children understand that Jesus wanted to do what Heavenly Father asked Him to do (see Moses 4:1–2). How can we follow Jesus’s example?
Jesus Christ was resurrected.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” Jesus Christ can comfort the sorrow we feel about death. Because He gained victory over death, we will all be resurrected too.
- Show a picture of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and ask the children to share what they know about the picture. If needed, share with them the story of Jesus being resurrected (see “Jesus Is Risen,” in New Testament Stories, 139–44). Play or sing a song about the Resurrection, such as “Jesus Has Risen” (Children’s Songbook, 70), and invite the children to share how it makes them feel to know that Jesus rose from the dead.
New Testament Stories “Jesus is Risen” Images and video
- Tell the children about someone you know who has died. How do we feel when someone we love dies? Invite the children to draw a face of someone crying. Then read Isaiah 25:8 to them. What will Jesus do to our tears when we miss someone who has died? Invite the children to draw a happy face. Bear your testimony that because Jesus Christ was resurrected, we can feel comforted when someone dies and know that we will all be resurrected one day.
Friend December 2020 “A Christmas Song for Grandpa” Jennifer’s grandfather passed away on the day she is supposed to sing a solo at the Christmas community program. She is heartbroken but remembers that because of Jesus she will see her grandfather again. She decides to sing about Jesus at the program so she can share the light and hope Jesus gives.
Latter Day Kids “Death and Resurrection”
For additional teaching resources see also Jesus Christ: Death & Resurrection
Apostasy means turning away from the Lord and His prophets.
Isaiah 24:3–5; 29:7–10; 30:8–14
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” Reading Isaiah’s warnings about the dangers of apostasy can help the children resolve to stay true to the Lord and follow His prophets.
- Write the word apostasy on the board. Invite the children to find a definition in “Apostasy” in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to read Isaiah 24:5; 30:9–11 and make a list of things people were doing in Isaiah’s time that led them to apostasy. Then invite the children to change the items in the list to things we can do to stay true to the Lord.
- Divide the class into pairs, and assign each pair to read one of the following passages: Isaiah 24:3–5; Isaiah 29:7–10; or Isaiah 30:8–14. Invite them to draw pictures that represent what they read. As they share their drawings, help them discuss what Isaiah’s words teach about why we should stay true to the Lord.
When individuals or groups of people turn away from the principles of the gospel, they are in a state of apostasy.
To warn about the consequences of turning away from the Lord and rejecting His prophets, Isaiah used a variety of metaphors. These include an empty earth (Isaiah 24:1–12), drunkenness (Isaiah 28:7–8), hunger and thirst (Isaiah 29:7–10), and a broken wall or vessel (Isaiah 30:8–14). Based on what you read in these verses, why is it important to keep our covenants? Consider what you are doing to stay true to the Lord and His servants. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35”)
The Great Apostasy “News with the Naylors” Lesson ideas
Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Introduction: Before the Doctrine and Covenants” Story, images and video. The last part is about the apostasy and restoration
The Lord restored His Church through Joseph Smith.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” The Restoration of the gospel is “a marvellous work and a wonder” (Isaiah 29:14). Share with the children some of the marvelous things the Lord did—and continues to do—to restore His gospel in our day.
- Invite the children to tell you what they know about Joseph Smith. If needed, share with them “Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 9–12). Read Isaiah 29:12, and explain that even though Joseph Smith was not considered “learned” by many people, Jesus Christ restored the gospel through him.
Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”
Friend April 2020 “Jesus Christ’s Church” A father explains to his young daughter what restoration means.
- Read Isaiah 29:14 to the children, and share with them other words that mean the same thing as “marvellous” and “wonder.”
Marvellous
- causing great wonder; extraordinary.
- extremely good or pleasing; splendid.”
Wonder
- feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.
- Display items that represent some of the Lord’s marvelous works during the latter days, such as a picture of the First Vision or of Joseph Smith receiving the priesthood (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 90, 93, 94) or a copy of the Book of Mormon. Invite the children to choose an item and share why it is marvelous to them.
Friend April 2018 “What the Restoration Means to Me”
The Restoration of the gospel is a “marvellous work.”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” How can you help the children understand that they are part of the Lord’s “marvellous work” (Isaiah 29:14) of the latter days?
- Show pictures of some of the marvelous events that happened as the gospel was restored (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 90–95, or this week’s activity page). Read together Isaiah 29:14, 18, 24, and invite the children to find words and phrases that relate to the events in the pictures. Ask the children how they can help with the Lord’s “marvellous work” (verse 14).
Friend April 2020 “Helping with the Restoration” In 1820, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. The Restoration of the gospel began that day 200 years ago. It continues today! Here are four ways you can help with the Restoration and prepare for the time when Jesus will return:
- Share a brief experience to help the children understand what restoration means. For example, talk about something that was lost and how you found it. Help the children compare this to the Restoration of the gospel. According to Isaiah 29:13–15, why do we need the Restoration? What marvelous works did the Lord do to restore His gospel?
Friend May 2007 “Restoration” Whitney’s mother wants to restore her grandmother’s old armoire because it reminds her of her grandmother. Whitney suggests they could paint it white and add fancy handles. But her mother says, “No, I want to restore it. Restore means to bring something back to the way it was originally. I want it to look just the way it did when my grandmother used it.” (Activity: Cut out the puzzle pieces and put them together to form a picture. When you have all of the pieces in the right places, the picture will be “restored”!
Friend May 2011 “The Church of Jesus Christ Has Been Restored” Hidden in the picture of Joseph in the Sacred Grove are items related to the restoration of the Church.
- Gold plates (the word of the Lord)
- Kirtland Temple (temple work)
- Sacrament tray (remembering Jesus Christ)
- Missionary name tag (missionary work)
- Baptismal font (covenanting with the Lord)
- Keys (the priesthood)
- Dove (the Holy Ghost)
Isaiah’s teachings point me to Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” Isaiah’s teachings can point the children you teach to the Savior and help them remember the things He has done for them.
Friend September 2022 “Isaiah Teaches about Jesus Christ”
- Write the following scripture references on separate pieces of paper: Isaiah 14:3; Isaiah 25:8; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 11:28–30; 1 Corinthians 15:53–57; Helaman 5:12. Give the papers to the children, and invite them to write on the papers the truths they learn from the verses and work together to match the verses that teach similar truths. According to these verses, what great things has the Lord done for us?
- Ask the children to choose a phrase from Isaiah 14:3; 25:8; or 28:16 that reminds them of Jesus Christ. Invite them to write the phrase on a piece of paper and draw a picture of the Savior that they can display in their homes.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35”
Has your family ever experienced the blessing of a safe shelter during a storm or of shade on a hot summer day? (see verse 4). Talk about this as you read these verses and other descriptions of the Lord found in Isaiah 25:4–9. How is the Lord like these things?
Showing pictures of the Savior in Gethsemane, on the cross, and after His Resurrection can help your family see connections between these verses and Jesus Christ (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 56, 57, 58, 59). Invite your family to share why they “rejoice in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9).
Friend September 2022 “Scripture Match-up”
Additional Resources
The Red Crystal “Sept. 12-18, Isaiah 13-14”
Isaiah 1–12
Posted onIsaiah CHAPTER 1 The people of Israel are apostate, rebellious, and corrupt; only a few remain faithful—The people’s sacrifices and feasts are rejected—They are called upon to repent and work righteousness—Zion will be redeemed in the day of restoration.
Who Is Isaiah?
Friend March 2024 “Who is Isaiah”
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 Engraving on metal plates is not easy, and space on Nephi’s small plates was limited. So why would Nephi go to the tedious effort of copying a large amount of Isaiah’s writings into his record? In an article in the Ensign September 1998, it explains that Nephi’s own commentary on Isaiah begins in 1 Nephi 19, where he tells us that in order to “more fully persuade them [Nephi’s people] to believe in the Lord their Redeemer” he would turn particularly to the prophet Isaiah (see 1 Ne. 19:23).
Friend December 2008 “Isaiah’s Prophecies” Prophecies from an Old Testament prophet regarding the life and second coming of the Savior.
Friend August 1994 “Isaiah and the Time Machine” Anthony was having a hard time following along during his family’s Book of Mormon study time. They were reading the words of Isaiah in 2 Nephi, and he didn’t understand them. Anthony loved playing in his pretend time machine and his father decided to help the children understand Isaiah by using the time machine. (Excellent story!)
Liahona February 2020 “Who Was Isaiah?”
Liahona March 2012 “How Can I Understand the Words of Isaiah?” Article includes the following: know Isaiah’s main topics, the reasons for studying Isaiah, the events of Isaiah’s days that he used symbolically, helpful hints to understanding his words, etc.
Friend November 1994 “Isaiah” Isaiah prophesied of many things that would happen in his day and in the future. This article includes an explanation of Isaiah’s most quoted prophecies.
Because of Jesus Christ, I can repent and be clean.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 1–12” Isaiah lived in a time when many of his people had turned away from the Lord. But the Lord promised them that their sins could be forgiven if they repented. He makes this promise to us as well.
- Ask the children to read Isaiah 1:2–4 and talk about some of the reasons the Lord was not happy with the people of Judah. Then read Isaiah 1:16–19 together to learn what the Lord invited the people to do. As needed, help the children understand difficult words and phrases. To help them visualize verse 18, display something bright red and something pure white. What do we learn about Jesus Christ’s mercy from these verses? Invite the children to share how they feel about Jesus Christ’s gift of forgiveness, and share your feelings as well.
Friend February 1996 “Matt and Mandy”
Or you could demonstrate how stains can be removed from clothing. How is the Lord’s message in these verses different from what Satan wants us to believe?
See also: New Era February 2016 “Scarlet, Crimson, Snow, and Wool”
- Help the children memorize Isaiah 1:18. Write the verse on the board, and invite the children to recite it several times, erasing one word each time until they can recite it from memory. You could also use paper strips with words from the verse written on them. Why is it important to always remember what this verse teaches? Discuss how being baptized and partaking of the sacrament make this promise available to us.
Have a child cover the words below with paper strips after each time the class repeats the scripture.
In the temple we learn about Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 1–12” Isaiah foresaw a time when the temple, “the mountain of the Lord’s house,” would attract people from “all nations.” You can use this prophecy to help the children look forward to the time when they can go to the temple.
- Ask the children to draw a picture of their home. Then read together Isaiah 2:2, and invite them to draw a picture of “the Lord’s house,” which is a temple. Read verse 3 together, and invite them to add to their pictures many people coming to the temple, including their families. Why do we want to go to the Lord’s house? Share your testimony of the blessings that come as we learn about the Lord in His house.
Friend September 2019 “Funstuff: Temples in Our Day” Pioneers worked very hard to build temples. In fact, the Salt Lake Temple took 40 years of hard work and sacrifice to finish. Try drawing this holy temple using the letter A!
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.
Friend July 2020 “Bright Idea” I can follow Jesus Christ in small and simple ways.
Friend August 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus Christ”
- “The Temple—I’m going There Someday” (August 2009 Liahona and Friend)
Draw word strips and move game pieces until everyone reaches the temple.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020
- Let a child hold a picture of a temple, and ask the children to talk about what they see in the picture. Ask them what they like about the temple. Read together Isaiah 2:2–3 and have them listen for more reasons why we can love the temple. Tell the children why you love the temple.
- Sing with the children a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). Help them find words and phrases in the song that teach what the temple is and what we do there.
- Draw a path on the board, and place a picture of the temple or the Savior at one end (see Personal Development: Children’s Guidebook, 2–3). Let the children take turns drawing themselves walking on the path. As they do, invite them to repeat this phrase from Isaiah 2:3: “We will walk in his paths.” What can we do to walk in the Lord’s paths?
Friend October 2021 “Our Strong Foundation”
Friend November 2019 “Being an Example” Activity Included: Draw a line to match the pictures of Jesus with ways you can be kind too.
Friend July 2020 “Bright Idea” I can follow Jesus Christ in small and simple ways.
Friend March 2018 “Family Night Fun” Each person makes a pair of sandals and then writes on their shoes one way they want to follow Jesus.
Family members could pick one of these verses and draw what it describes. What does the temple teach us about the Lord’s ways? How are we blessed as we “walk in the light of the Lord”? (Isaiah 2:5). (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 1-12”)
In the temple we learn about Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 1–12” Isaiah’s prophecy about “the mountain of the Lord’s house” reveals some of the blessings that come from worshipping in the temple, along with other blessings to come in the last days. Ponder how you will inspire the children to seek these blessings.
- Ask the children to read about what Isaiah saw in Isaiah 2:2–3 and draw a picture of what they think it might have looked like. Explain that Isaiah called the temple “the mountain of the Lord’s house.” Why is a mountain a good symbol for the temple?
In ancient times, it was common for a prophet to go to the top of a mountain to commune with the Lord God. Thus, the term “mountain of the Lord” symbolically denotes any location where the Lord makes His divine will known to His holy prophets. Church News
- Invite the children to read Isaiah 2:2–3, 5 and identify in each of these verses something that inspires them to go to the temple someday. Then read verse 4 together, and discuss how the temple helps bring about the peace described in this verse. Help them think of ways they can prepare now to go to the temple someday.
Liahona October 2010 “Your Path to the Temple” What happens inside the temple, the temple recommend, preparing now to enter the temple.
Friend September 2019 “What’s on Your Mind? The questions the Bishop or Branch President will ask during the temple recommend interview.
For the Strength of Youth “Ascend into the Hill of the Lord”
Isaiah prophesied of Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 1–12” All prophets testify of Jesus Christ, including those who lived long before He was born, like Isaiah. Consider what the children can learn about Jesus from Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 9:6.
- Share with the children “Isaiah the Prophet” (in Old Testament Stories). Pause periodically so the children can talk about what Isaiah knew about Jesus Christ many years before He was born. Read to the children Isaiah 9:6, and invite them to repeat with you each “name” that Isaiah said Jesus Christ “shall be called.”
Old Testament Scripture Stories “Isaiah the Prophet”
Friend September 2022 “Isaiah Teaches about Jesus Christ”
Write on slips of paper a few of the titles of Jesus Christ found in Isaiah 9:6 (see this week’s activity page). Invite each child to pick one, and help the child read the title to the class. Talk to the children about what each title means to you. Give a picture of Christ to one of the children, and ask him or her to share something about Jesus and then pass the picture to another child. Repeat this activity until all the children have had a chance to share.
- Ask the children to give examples of titles a person might have, such as titles associated with a job, a calling, a team, or a family. What do these titles say about the person who has them? Help the children find titles of Jesus Christ in Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6–7. What does each of these titles teach us about Him? What else do we learn about Jesus Christ from these verses?
“How can Jesus Christ be both the Father and the Son? It really isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Though He is the Son of God, He is the head of the Church, which is the family of believers. When we are spiritually born again, we are adopted into His family. He becomes our Father or leader. …(M. Russell Ballard, “Building Bridges of Understanding,” Ensign, June 1998, 66–67).
Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
- Read together Matthew 1:21–23 and Luke 1:31–33, and discuss how Isaiah’s prophecies in Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7 were fulfilled when Jesus Christ was born.
Additional Resources
Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Learning from Isaiah” Introduction to Isaiah. Lesson ideas
Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12
Posted onProverbs is a book of wise sayings.
A proverb is a short saying that is intended to teach a lesson about life. The book of Proverbs is a collection of many wise sayings collected by the Israelites. Some of these proverbs are attributed to King Solomon. Old Testament Seminary Student Material “Lesson 116: Proverbs 1–30”
Seek Wisdom
The book of Proverbs is filled with insights about wisdom. Consider marking the word “wisdom” and related words, like “knowledge” and “understanding,” as you find them chapters 1–4 and 15–16. Consider how you are seeking the Lord’s help to be “wise in heart” (Proverbs 16:21).
Your family might enjoy creating your own “book of Proverbs”—a collection of wise counsel from the scriptures and latter-day prophets.
Proverbs CHAPTER 1 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge—If sinners entice you, do not consent—Those who hearken to wisdom will dwell safely.
Proverbs CHAPTER 2 The Lord gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding—Walk in the way of good men.
To “fear God” means to love and obey Him.
Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 15:33; 16:6; Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” One of the important messages in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes is to “fear God, and keep his commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Ponder how you can help the children understand what it means to fear God.
- Invite the children to list some things that people might fear. Then ask them to read Proverbs 1:7 and Ecclesiastes 12:13. What does it mean to fear God? To help answer this question, ask a child to read the verses again, replacing the word “fear” with the word “reverence.” Repeat this activity with words like “love,” “obedience,” or “obey.” How does this change our understanding of what it means to fear God?
As used in this verse, fear means reverence, or “profound respect mingled with love. … Reverence embraces regard, deference [respect], honor, and esteem” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 30).
- Invite each child to choose one of the following verses to read, looking for the word “fear”: Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 15:33; 16:6. Ask the children to share what their verse teaches about blessings that come when we fear the Lord, which means that we show reverence and respect toward Him (see also Proverbs 14:26–27). How can we show the Lord that we love and respect Him?
Friend June 2021 “Respect for Sacred Things”
Friend June 1999 “Keep the Commandments”
Proverbs CHAPTER 3 Write mercy and truth upon the tablet of your heart—Trust in the Lord—Honor Him with your substance—Whom the Lord loves He corrects—Happy is the man who finds wisdom.
I can trust in the Lord with all my heart.
“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” When we trust in the Lord with all our hearts, we have faith in Him and know that He will help us.
- Let one of the children hold a picture of the Savior as you read Proverbs 3:5. Tell the children what trusting in the Lord means to you. Invite the children to make a heart with their hands or hold their hands over their hearts while repeating the phrase “trust in the Lord with all thine heart” several times.
Friend June 1998 When we trust someone, we believe in him or her. We feel sure the person will do what he or she promises to do. There is Someone we can always trust. We can always trust the Lord.
- Draw a large heart on the board, and help the children think of things they can do to show that they trust the Lord. Invite them to draw their ideas inside the heart or on a piece of paper. Encourage them to share their ideas with their families.
“Faith in Jesus Christ” (August 2019 Friend)
Make a path through your home that includes objects representing how you show faith in Jesus Christ.
(Or you could have pictures or objects of ways you can show your faith. Have the children choose one and tell how it shows their trust in God. Some additional ideas: a picture of people going to church, picture of a child praying, a picture of the ten commandments or children being kind and obeying the commandments.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.”
- Read together Proverbs 3:5–7, and invite the children to list the things these verses say we should do and should not do. Ask them what they feel each of these things might mean. What qualities do we find in people we trust? What qualities does the Lord have that help us trust Him?
- To show what it means to “lean not unto thine own understanding,” let the children try leaning a stick or a pencil against various objects, such as a book or a piece of paper. Which objects worked best? Why is it important to “trust in the Lord” and not lean on our “own understanding”?
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022 To help family members visualize what these verses teach, you could invite them to lean against something sturdy and stable, like a wall. Then they could try leaning against something that is not sturdy, like a broom. Why should we “lean not unto [our] own understanding”? How can we show that we trust Jesus Christ with all our hearts?
In English the word lean has a connotation of physically listing or moving to one side. When we physically lean toward one side or another, we move off center, we are out of balance, and we tip. When we spiritually lean to our own understanding, we lean away from our Savior. If we lean, we are not centered; we are not balanced; we are not focused on Christ. (Ensign May 2017 “Trust in the Lord and Lean Not ”
Proverbs 4 describes wisdom and righteousness as a “path” or a “way” (see also Proverbs 3:5–6). As you read this chapter, you might find passages that help you ponder “the path of thy feet” (verse 26) and how your steps are drawing you closer to the Lord. For example, what do verses 11–12 and 18–19 teach about the blessings of following the right path? What do verses 26 and 27 mean to you?
“Ponder the path of thy feet.”
Proverbs CHAPTER 4 Keep the commandments and live—With all your getting, get understanding—Go not in the way of evil men.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022
Proverbs 4 describes wisdom and righteousness as a “path” or a “way” (see also Proverbs 3:5–6). As you read this chapter, you might find passages that help you ponder “the path of thy feet” (verse 26) and how your steps are drawing you closer to the Lord. For example, what do verses 11–12 and 18–19 teach about the blessings of following the right path? What do verses 26 and 27 mean to you? See also 2 Nephi 31:18–21.
Liahona September 2022 “Seeking Spiritual Guidance: Come, Follow Me Family Fun”
- Place a picture of the Savior on one side of a large open area or room.
- Stand on the opposite side of the room. Take turns blindfolding each family member, spinning them in a circle, and then seeing if they can walk to the picture of Jesus Christ without any help.
- Read Proverbs 4:26–27.
Discussion: What types of help have we been given in this life to keep us on a path that leads to Jesus Christ? For further discussion, read Proverbs 3:5–6. What actions do we need to take to trust the Lord with all our hearts?
I can use kind words.
“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” In tense or frustrating situations, we may be tempted to respond with anger. Proverbs 15:1, 18 teaches us how we can turn away anger.
- Read Proverbs 15:1 to the children, and explain any words or phrases that might be unfamiliar to them. Share a few examples of situations in which a child might feel angry (such as an argument with a brother or sister). Help them think of “soft answers,” or kind words, they could use instead of angry words. Help them practice saying these things softly or in a calm voice.
Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.
Friend January 2018 “Lucas and the Bully” Lucas stood up to a bully, but the words he used hurt the bullies feelings. Lucas apologizes and invites the bully to play and they become friends
Latter Day Kids “Kind Words” Lesson ideas
Friend September 2022 “Jack Uses Kind Words” Throughout the day Jack uses kind words like please and thank you. (Read the story to the children, then read each of the kind words on the list and have them repeat them. Next read each sentence in the story again and have the children tell you which word was the kind word.)
Friend May 2019 “Choosing Kind Words” Selene called Adriana a mean name when she missed the ball. Adriana told Selene that it hurt her feelings and asked her not to say that. Selene apologized. (Also a lesson idea about kind words children can use and when to use them. Have children tell which ones Adriana and Selene used.)
- Sing a song about kindness, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). What does the song teach us about being kind?
- To help the children understand what it means to be “slow to anger” (Proverbs 15:18), tell a personal story about when you (or someone you know) felt angry but chose to be kind. Let the children share their own experiences too. Help the children think of things they can do instead of becoming angry. For example, they could think about Jesus, ask Heavenly Father to help them, sing a Primary song to themselves, or, if possible, just walk away.
Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.
Friend September 2018 “Show and Tell” “One day I wanted to sit by a bully at school to be friends with her. She yelled at me to go away. I wanted to get her back with my words. But I held my tongue and said, “It’s OK. I’ll sit by someone else.” When I walked away, I felt good for what I did.” Elijah V., age 12, Arizona, USA
Friend March 2022 “What’s on Your Mind?” Sometimes my siblings and I argue and fight. What can I do to get along with them better? (See more at link)
Practice: How do our words affect the spirit in our home? Perhaps family members could practice giving “a soft answer” to “grievous words” and try to use what they learn in their interactions with each other. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022
“A soft answer turneth away wrath.”
“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” Speaking in anger often makes a tense situation even worse. These verses teach that our words and our attitudes can turn away wrath or anger.
- Write the words wrath and strife on the board, and share an example of an argument that children might have. Then ask the children to read Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32 and find advice they could give to the children who are arguing. Each time the children share an idea, invite them to erase part of the words on the board. Invite them to replace those words with others describing Christlike attributes that bring peace.
“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.
Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.
Friend September 2018 “Show and Tell” “One day I wanted to sit by a bully at school to be friends with her. She yelled at me to go away. I wanted to get her back with my words. But I held my tongue and said, “It’s OK. I’ll sit by someone else.” When I walked away, I felt good for what I did.” Elijah V., age 12, Arizona, USA
Friend May 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Ideas on how to get along with siblings.
- Help the children think of accounts in the scriptures when the Savior exemplified what is taught in Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32. For ideas, they could look in John 8:1–11; 18:1–11. Sing together a song about the Savior’s example, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79). How can we follow Jesus’s example as we interact with family members, friends, and others?
Friend September 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”
Story: Proverbs is a book of wise sayings. One proverb says to “trust in the Lord with all thine heart” (Proverbs 3:5). Another proverb says that “a soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
Song: “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145)
Activity: On page 40 read about using kind words. Then cut out some paper hearts and write kind notes or helpful sayings on them to give to others. You could even hide the hearts for others to find!
Friend September 2022 “What’s on Your Mind”
Friend November 2019 “Kindness Flowers” A kindness game like the game “hangman” you can play with a friend or family member. Think of a kind word that describes the other person.Have the other person guess which letters are in the mystery word. If they guess correctly, write that letter in the blank. If they guess a letter that’s not in the word, draw a petal on the flower and write that letter in it.’
I can share what I have with others.
“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” Young children can learn to help people around them who are in need. How can you inspire them to share what they have with others?
- Show the children several pictures of others serving or helping people in need, including pictures of the Savior (such as Gospel Art Book, nos. 42, 44, 46). Ask the children to tell you what is happening in each picture. Read to the children Proverbs 22:9. Explain that one way we can serve is by giving “bread to the poor,” but there are many other ways to help those in need. Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves helping someone.
- Bring to class several objects that you can share with the children, such as pictures or crayons. As you give one to each child, say, “I will share with [child’s name].” Let the children take turns sharing the objects with each other. What are some other things we can share with others?
Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!
- Sing together a song about service, such as “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236). Or show the video “Gordon Hinckley: Lessons I Learned as a Boy” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children how they feel when they help others.
Additional Resources
Psalms 102–103; 110; 116–119; 127–128; 135–139; 146–150
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God’s word is like a light.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 The children you teach are on the path back to Heavenly Father. The word of God can help keep them on that path now and throughout their lives.
- Show pictures of the things mentioned in Psalm 119:105, and invite the children to put the pictures in order as you read the verse. Ask the children to repeat phrases from the verse with you as you point to the pictures.
Latter Day Kids “A Light Unto My Path” Lesson ideas
- Invite the children to talk about what it feels like to be in the dark. What are things that are hard to do in the dark? You might invite a child to try to do something with their eyes closed, like drawing a picture. Why are these things easier to do when there is light? Help the children understand how the word of God, as found in the scriptures and the words of living prophets, lights our way back to Heavenly Father.
God’s word helps me follow His path.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 Although the world may seem dark at times, God’s word can illuminate our path and help us return to Him.
- Draw on the board a picture of a light (such as a lamp) and a picture of the scriptures. Invite the children to read Psalm 119:105. How does light help us? How does the word of God help us? Ask the children to write their answers on the board next to the pictures. How is the word of God like a light? How does it help us stay on the path that leads back to Heavenly Father?
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 Perhaps your family could create a path and walk along it in the dark, using a light to illuminate the way ahead. As you walk, you could ask questions like “What in our lives is like this darkness?” or “How is the word of God like a light?” Singing a song about God’s light, such as “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” (Children’s Songbook, 177), can help you reinforce the principle taught in Psalm 119:105.
- Divide the children into pairs, and give each pair one of the following scripture passages: Psalm 119:47–48; Psalm 119:105; 1 Nephi 11:25; 2 Nephi 31:20. Invite them to read the passages and look for what Heavenly Father has given us to help us stay on the path back to Him. Invite the children to ponder and share what they feel inspired to do because of what they have learned.
- See God’s Word is Like a Light for additional teaching ideas.
- Sing together a song about following God’s path, such as “I Will Walk with Jesus” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn from this song about how to stay on the right path?
For the Strength of Youth “A Lamp to Our Feet” (See more at link)
The Lord offers me comfort and hope.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 God is aware of our trials and sorrows, and He wants to comfort and encourage us. Help the children build their faith in Him so they will turn to Him in times of need.
- Ask one of the children to read Psalm 102:1–2. How can the Lord help us during our times of trouble? How do we ask for His help? Share an experience in which you felt that God heard your prayers when you were in need, and invite the children to share their experiences and testimonies.
Friend March 2019 “Missing Mom and Dad” Dylan’s mom and dad were going on a trip, and he was going to stay with his grandparents. He loved staying with his grandparents, but for some reason he was scared about being away from his mom and dad for so long. He decided to pray for help, and he received comforting thoughts and feelings.
- Invite the children to find words of comfort and hope in Psalm 103. How could these words help people facing challenges? Encourage the children to write down phrases they found meaningful to remind them that the Lord can help them when they have trials.
Could draw a sad face on the board and have the children erase parts (or change them) as they find a word or phrase that helps remind them that the Lord can help them with trials.
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed
Building our homes with the Lord
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 What does it mean for the Lord to help us “build [our] house”? (Psalm 127:1). How can we better involve Him in our efforts to create a righteous home? To help your family answer this question, you might draw a house on a piece of paper and cut it into puzzle pieces. On the back of each piece, family members could write or draw ways to make the Lord part of your home. Then you could put the puzzle together. What else do we find in these psalms that inspires us to walk in the Lord’s ways?
Hubbard’s Cupboard Click on the link to print the 6 pieces of this house. The children (or family members) could each write a way to create a righteous home on the front of a piece and then they could build the house together. Or each child (or family member) could draw a part of the house on a paper or chalkboard as they mention ways make a righteous home.
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know me and love me.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 Throughout our lives, we need to be reminded that Heavenly Father and Jesus know us personally. Psalm 139 can help you teach the children that They know them and love them.
- Make short lists of things you know about each child. As you read the lists one at a time, ask the children to guess who you are describing. Read Psalm 139:1–3, and help the children understand words they might not know. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus know them very well—They know their names, what makes them happy and sad, and things they do well.
Friend August 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”
Guess Who
Song: “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75)
Activity: Write each person’s name on a small piece of paper and put it in a box or bowl. One person pulls out a name. Each person takes a turn to ask yes or no questions until someone guesses the name. Talk about how our Heavenly Father knows us—our name, what we like to do, and everything about us.
“Heavenly Father Loves Me, and He Has a Plan for Me” (January 2013 Liahona and Friend)Nathaniel knows his grandma loves him because she knew the things he liked. His grandma explained that was someone else who had known him and loved him longer than anyone, before he even came to earth. Heavenly Father
- Read Psalm 139:23, and invite the children to put their hands on their hearts when you say “heart” and to touch their heads when you say “thoughts.” Share a time when you felt God knew your heart and your thoughts.
Friend April 2016 “Your Future Home” Story of President Eyring’s desire for a home full of charity that he wanted for his family when he grew up. He didn’t talk to anyone about those feelings, but when he got his patriarchal blessing the patriarch described what he had been yearning for. It was not secret, because God knew.
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can help me know how to improve.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022
Psalm 139 teaches that God knows everything about us, including our strengths and weaknesses. If we turn to Him, He can teach us what we need to do to become more like Him.
- Write the words of Psalm 139:23–24 on the board, and invite the children to underline words that describe things God can do for us. Why would we want God to do these things? How can we invite Him to “lead [us] in the way everlasting”?
Friend August 2020 “Let God Prevail!” President Russel M. Nelson tells what it means to let God prevail in our lives.
Friend January 2021 “The Party Problem” Luz felt uneasy about going to a graduation party. It didn’t sound like the kind of party where she’d be able to feel the Holy Ghost. She thought about it, made her choice not to go, and then asked Heavenly Father if that was the right choice. Afterwards she felt a wave of warmth and light and knew she had made the right choice.
- Encourage the children to “search” their own lives for ways they can improve in the four areas of focus in the Children and Youth program—spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual. Remind them that the Lord knows how they can improve in each of these areas, and encourage them to seek His guidance.
Friend June 2021 “Children and Youth Challenge” Do some activities from this board for the Children and Youth program! Can you cross off five in a row?
- Sing a song about how Heavenly Father can help us improve, such as the second verse of “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). Share how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have helped you improve.
I can praise the Lord.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 To praise the Lord means to express our gratitude and love for Him. Help the children learn that we are praising Him when we do things like sing, pray, and obey His teachings.
- Invite the children to share experiences when someone praised them or told them they did a good job. Share some of the good things from Psalm 146:6–9 that the Lord has done, and invite the children to talk about other things He does for us. Help them think of ways they can praise Him for those things.
Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree” Cut out the leaves and place them in a sack. Have the children take turns picking a leaf from the sack, telling how the item written is a blessing, and gluing it to the tree. When they pick a blank leaf, have them share a blessing of their choice that they are thankful for. Then write the blessing on the leaf and glue it to the tree.
- Sing together a song of praise, such as “Beauty Everywhere” (Children’s Songbook, 232–33). Explain that for the Israelites long ago, the Psalms were like the songs we sing today to worship and praise God.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 You might invite your family to read a few verses of Psalms 146–50 out loud, trying to convey the feelings of the writer. How can we express our praise to the Lord? Family members might enjoy writing their own psalms of praise and sharing them with each other.
Friend August 2022 “Write a Psalm”
Friend November 2010 “Bright Idea”
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 The traditional Jewish name for the book of Psalms is a Hebrew word that means “praises.” That word, Tehillim, is also related to the exclamation “hallelujah” (meaning “praise Jehovah” or “praise the Lord”). If you had to choose one word to sum up the main message of the Psalms, “praise” would be a good choice. Some of the Psalms contain the direct invitation to “praise ye the Lord” (see especially Psalms 146–50), and all of them can inspire a feeling of worship and praise. The Psalms invite us to reflect on the Lord’s power, on His mercy, and on the great things He has done. We can never repay Him for any of this, but we can praise Him for it. That praise may take different forms for different people—it may involve singing, praying, or bearing testimony. It often leads to a deeper commitment to the Lord and to following His teachings. Whatever “praise ye the Lord” means in your life, you can find more inspiration to do it as you read and ponder the Psalms.
Friend October 1989 “Sing Praises” Lesson ideas and activity. (Activity: Look up scriptures where people in the scriptures sang praises to the Lord and then fill in the blanks.)
Additional Resources
The Red Crystal Lesson ideas
Psalms 49–51; 61–66; 69–72; 77–78; 85–86
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- When I make a wrong choice, Jesus Christ can help me change.
- Repentance is a change of heart.
- The Lord is My Shelter
- “I will remember the works of the Lord.”
- I can tell others about Jesus Christ.
- The Restoration
- Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.
- The Lord wants to forgive.
- Additional Resources
PSALM 49 Men cannot be ransomed or redeemed by wealth—God alone can redeem a soul from the grave—The glory of a rich man ceases with his death.
PSALM 50 Asaph speaks of the Second Coming—The Lord accepts the sacrifices of the righteous and will deliver them—Those whose conduct is right will see the salvation of God.
When I make a wrong choice, Jesus Christ can help me change.
PSALM 51 David pleads for forgiveness after he went in to Bathsheba—He pleads, Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 Help the children understand that mistakes are part of mortal life and that we can receive help from Jesus Christ to overcome them.
- Share a simple story, from your life or from the Friend or Liahona, about a child who made a wrong choice but received help from the Savior to be better (for example, see the video “The Shiny Bicycle” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Read Psalm 51:10, and share the joy you feel when the Savior helps you have “a clean heart” and “a right spirit.”
- Show the children this week’s activity page. Point to each picture, and ask the children to describe what they see. Read the captions to help the children learn about repentance and forgiveness.
Repentance is a change of heart.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022
- Assign each child to read one of the scripture references on this week’s activity page. Ask them to find words that teach them something about repentance. Let them write the words on the board. After everyone has shared, ask the children how they would answer a friend who asks, “What does it mean to repent?”
- Draw a heart on the board. Ask the children to name some sins that Satan tempts us to commit. Write those sins inside the heart. Ask the children to find the word heart in Psalm 51:10, 17. What do these verses teach us about repentance? (see also verse 6). Help the children understand that even if we stop committing sin, our hearts need to change in order for us to repent. Ask the children to erase the sins in the heart on the board and to write new words that describe the change in our hearts when we repent. Share your testimony that God can “create in [us] a clean heart” when we repent (verse 10).
- Consider how you might teach your family what it means to have a broken heart. For example, family members could take turns breaking open something that has a hard shell, like an egg or a nut. How are our hearts sometimes like that shell? How can we open our hearts to the Lord? Reading Psalm 51 together might provide some ideas. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022)
Liahona August 2022 “What Can Psalm 51 Teach Us about Repentance?”
Latter Day Kids “Repentance and A New Heart” Lesson ideas
The Lord is My Shelter
PSALM 61 David finds shelter in the Lord, abides in the Lord’s presence, and keeps his own vows.
Family members might enjoy drawing pictures of the symbols in these verses and discussing how Jesus Christ is like a high “rock,” “a shelter for [us],” and “a strong tower.” (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022) Verse four also talks about cover of wings.
“I will remember the works of the Lord.”
PSALM 66 Praise and worship the Lord—He tests and tries men—Sacrifices are to be offered in His house.
PSALM 77 The righteous cry unto the Lord—They remember the wonders of old, how He redeemed the sons of Jacob and led Israel like a flock.
PSALM 78 The Israelites are to teach the Lord’s law to their children—Disobedient Israel provoked the Lord in the wilderness—The Egyptian plagues are recounted—The Lord chooses and blesses Judah and David.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 The Israelites taught their children about the miracles God had done for them so that the children “might set their hope in God” (Psalm 78:7).
- Ask the children to share with you some of their favorite stories from the scriptures (pictures from the Gospel Art Book might help them think of stories). Why do they like these stories? What do these stories teach us about the Lord? Read together Psalms 77:11; 78:7. Why is it important to “remember the works of the Lord”?
- Read to the children Psalm 77:11, and tell them how you try to “remember the works of the Lord,” including His works in your life. Invite the children to draw pictures to help them remember the great things He has done.
- Ask the children to read Psalm 66:16 and think about or write down answers to the question “What has the Lord done for my soul?” Then let them share their answers, if they’d like. What can we do to “always remember” (Moroni 4:3; 5:2) what the Lord has done for us?
Friend February 2021 “The Savior and Me”
What does the Lord want you to “make … known to [your] children”? (Psalm 78:5). Perhaps each family member could share an example of the Lord’s “wondrous works,” such as a scripture story, an experience, or a personal testimony, that helps them “set their hope in God” (Psalms 71:17; 78:7). (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022)
I can tell others about Jesus Christ.
PSALM 71 David praises God with thanksgiving—Who is like unto the Lord!
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 The faith-filled words of a child have unique power to touch hearts. Give the children confidence that their testimony of Jesus Christ can help others.
- Read to the children Psalm 71:8, and draw a large mouth on the board. Ask them to help you “fill” the mouth with things we can tell others about Jesus Christ.
Friend January 2019 “Something Special to Share” Diego wants to take something special to share for Show and Tell. He decides to take a picture of Jesus and tell them that Jesus loves everyone.
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- Pass around a picture of Jesus Christ. Ask the children to take turns holding the picture and saying one thing they know about Him. What has He done for us? (Pictures in the Gospel Art Book could provide some ideas.)
Friend April 2019 “God’s Great Gift”
All Nations Will Call Him Blessed
Psalm 72. David speaks of Solomon, who is made a type of the Messiah—He will have dominion—His name will endure forever—All nations will call him blessed—The whole earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord.
(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022)
Psalm 72 was written by David about his son Solomon, but much of it can also apply to Jesus Christ. As your family reads this psalm, they could hold up a picture of the Savior when they find verses that remind them of Jesus Christ. How can we help fulfill the desire that “the whole earth be filled with his glory”? (Psalm 72:19; see also Doctrine and Covenants 65:2).
The Restoration
PSALM 85 The Lord speaks peace to His people—Truth will spring out of the earth (the Book of Mormon), and righteousness will look down from heaven.
This verse could inspire a discussion about events of the Restoration of the gospel—how the Book of Mormon is truth that “[sprang] out of the earth” and how heavenly messengers came “down from heaven” (see also Moses 7:62). The video “Preparation of Joseph Smith: Tutored by Heaven” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) depicts some of these events.
Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.
PSALM 86 David implores God for mercy and is saved from the lowest hell—The Lord is good and generous in mercy—All nations will worship before Him.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 Many of the psalms are like prayers to God for help, guidance, or protection. Consider how you can help the children build their faith that Heavenly Father hears and answers them when they pray.
- Ask the children how they talk with people who live far away. Show them things we can use to communicate, such as a phone or a letter. Read to them Psalm 86:7. How do we “call upon” Heavenly Father? How does He answer us?
Little LDS Ideas “Answers to Prayers from Heavenly Father Come in Many Ways” Includes lesson ideas
- Invite the children to act out things they do every day, such as waking up, eating breakfast, leaving for school, or going to bed. Help them find times during the day when they can pray to Heavenly Father. Testify that we can pray to Him anytime, and He will always hear us.
“Prayer is Reverent Communication Between God and Me” (October 2011 Friend)
Create a matching game showing different situations where children are praying. Includes discussion point suggestions.
- Sing together a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13). Tell about a time when God answered your prayers.
The Lord wants to forgive.
When we sin, Satan wants us to think that the Lord will never forgive us. Help the children build their faith that the Lord is “ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 86:5).
- Show a picture of the Savior (such as one in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families), and ask the children what words they would use to describe Him. Invite them to find words that describe Him in Psalm 86:5, 13, 15. If needed, help them define these words. What could we say to a friend who feels that God is angry at them when they sin?
- Sing with the children a song that you feel will help them understand the Savior’s forgiving nature, such as “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns, no. 193). Share your testimony that Jesus Christ wants to forgive us.
Additional Resources
Jesus: Shepherd
Posted onAlso could be Following Jesus
Friend October 2024 “The Savior’s Sheep”
Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd and He Loves Me
Doctrine and Covenants 50:41–44
Friend June 2018 “Apostles Testify of Jesus” “Shepherds lead their sheep to food, water, and shelter and protect their sheep from harm. Jesus taught that He is the Good Shepherd. When we choose to follow Him, He can lead us to safety and peace. Lead the sheep safely home through the maze!”
Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. We are His sheep, and He loves each of us. Ask the children how they know Jesus loves children.
Make paper sheep, write on them the names of the children in the class, and hide them around the room. Display a picture of the Savior, and read Doctrine and Covenants 50:41–42. Help the children understand what these verses teach about how Jesus Christ feels about them. Let them find the sheep around the room and put them on the board near the picture of Jesus so “none of them … shall be lost” (verse 42).
- Make a matching game using phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 50:40–46. For instance, you could write “Fear not, little children” on one card that would match with another card that says “for you are mine” (verse 41). Read Doctrine and Covenants 50:40–46 together. Then mix up the cards on the floor, a table, or the board, and ask the children to match the phrases. What do these phrases teach us about Jesus Christ?
- To help the children understand how the Savior is like a good shepherd show the video “Jesus Declares the Parable of the Lost Sheep” and ask them to find something in the video that reminds them of what they read. How does Jesus rescue us? How can we be good shepherds to others?
Friend December 2020 “Sheep and Their Shepherd” When Elder Stanfill was young his job at the ranch was to take care of all the abandoned sheep babies. He would drive his little VW to the field and honk his horn and all the babies would run and jump in the car and he would take them to be fed. Just like the sheep knew the sound of that old Volkswagen, we can learn to hear Jesus’s voice. We will feel His love and learn to trust Him.
Jesus knows me and loves me.
The parable of the good shepherd can help the children understand that Jesus loves them and knows who they are.
- Give the children pictures that represent something in the parable of the good shepherd, like sheep, a shepherd, or a wolf. Select some verses from John 10:1–16 to read to the children, and ask them to hold up their pictures when they hear you read about the things in their pictures. Help the children think of ways Jesus is like a shepherd to us. Bear your testimony that the Savior loves us and will guide us back to Him.
- Show the picture of Jesus and the lambs in this week’s outline in Come Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. How do we know Jesus loves the lambs? How can we tell that the lambs love Jesus? How can we show Jesus that we love Him?
Following Jesus’s example of being a Shepherd
Friend August 1983 “A dream come true” – a boy learns to be a shepherd and take care of a flock
Friend July 2021 “Dear Friends” I enjoyed the activity to blow the sheep to Jesus from the Come, Follow Me ideas (Sept. 2020). Ari S., age 4, Texas, USA
“The Lord is my shepherd.”
PSALM 23 David declares, The Lord is my shepherd.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46”If the children can learn at a young age that the Lord is their shepherd, they will be more likely to follow Him “in the paths of righteousness.”
- Give each child a copy of this week’s activity page, or give each of them a picture from the activity page. Invite them to listen as you read Psalm 23. Ask them to point to or hold up a picture when they hear it mentioned in the psalm. Bear your testimony that Jesus takes care of us, just as a shepherd takes care of his sheep.
- Tell the children some ways you know that the Savior loves you. Invite the children to stand one at a time and share some ways they know Jesus loves them. Sing together a song that could give them ideas, such as “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75).
Latter Day Kids “The Lord is My Shepherd” Lesson ideas
Friend August 2022 “The Lord Is My Shepherd”
Psalm 23 was the inspiration for several hymns, such as “The Lord Is My Shepherd” and “The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare” (Hymns, nos. 108, 109). Perhaps your family would like to sing one of these hymns and identify words in the psalm that might have inspired the lyrics. Or they might enjoy drawing pictures of something they find in the psalm or the hymn and letting family members guess the verses or lyrics that go with the pictures. How is the Lord like a shepherd to us? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 ” Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46″)
PSALM 25 David pleads for truth and asks for pardon—Mercy and truth are for those who keep the commandments.
PSALM 26 David says that he has walked in integrity and obedience—He loves the Lord’s house.
The Lord offers me peace, strength, and guidance.
PSALM 23 David declares, The Lord is my shepherd.
PSALM 27 David says, The Lord is my light and my salvation—He desires to dwell in the house of the Lord forever—He counsels, Wait on the Lord and be of good courage.
PSALM 28 David pleads with the Lord to hear his voice and grant his petitions—David prays, Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.
PSALM 32 David says, Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputes not iniquity—David acknowledges his sin—He recommends that the righteous be glad in the Lord and rejoice.
PSALM 46 God is our refuge and strength—He dwells in His city, does marvelous things, and says, Be still and know that I am God.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46” Many of the Psalms testify of the Lord’s blessings in our lives. You can use the Psalms to help the children learn to trust Him and turn to Him.
- Write on the board The Lord is . Let the children choose one or more of the following scriptures to read: Psalms 23:1; 27:1; 28:1; 28:7; 32:7; 46:1. Ask them to complete the sentence on the board using what they learn from their scripture. Help the children discuss what these symbols teach us about the Lord.
- Show the children a picture of a lamb. Ask them to name some things a lamb needs to be safe and healthy, and encourage them to look in Psalm 23:1–4 for ideas. Then show a picture of a child. What do we need to be spiritually safe and healthy? Read together Psalm 23, and ask the children how the things the shepherd does in this psalm could be compared to what Jesus Christ does for us.
Friend April 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: The Good Shepherd“
Story: Shepherds take care of their sheep and keep them safe. Jesus Christ is our Shepherd. He said, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep” (John 10:14).
Song: “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75)
Activity: Play a sheep guessing game! Pick one person to be the shepherd. Everyone else will be sheep. The shepherd closes their eyes while one sheep makes a baa sound. Have the shepherd guess which “sheep” made the noise. Talk about how Jesus knows each of us by name.
Friend April 2023 Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones Have your little ones look into a mirror. Tell them that Jesus knows their names, what they look like, what makes them happy, and what makes them sad. Help your little ones say, “Jesus knows me and loves me.”
“In Jesus’s time, the Palestinian shepherd was noted for his protection of his sheep. Unlike modern sheepherders, the shepherd always walked ahead of his flock. He led them. The shepherd knew each of the sheep and usually had a name for each. The sheep knew his voice and trusted him and would not follow a stranger. Thus, when called, the sheep would come to him. (See John 10:14, 16.)
Jesus is like a shepherd to me.
As you study the parable of the good shepherd, look for truths it teaches about our relationship with the Savior. How will knowing these truths bless the children? (In this parable, the sheep of the Good Shepherd are those who hear His voice and follow Him.)
- Write good shepherd and hireling on the board. Explain that a hireling is someone who is hired to do a job for money. Ask the children to list differences they find in John 10:1–18 between a good shepherd and a hireling. Why would you want to follow the good shepherd rather than the hireling? How is Jesus like a shepherd to us? (Note: A hireling is someone whose primary motive for working is getting paid.)
What is the difference between the Good Shepherd and a hireling?
President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught:
“At night shepherds would bring their sheep to a corral called a sheepfold. High walls surrounded the sheepfold, and thorns were placed on top of these walls to prevent wild animals and thieves from climbing over.
Sometimes, however, a wild animal driven by hunger would leap over the walls into the midst of the sheep, frightening them. Such a situation separated the true shepherd—one who loved his sheep—from the hireling—one who worked only for pay and duty.
The true shepherd was willing to give his life for the sheep. He would go in amongst the sheep and fight for their welfare. The hireling, on the other hand, valued his own personal safety above the sheep and would usually flee from the danger.
Jesus used this common illustration of [H]is day to declare that He was the Good Shepherd, the True Shepherd. Because of His love for His brothers and sisters, He would willingly and voluntarily lay down His life for them. (See John 10:17–18 .)
(Ezra Taft Benson, “A Call to the Priesthood: ‘Feed My Sheep,’” Ensign, May 1983, 43)
- Draw or show a picture of a door. Read together John 10:7–9, and ask the children how Jesus is like a door. According to verse 9, what blessings come to those who “enter in” the door? How do we enter the door that Jesus Christ provides us?
Why did Jesus say, “I am the door of the sheep”?
New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 10” Shepherds in Israel stood at the entrance of a sheepfold and inspected each sheep as it entered, treating injuries as needed. After the sheep were gathered in the enclosure for the night, the shepherd would lie down to sleep in the entrance, barring the way so that predators or thieves could not hurt the sheep. The Savior’s statement “I am the door” makes clear that He was willing to “lay down [His] life for the sheep” ( John 10:7, 15) and that He ultimately will decide who will enter the kingdom of heaven. Using an image similar to a door, the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob declared that “the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel” and that “he employeth no servant there” ( 2 Nephi 9:41).
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 7-10”To involve family members in learning from the parable of the good shepherd, ask each of them to draw a picture of one of the following: a thief, a door, a shepherd, a hireling (a hired worker), a wolf, and a sheep. Invite them to read John 10:1–18, 27–29, and then discuss as a family what the Savior taught about the things they drew.
Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46
Posted onTable of Contents
- The Psalms teach us to trust the Lord.
- The Psalms point our minds to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
- “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”
- “The heavens declare the glory of God.”
- “The Lord is my shepherd.”
- The Lord offers me peace, strength, and guidance.
- To enter the temple, we need “clean hands, and a pure heart.”
- Jesus Christ can turn sadness into joy.
- “Be still, and know that I am God.”
- Additional Resources
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 ” Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46″ We don’t know for certain who wrote the Psalms. Some have been attributed to King David, but for most of them, the writers remain anonymous. What we do know is that the Psalms were an important part of worship among the Israelites, and we know that the Savior quoted them often.
Friend August 2022 “Psalms Teach of Jesus Christ”
Liahona August 2022 “Protecting Our Minds, Bodies, and Spirits”
Nearer, My God, to Thee”
“We often feel the Spirit so powerfully as we sing praises to God” (Ronald A. Rasband, “Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection,” Liahona, May 2019, 108).
- Place a picture of the Savior on one side of the room and have everyone sit on the opposite side of the room.
- Choose a hymn or Primary song about Jesus Christ to sing together.
- As each verse is sung, everyone moves closer to the picture of Jesus.
- Once everyone is close to the picture, share testimonies of the Savior and what He means to you in your lives.
- Some psalms are set to music. You might listen to Psalms 23 and 150 by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square as part of your activity. Follow the words from your scriptures.
Discussion: What verses from Psalms or other books of scripture remind us of what Jesus Christ has done for us and help us feel His power and love in our lives?
Friend August 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” and “Write a Psalm”
The Psalms teach us to trust the Lord.
PSALM 1 Blessed are the righteous—The ungodly will perish.
You might notice as you read the Psalms how often the writers express fear, sorrow, or anxiety. Such feelings are normal, even for people of faith. But what makes the Psalms inspiring is the solutions they offer, including complete trust in the Lord. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 ” Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46″
The Psalms point our minds to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
PSALM 2 A messianic psalm—The heathen will rage against the Lord’s anointed—The Lord speaks of His Son, whom He has begotten.
Several of the Psalms point to the mortal life of Jesus Christ. Christians in New Testament times saw these connections too—for example, they recognized in Psalm 2 a reference to Jesus’s trials before King Herod and Pontius Pilate (see Acts 4:24–30). Consider reading Psalms 2 and 22 along with Matthew 27:35–46; Luke 23:34–35; and John 19:23–24. Imagine that you were a Jew in Jesus’s time who was familiar with the Psalms and saw connections to the Savior’s life. How might this knowledge have been a blessing to you?
Media Library “Pilate Speaks to the Crowd”
While one family member reads this psalm, others could look for similarities in Matthew 27:35–46. Then they could share their feelings about Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us.
Old Testament Seminary Student Material “Psalms (Part 1)”
Watch the video “My Kingdom Is Not of This World” from The Life of Jesus Christ Bible Videos. This video is available on LDS.org.
Following His Resurrection, Jesus Christ appeared to His Apostles and taught them that He had fulfilled the prophecies concerning Him that were written in the psalms and other Old Testament passages (see Luke 24:44–46).
- Match the scripture passage in Psalms that includes a prophecy about the Crucifixion with the phrase in the New Testament that records the fulfillment of that prophecy (see Matthew 27:26–43, 46; Luke 23:46; John 19:31–33, 36).
| Psalm 22:1 | “They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall” (Matthew 27:34). |
| Psalm 22:7–8 | “Into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). |
| Psalm 22:16 | “They … parted his garments, casting lots” (Matthew 27:35). |
| Psalm 22:18 | “They crucified him” (Matthew 27:35). |
| Psalm 31:5 | “He trusted in God; let him deliver him now” (Matthew 27:43). |
| Psalm 34:20 | “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). |
| Psalm 69:21 | “They brake not his legs” (John 19:33). |
“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”
PSALM 8 A messianic psalm of David—He says that babes and children praise the Lord—He asks, What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?
Reading Psalms 8; 19; and 33 may inspire you to consider the Lord’s many wonderful creations. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings as you do. How do the Lord’s creations “declare the glory of God” to you? (Psalm 19:1).
“The heavens declare the glory of God.”
PSALM 19 David testifies, The heavens declare the glory of God, the law of the Lord is perfect, and the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46”
Psalms 19 and 33 teach that we can find evidence of the glory and goodness of God all around us in His beautiful creations. Help the children learn to see God’s hand in the world around them.
- Show the children some pictures of beautiful things God has created, or look out a window together to see these things. Ask the children what they love about Heavenly Father’s creations. Read either Psalm 19:1 or 33:5, and ask the children how they feel about Heavenly Father when they see His creations.
Media Library Images “Nature and Creation”
- Sing together a song about God’s creations, such as “The World Is So Lovely” (Children’s Songbook, 233). Invite the children to pick something God has created (such as something mentioned in the song) and draw a picture of it to share with their families
“The Lord is my shepherd.”
PSALM 23 David declares, The Lord is my shepherd.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46”If the children can learn at a young age that the Lord is their shepherd, they will be more likely to follow Him “in the paths of righteousness.”
- Give each child a copy of this week’s activity page, or give each of them a picture from the activity page. Invite them to listen as you read Psalm 23. Ask them to point to or hold up a picture when they hear it mentioned in the psalm. Bear your testimony that Jesus takes care of us, just as a shepherd takes care of his sheep.
- Tell the children some ways you know that the Savior loves you. Invite the children to stand one at a time and share some ways they know Jesus loves them. Sing together a song that could give them ideas, such as “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75).
Latter Day Kids “The Lord is My Shepherd” Lesson ideas
Friend August 2022 “The Lord Is My Shepherd”
Psalm 23 was the inspiration for several hymns, such as “The Lord Is My Shepherd” and “The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare” (Hymns, nos. 108, 109). Perhaps your family would like to sing one of these hymns and identify words in the psalm that might have inspired the lyrics. Or they might enjoy drawing pictures of something they find in the psalm or the hymn and letting family members guess the verses or lyrics that go with the pictures. How is the Lord like a shepherd to us? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 ” Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46″)
PSALM 25 David pleads for truth and asks for pardon—Mercy and truth are for those who keep the commandments.
PSALM 26 David says that he has walked in integrity and obedience—He loves the Lord’s house.
The Lord offers me peace, strength, and guidance.
PSALM 23 David declares, The Lord is my shepherd.
PSALM 27 David says, The Lord is my light and my salvation—He desires to dwell in the house of the Lord forever—He counsels, Wait on the Lord and be of good courage.
PSALM 28 David pleads with the Lord to hear his voice and grant his petitions—David prays, Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.
PSALM 32 David says, Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputes not iniquity—David acknowledges his sin—He recommends that the righteous be glad in the Lord and rejoice.
PSALM 46 God is our refuge and strength—He dwells in His city, does marvelous things, and says, Be still and know that I am God.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46” Many of the Psalms testify of the Lord’s blessings in our lives. You can use the Psalms to help the children learn to trust Him and turn to Him.
- Write on the board The Lord is . Let the children choose one or more of the following scriptures to read: Psalms 23:1; 27:1; 28:1; 28:7; 32:7; 46:1. Ask them to complete the sentence on the board using what they learn from their scripture. Help the children discuss what these symbols teach us about the Lord.
- Show the children a picture of a lamb. Ask them to name some things a lamb needs to be safe and healthy, and encourage them to look in Psalm 23:1–4 for ideas. Then show a picture of a child. What do we need to be spiritually safe and healthy? Read together Psalm 23, and ask the children how the things the shepherd does in this psalm could be compared to what Jesus Christ does for us.
To enter the temple, we need “clean hands, and a pure heart.”
PSALM 24 David testifies, The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof, he who has clean hands and a pure heart will ascend unto the hill of the Lord, and the Lord of Hosts is the King of Glory.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46” As the children look forward to entering the temple someday, help them understand that they can prepare by becoming spiritually clean through the Savior’s Atonement.
- Show the children a picture of a temple. Invite them to read Psalm 24:3 and find words that remind them of the temple. Then read together verse 4 to learn who can enter the temple (define any unfamiliar words). How do our hands get physically dirty? How do our hands and hearts get spiritually dirty? How do we clean our hands physically? How does the Savior help us clean our hands and hearts spiritually? (If it is helpful, explain that “hands” in this verse can represent our actions and “heart” can represent our desires.)
For the Strength of Youth “Ascend into the Hill of the Lord”
- Review with the children the requirements to receive a temple recommend (see Russell M. Nelson, “Closing Remarks,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 120–22; or invite a member of the bishopric to discuss these requirements with the class). Invite the children to choose one thing they feel inspired to do to prepare to be worthy to enter the temple.
Friend September 2019 “What’s on Your Mind? The questions the Bishop or Branch President will ask during the temple recommend interview.
Friend October 2021 “Getting a Temple Recommend” s
Jesus Christ can turn sadness into joy.
PSALM 30 David sings praises and gives thanks to the Lord—David pleads for mercy.
Some family members might enjoy acting out what verse 11 describes.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46” Ponder how you will help the children gain their own witness of the joy Jesus Christ offers us when we are sad.
- Invite the children to pretend to cry while you read from Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may endure for a night.” Then ask them to be joyful as you read, “But joy cometh in the morning.” Repeat this phrase a few times, and testify to the children that because of Jesus Christ, the sadness we feel in this life can be replaced with joy.
- Show a picture of the Savior, and tell the children about some of the things He has done for you that bring you joy. Give each child a turn to hold the picture and share what Jesus has done that brings them joy.
Friend February 2020 “Funstuff: Blessing from Jesus” Match the cards to finish each sentence. Examples: Because Jesus died for us… … everyone who dies will live again. Because Jesus paid for our sins… …we can repent and be forgiven.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
PSALM 46 God is our refuge and strength—He dwells in His city, does marvelous things, and says, Be still and know that I am God.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46” Taking time to be reverent and still, despite the busyness around us, can help us build our testimonies that God lives.
- Help the children memorize the first line from Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Talk with them about what it might mean to “be still,” both physically and mentally. Share with the children an experience in which being “still” strengthened your testimony of Heavenly Father. Ask the children to share any experiences they have had. Why is being still an important way to know that God lives?
Friend February 2022 “I Can Trust God” Coloring page
- Invite the children to review with you what they do during a typical day. Help them think of moments during their day when they could try to “be still” and feel close to Heavenly Father. Encourage them to set a goal to use such moments during the coming week to strengthen their testimony of Heavenly Father.
Friend August 2016 “The Little Bottle of Silence” Gage’s grandfather gives him a empty bottle of “silence” at his baptism to remind Gage that quietness helps you hear the Holy Ghost. He feels the Holy Ghost comforting him during a sad time when he seeks quiet time.
You might do something together that requires family members to “be still.” How can being still help us come to know God? What opportunities do we have to be still and come to know God? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 ” Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46″
- Invite the children to list some things we can do to know for ourselves that Heavenly Father is real and that He loves us. Invite them to choose something from the list that they want to do.
Friend January 2013 “How can I get a testimony?”
Friend June 2015 Story included
Additional Resources
The Red Crystal “Psalms 1-2;8;19”
Plan of Salvation: Premortal Life
Posted onI Lived with Heavenly Father Before I Came to Earth.
- We lived as spirit children of God in a premortal existence.
- God is the father of the spirits of all mankind (see Hebrews 12:9; D&C 76:24; Acts 17:29; Romans 8:16).
- Our spirit bodies are in the form of God’s physical body (see D&C 77:2; Ether 3:6–16).
God is the Father of our spirits.
We are literally His children, and He loves us. We lived as spirit children of our Father in Heaven before we were born on this earth.
Children of God Scriptures
Doctrine and Covenants 93:23, 29, 38
Invite the children to repeat the phrase “We are the offspring of God” (Acts 17:29), and explain that offspring means children. Bear your testimony to each child, one by one, that he or she is a child of God. Invite them to share how they feel about their Heavenly Father.
- Print one of the below image for each child and have them write their name on the line in the sentence and then draw a picture of themself
Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, so we can grow to be like him. Heavenly Father is loving, good, and kind. When we are loving, good, and kind, we are being like Heavenly Father.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine & Covenants 93”The Savior emphasized three times in section 93 that we lived with God “in the beginning” (verses 23, 29, 38). Why might He want us to know this? How might knowing this truth bless the children you teach?
- Repeat together with the children the words “Ye were also in the beginning with the Father” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:23). Explain that before we were born on earth, we lived with Heavenly Father in heaven. Sing together “I Am a Child of God” or “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook,2–3, 4).
- Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the premortal life. Bear your testimony that God loves all of us and that we are all His children.
- Read Doctrine and Covenants 93:23, 29, 38 together, and invite the children to look for a truth about themselves that is repeated in these verses. Ask the children to share anything they know about our life with Heavenly Father before we were born. Give each child one of the following scripture references, and help them find something these scriptures teach about life before we came to earth: Jeremiah 1:5; Doctrine and Covenants 138:53–56; Moses 3:5; Abraham 3:22–26.
- Sing together “I Am a Child of God” or “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3, 4). What truths do we learn from this song about our purpose for coming to earth?
Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Reminder Rocks
- Sing “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3).
- We lived with Heavenly Father before we came to earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 93:23). We are all His children.
- Find some smooth rocks and write “You are a child of God” on them with paint or markers. Then give each rock to a friend, family member, or someone you think could use a reminder.
Heavenly Father knew me before I was born.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20” Because we lived with God before we came to earth, He knows us, even if we can’t remember Him. How will you help the children you teach understand this important truth?
- Read to the children Jeremiah 1:5, and explain that God knew the prophet Jeremiah before he was born. Tell each child, individually, that Heavenly Father also knew him or her before he or she was born and that He sent each of us here for a purpose.
We lived in Heaven: Explain that before we were born on earth we lived in heaven with Heavenly Father.
We were spirits there. A spirit is what is inside of us that makes us alive. When we were spirits, we didn’t have flesh and bones like our bodies have now, but we looked the same.
- Show the children a picture of a baby, and ask the children if they know where this baby lived before he or she was born. Sing together a song that teaches about our premortal life with God, such as “I Am a Child of God” or “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3, 4). Talk about the spiritual feelings the song brings. Bear your testimony that we all once lived with Heavenly Father and that He sent us here to earth.
- If there is a new baby in the ward, invite the parents to bring him or her to class and share their feelings about welcoming this child into the world. (You could also show a picture of a newborn baby.) Talk with the children about where this baby’s spirit was before he or she came to earth.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20”
You could use this verse to talk about our life with Heavenly Father before we were born. Resources like “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 4) and “Introduction: Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” (in New Testament Stories, 1–5) could help. How can knowing about our premortal life affect the way we live our mortal life?
We Are All Children of God.
President Dallin H. Oaks said that if we teach “a young person the powerful idea that he or she is a child of God,” we can give him or her the “self-respect and motivation to move against the problems of life” (“Powerful Ideas,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 25).
We lived in Heaven: (Click on the below picture. Print the picture, or show it on an electronic device.) Explain that before we were born on earth we lived in heaven with Heavenly Father.
We were spirits there. A spirit is what is inside of us that makes us alive. When we were spirits, we didn’t have flesh and bones like our bodies have now, but we looked the same.
Explain that Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, and we are his spirit children
- To help the children understand their potential to become like God, find ways to show them that baby animals grow to become like their parents—perhaps the children could match pictures of animals with pictures of the animals’ babies. Open the scriptures to Doctrine and Covenants 76:24, and tell the children that we are all “sons and daughters unto God.” Bear your testimony that God is our Father and that we can grow to be like our Heavenly Parents.
We can be like Heavenly Father
(Print and cut out these images pdf.) Use the following questions with the images. They could also be made into a matching game.
- What is a baby dog called?
- What will that puppy grow up to be?
- What is a baby chicken called?
- What will that chick grow up to be?
Explain that just as animals grow up to be like their parents, we will grow up to be like our parents.
Friend January 2017 “Kylie’s Parents” Kylie is like her earthly parents, and she is also like her Heavenly Parents. PDF version
Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, so we can grow to be like him. Heavenly Father is loving, good, and kind. When we are loving, good, and kind, we are being like Heavenly Father. We should try to become more like Heavenly Father every day.
Have children tell or act out ways they can be loving, good, or kind.
- Sing together “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook,2–3), and invite the children to point to themselves when they sing “I.” Ask them to sing the song again, replacing “I am” with “you are” and pointing to someone else in the class.
Explain that God is another name for Heavenly Father.
(The below visuals are from the Nursery Manual. Also see lds.org for the music)
Heavenly Father Presented the Plan of Salvation
Council in Heaven
God the Father provided the plan of salvation by which His spirit children could eventually become like Him.
“Sharing Time: I Shouted for Joy!” (February 1999 Friend)
“Hurray!” we cried. “Hurray!” We shouted for joy! Have you ever been so happy in a meeting that you wanted to shout for joy? Did you know that you attended a very big meeting before you were born? It was called the Council in Heaven. All of Heavenly Father’s spirit children were there. Jesus Christ was there, and each one of us was there. Jesus was Heavenly Father’s Firstborn Son in the spirit world. We are also His spirit children. We lived with Heavenly Father and Jesus in heaven before we were born on this earth.
In the Council in Heaven, Heavenly Father told us about His wonderful plan. We call it the plan of salvation or the great plan of happiness. As part of this plan, Jesus, under the direction of Heavenly Father, would create a beautiful earth for us. Heavenly Father wanted each of His children to come to earth and receive a body. We had learned as much as we could in the spirit world. With a body and with the gift of agency (freedom to choose right or wrong) we could prove to Heavenly Father that we wanted more than anything else to keep His commandments and return to live with Him again. We were excited to be able to come to earth. [We had progressed as far as we could without a physical body.]
Jesus Christ was chosen and foreordained to come to earth to perform the atoning sacrifice
s 1 Peter 1:19–20; Moses 4:2; Revelation 13:8; Abraham 3:27).
But there was a problem. Heavenly Father knew that when we became mortal and had bodies, we could get sick and die. We would make mistakes and could be tempted. We could sin, and no one who is sinning can live with Him. Heavenly Father knew that someone would have to pay the price for our sins so that we could be clean again and free from sin. We would need a savior who would give his own life in payment for our sins. Heavenly Father asked, “Whom shall I send?” Jesus said, “Here am I, send me.” Jesus said that He would do whatever Heavenly Father wanted Him to do to help us. There was another spirit person there who wanted to take away our agency and force us all to follow him. That was Lucifer, or Satan. He didn’t want to follow Heavenly Father’s plan—he wanted his own plan. Heavenly Father said, “I will send the first.” (See Abr. 3:24–27.)
When we heard that Jesus would be our Savior, we were so grateful and so happy that we shouted for joy. All the prophets from Adam’s time onward knew that Jesus would come and be our Savior. All the prophets who have lived since Jesus’ birth testify that He did come and that He is the Christ. The Apostle John, who knew Jesus personally, declared “We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:69). When we read that scripture, our faith can grow. Once again, we feel like shouting for joy!
- Poem: “I Shouted for Joy” (March 2008 Friend)
- On the board, draw a heart with the word Satan and a sad face inside it. Explain that Satan said in his heart, “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God” (Isaiah 14:13), which means that he wanted to be better than Heavenly Father. Invite a child to draw another heart, this one with the word Jesus and a happy face inside it. Help the children understand that Jesus wanted to do what Heavenly Father asked Him to do (see Moses 4:1–2). How can we follow Jesus’s example?
There was a war in heaven.
Lucifer, a spirit in authority in the presence of God, sought the glory and honor of God and the elimination of the agency of the children of God
Moses 4:1–3; D&C 76:25–28; Isaiah 14:12–14).
Lucifer’s rebellion against God caused a war in heaven
Revelation 12:7; D&C 76:25–29).
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” Before the world was created, Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior. Isaiah 14:12–14 describes the pride that Satan showed in the premortal Council in Heaven.
- Use “Introduction: Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” (in New Testament Stories, 1–3) or the song “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 4) to tell the children about the War in Heaven before we were born. (As you do, include phrases from Isaiah 14:12–14 that describe Satan.) Then invite the children to take turns telling the story back to you. Emphasize that Jesus Christ followed Heavenly Father’s plan and became our Savior.
New Testament Stories “Introduction to Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” Images and video
One-third of the spirits were cast out of heaven because they chose not to keep their first estate
Abraham 3:27–28; D&C 29:36–38; 2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 12:8–9).
- All who kept their “first estate” (premortal life) were promised that they would “be added upon” (which includes receiving mortal bodies). All who keep their second estate will have “glory added upon their heads for ever and ever” (Abraham 3:26).
Friend January 2010 “Jehovah and the Wonderful Plan of Our Heavenly Father”
- We loved Heavenly Father. And He loved us so much that He wanted us to grow up to be like Him and live with Him forever. He wanted us to know everything He knew. But how could we learn all that?
- Heavenly Father had a wonderful plan. He gathered us all together and told us about His plan. He would create a beautiful world with rivers, mountains, flowers, and animals. Then He would give each of us a chance to come to earth and have a physical body. We would be able to hold warm sand in our hands and feel soft grass under our feet.
- You would depart from the arms of yourFather, pass through a veil of forgetfulness, receive a mortal body, and learn and experience things that hopefully would help you grow to become more like Father in Heaven]“Back to Your Heavenly Home” (April 2015 Friend)
- On earth we would have families. They could feed, protect, and love us.
- On earth we wouldn’t be able to remember Heavenly Father, so we would need to learn about Him. The scriptures, the prophets, and our parents could teach us about Him. We would be tempted to disobey, and sometimes we would make mistakes. Sometimes we would get sick, and eventually we would all have to die.
- Jehovah was the firstborn of Heavenly Father’s children. He always obeyed His Father. He was like Heavenly Father. He accepted Heavenly Father’s plan. One of the other spirit children of our Heavenly Father, Lucifer, rebelled against the plan. He said we shouldn’t be able to choose between right and wrong.
- Heavenly Father said that for His plan to work, someone needed to go to earth to help us learn how to get back to heaven.
- Someone needed to show us how to follow Heavenly Father. Who was obedient enough to do it?
- Someone needed to atone for our sins so we could repent when we made mistakes. Who was good enough to do it?
- Someone needed to die and be resurrected so we could all be resurrected and return to heaven. Who was brave enough and loving enough to do it?
- Was anyone willing to do all this for us?
- One person was. Our oldest brother, Jehovah, said, “Here am I, send me” (Abraham 3:27).
- How we loved Him for that.
- When Jehovah came to earth, He was our Savior. He was called Jesus Christ.
- God’s whole purpose—His work and His glory—is to enable each of us to enjoy all His blessings. He has provided a perfect plan to accomplish His purpose. We understood and accepted this plan before we came to the earth. In the scriptures God’s plan is called a merciful plan, the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, and the plan of salvation.
- Our instruction and preparation for earth life began in the world of spirits (see D&C 138:56).
- God gave us agency in the premortal life (see Moses 4:3; D&C 29:36).
- Sing songs about God’s plan for us, such as “I Know My Father Lives” or “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 5, 164–65). Invite the children to draw pictures that go with the words. Let them use their pictures to teach each other truths from the songs.
I showed faith in Jesus Christ in the premortal life.(Jr)
To help the children understand what it means to follow someone’s example, choose one child to be a “leader,” and ask the others to follow him or her by doing whatever he or she does. Then let other children be the leader. Read Revelation 12:7–11 to the children and explain that before we were born, we chose to follow Jesus and not Satan.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 6–14”)
Sing together a song about the premortal life, such as “I Lived in Heaven” or “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 4, 164–65). Ask questions like, “What happened in heaven before we were born?” and “What did we choose to do?” (See also “Introduction: Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” in New Testament Stories, 1–5, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 6–14”)
I showed faith in Jesus Christ in the premortal life.(Sr)
Read together Revelation 12:7–11, and write on the board the words dragon, War in Heaven, cast out, testimony, and Lamb. Ask the children to summarize these verses using the words on the board. What do we learn about Jesus Christ (the Lamb) from these verses? What do we learn about the choices we made in the premortal life?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 6–14”)
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 6–14”vWhat might the phrase “the word of their testimony” mean? How do our testimonies of Jesus Christ help us and others overcome Satan?
Some family members might enjoy drawing pictures of the visions described in Revelation. For example, drawing pictures based on Revelation 12 could lead to discussions about the War in Heaven (see verses 7–11). Pictures based on Revelation 14:6 could lead to discussions about the Restoration of the gospel.
After reading Revelation 14:6 together, consider showing pictures of the angel Moroni and of other angels who helped restore the gospel in our day (see the pictures at the end of this outline). Perhaps family members could take turns holding up one of the pictures and sharing reasons they are thankful that angels came “having the everlasting gospel to preach unto [us].”
On the board, create three columns and label them Before this life, During this life, and Both. Prepare strips of paper that state truths about the premortal life and about mortal life, such as We have bodies, We don’t have bodies, We live in God’s presence, We are at war with Satan, We exercise faith in Jesus Christ, and We follow God’s plan. Let the children take turns picking a paper strip and deciding which column it belongs in. Share your confidence that the children can continue to show faith in Christ.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 6–14”)
The Creation
- 1 Nephi 17:36
- Alma 30:44
- Doctrine and Covenants 88:41–47
- Moses 2:1
- Moses 6:63
- Abraham 3:24–25
- JST, John 1:1–3
- 2 Corinthians 5:6–7
The Earth was Created so We Could Become Like Our Heavenly Father
Jesus Christ Created the Earth Under the Direction of Heavenly Father.
Preach My Gospel “Plan of Salvation” Under the direction of the Father, Jesus Christ created the earth as a place for us to live and gain experience. In order to progress and become like God, each of us had to obtain a body and be tested during a time of probation on the earth. While on the earth we are out of God’s physical presence. We do not remember our premortal life. We must walk by faith rather than by sight.
Many became noble and great in the premortal world (see Abraham 3:22–25; Jeremiah 1:4–6; Alma 13:3–5).
Job 1–3; 12–14; 19; 21–24; 38–40; 42
Posted onHeavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help me during hard times as I have faith in Them.
Job, a just and perfect man, is blessed with great riches—Satan obtains permission from the Lord to tempt and try Job—Job’s property and children are destroyed, and yet he praises and blesses the Lord.
Satan obtains permission from the Lord to afflict Job physically—Job is smitten with boils—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar come to comfort him.
Friend November 2020 “Conference Notes” President Eyring told a story about when he was a boy. He was pulling weeds in the garden. “This is too hard!” he said. His mom smiled. She told him it was supposed to be hard because life is a test. He learned that doing hard things is part of Heavenly Father’s plan.
As children face challenges throughout their lives, they will need faith that the Savior can help them during their trials and that those trials can “work together for [their] good”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Job” Job trusted God and was able to remain faithful even when he faced very difficult trials. Job’s story can help children strengthen their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ so they will be prepared to face their own difficult trials.
- Invite the children to share what they know about Job, and help them understand what happened to him (see Job 1–2; “Job” in Old Testament Stories). .
Old Testament Stories “Job” Images and Video
Ask the children how they might feel if they were Job. Who can help us when sad things happen in our lives? Show a picture of Jesus Christ, and explain that Job’s faith in the Lord helped him during his trials (see Job 1:21).
Friend January 2022 “Jesus Said”
Friend February 2022 “What Should I Do When I Feel Discouraged?”
Trust in God’s plan for you and that trials can work for your good. Trust that your prayers are heard and answered, even if it takes time. Trust that God loves you, and blessings will come.
Read to the children Job’s words in Job 13:15: “I trust in him.” To help the children understand what it means to trust in God, talk with them about other people they trust.
For example, what do we trust our parents to do?
What do we trust our teachers to do?
- What do we trust Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to do? Express your trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and help the children think of ways they can show that they love and trust Them. (Such as keeping the commandments, praying, etc.)
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help me overcome my challenges as I have faith in Them.
Job says, The souls of all things are in the hands of the Lord, with the ancient is wisdom, and the Lord governs in all things.
Job testifies of his confidence in the Lord and says, Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him, and He also will be my salvation.
Job testifies of the shortness of life, the certainty of death, and the guarantee of a resurrection—He asks, If a man die, will he live again?—Job answers that he will await the Lord’s call to come forth from the grave.
Job tells of the ills that have befallen him and then testifies, I know that my Redeemer lives—Job prophesies that he will be resurrected and that in his flesh he will see God.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Job” Everyone has difficult days, and some people have trials that last a long time. Job’s faith in God sustained him through his trials. Consider how his story can help the children build their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ so that they will be able to face their trials, now and in the future.
- Ask the children to share what they know about Job’s story. What kind of a person was he? What happened to him? How did he respond to his challenges? Point them to verses in Job 1–2 to help them tell the story (see Job 1:1, 13–22; 2:7–10; see also “Job” in Old Testament Stories). Invite the children to share what they feel is the main message of Job’s story.
- Display a few pictures of Jesus Christ interacting with others, and ask the children what they feel these pictures teach us about who Jesus Christ is and what He is like. What else do we know about Him? Invite the children to read some of the following verses to find out some things Job knew about the Lord: Job 12:10, 13, 16; 19:25–27. Why is it valuable to know these things about the Savior?
- Invite the children to read Job 19:14–19, and ask them what these verses say about how other people were treating Job. How might we feel if this happened to us? Invite the children to read Job 19:23–27 to find out how Job found comfort in this situation. What do these verses teach us about the Savior? Why is it important to know that He lives and loves us? (see John 17:3).
See also Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help me during hard times as I have faith in Them. for additional teaching aides.
- Sing together a song that testifies of Jesus Christ, such as “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (Hymns, no. 136). What does the song suggest about why it is important to have a testimony that Jesus Christ lives? Tell the children how you know the Savior lives and why you are thankful for that knowledge. Encourage them to share their feelings and testimonies as well.
For additional teaching ideas see Adversity
See also “Trust God and Let Him Prevail” Liahona August 2022
Jesus Christ is my Redeemer.
Job was able to endure his trials and suffering because of his faith in the Lord. How will you help the children build their faith in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer?
- Display a picture of Jesus on the cross or being buried in the tomb (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 57, 58). Ask the children to explain what is happening in the picture. Read to the children Job’s testimony in Job 19:25. Display a picture of the resurrected Savior (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 59, 60; see also this week’s activity page), and testify that Jesus Christ was resurrected and lives today. Why are we thankful that Jesus was resurrected?
- Show a picture of Job, and explain that Job was in a lot of pain because his skin had sores all over it. He had lost his home, and his children had died. But Job knew something very important that gave him comfort. Read Job 19:25, and ask the children what Job knew. Share with the children how you know that Jesus Christ lives, and invite them to share their testimonies of Him.
- Ask the children to color this week’s activity page. As they do, play or sing a song about Jesus’s Resurrection, such as “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” or “Jesus Has Risen” (Children’s Songbook, 64, 70). Ask them to share how they feel about Jesus, and help them understand that we can have good feelings from the Holy Ghost to help us know Jesus Christ is real.
Good friends uplift and encourage each other.
Job admits that the wicked sometimes prosper in this life—Then he testifies that their judgment will be hereafter in the day of wrath and destruction.
Eliphaz accuses Job of various sins and exhorts him to repent.
When Job was struggling, his friends said that God was punishing him because he had sinned. This story can help you teach the children a better way to respond when a friend has challenges (see Job 16:1–5).
- Ask the children to review the many hard things that happened to Job (see Job 1:13–19; 2:7). Read together Job 19:14, 19, looking for how Job’s friends reacted to his trials (see also Job 22:1–5). Invite the children to imagine that they were Job’s friends—how would they try to help him? Encourage them to think of a friend who may be going through a difficult time and plan something they can do to show love and support to their friend.
- Ask the children to list some qualities of a good friend and to name a friend who has these qualities. Show a picture of Jesus Christ. In what ways is Jesus a good friend to each of us? How can we follow His example?
Friend October 2018 “Kaity and Quincy” Kaity, who has Down syndrome, loves her friend Quincy. Quincy always helps her at church. When Quincy’s brother dies, Katie wants to help her friend. She is able to comfort her sad, crying friend with just the right words and hugs.
Job seeks the Lord and asserts his own righteousness—He says, When the Lord has tried me, I will come forth as gold.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022
What does it mean to “come forth” from our trials “as gold”? (see also the video “The Refiner’s Fire,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Who do we know who has done this? Children might enjoy making something with the words from verse 10 written on it. You might also discuss how Jesus Christ overcame His trials (see Luke 22:41–44; Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19).
Murderers, adulterers, those who oppress the poor, and wicked people in general often go unpunished for a little while.
God asks Job where he was when the foundations of the earth were laid, when the morning stars sang together, and when all the sons of God shouted for joy—The phenomena of nature show the greatness of God and the weakness of man.
Man’s weakness and ignorance are compared with God’s mighty works—Does man even know how the laws of nature operate?
The Lord challenges Job, and Job replies humbly—The Lord speaks of His power to Job—He asks, Hast thou an arm like God?—He points to His power in the behemoth.’
Job repents in dust and ashes—He sees the Lord with his eyes—The Lord chastises Job’s friends, accepts Job, blesses him, and makes his latter days greater than his beginning.
Liahona August 2022 “Three Lessons from Job”
Old Testament Coloring Book “Job”
“Lesson 39: Job,” Primary 6: Old Testament
Latter Day Kids “Job-Trials Can Lift Us Higher” Lesson Ideas
Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Becoming Better, Not Bitter” Lesson ideas
