"We can have it all...just not all at the same time.": May 2020

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Chapter 6 - Priesthood and Priesthood Keys

“The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood, God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power He redeems and exalts His children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

God gives priesthood authority to worthy male members of the Church so they can act in His name for the salvation of His children. The keys of the priesthood are the rights of presidency, or the power given to man by God to govern and direct the kingdom of God on the earth (see Matthew 16:15–19). Through these keys, priesthood holders can be authorized to preach the gospel and administer the ordinances of salvation. All who serve in the Church are called under the direction of one who holds priesthood keys. Thus, they are entitled to the power needed to serve and fulfill the responsibilities of their callings.

Related reference: D&C 121:36, 41–42

Aaronic Priesthood

The Aaronic Priesthood is often called the preparatory priesthood. The offices of the Aaronic Priesthood are deacon, teacher, priest, and bishop. In the Church today, worthy male members may receive the Aaronic Priesthood beginning at age 12.

The Aaronic Priesthood “holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism” (D&C 13:1).

Melchizedek Priesthood

The Melchizedek Priesthood is the higher, or greater, priesthood and administers in spiritual things (see D&C 107:8). This greater priesthood was given to Adam and has been on the earth whenever the Lord has revealed His gospel.

It was first called “the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God” (D&C 107:3). It later became known as the Melchizedek Priesthood, named after a great high priest who lived during the time of the prophet Abraham.

Within the Melchizedek Priesthood are the offices of elder, high priest, patriarch, Seventy, and Apostle. The President of the Melchizedek Priesthood is the President of the Church.

Related reference: Ephesians 4:11–14”

Lesson #1 Priesthood and Priesthood Keys: Priesthood Keys are Necessary for Temple Work

Preparation for Parents

Pray: Prayerfully review lesson material while considering the needs of your children. Prepare any materials you will need.

Review: Read the doctrinal Summary of Priesthood and Priesthood Keys provided in the beginning of this section.

Read or listen to: Elder Russell M. Nelson, “The Spirit of Elijah” Ensign, Nov. 1994.

Sing an opening song: When Jesus Christ was Baptized, Children’s Songbook p. 102.

Pray to invite the Spirit into your lesson:

Show Artwork: Non-cartoon Illustration of Elijah calling the fire down from heaven in the contest with the wicked priests and Elijah Restores the Power to Seal Families for Eternity/Priesthood and Priesthood Keys.

Read: It was also prophesied that Elijah, an Old Testament Prophet, would return before the Second coming of the Lord (see Malachi 4:5–6; 3 Nephi 25:5–6; 26:1–2). When the Kirtland Temple was completed Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (see D&C 110:13-16). Elijah the Prophet restored the Keys of the Priesthood that allowed the sealing power to be given to men on earth again on 3 April 1836 and this allowed marriages and families to be sealed for all time and eternity. This restoration of the sealing power was a crowning event of the Restoration. Marriages and families can last forever if we live the gospel of Jesus Christ and are true to our covenants. Temple and family history work could now commence. So many of Heavenly Father’s children lived in a time when there were no temples or authority to seal a family forever. Without our help they cannot have those blessings. We prepare names of those who died without the ordinances of the gospel. Then we go to temples in their place and enter into covenants on their behalf. In the Spirit world those people who died cannot progress without these ordinances but they have a chance to accept the work we do. Those who do experience great peace and happiness and so can you for helping them.

Testify: Share your love of family history and temple covenants and how you know families and marriages can last forever.

Teaching Hint: This is a great opportunity to share your own family history with your children and to work on their own photo albums in telling their own personal history. Devote time on Sunday to spend researching names and involving your children in what you are doing as much as possible.

Ask: What does restored mean?

Who restored the sealing power to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery?

Why is the sealing power important?

What can you do to prepare yourself to be sealed to your family?

How can you share this important message of families being forever with others?

Study Journal: What did you learn about priesthood and priesthood keys today? Choose now to go to the temple. Set a goal that will help you be prepared for that time. A goal that will help is learning about the power of covenants and better keeping the commandments.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know God restored the priesthood in our day and that through that priesthood we can be sealed together in families forever. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

This is an appropriate time for children to share their thoughts and feelings about what they have learned. As you seek the Spirit you can be directed as to the time when it is appropriate to invite your children to testify. Possible invitations are as follows:

Will you share your testimony now or later?

Will you share your testimony about God restoring the priesthood for our day?

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Adaptions for small children (0-3/non-verbal)

Sing the opening song: When Jesus Christ was Baptized, Children’s Songbook p. 102.

Say a simple prayer: Pray to invite the Spirit to teach you and your children the truths God desires for you.

Statements of true doctrinal principals: In order for God to make it possible for families and marriages to last forever he needed to restore the sealing power. Elijah was sent to the temple to give Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the sealing power.

Testify: Share how you know that we can be together forever because God sent Elijah to make that possible.

Teaching Hint: make a paper chain and put the names of your family on each line. With glue or tape (seal) them together and talk about how God wants us to be together always so he gave us the sealing power.

Ask: Do you want to be a forever family?

Who brought the sealing power back to earth? Have the children point to the picture at Elijah. Be very encouraging, clapping when they get an answer right is a good way to show encouragement.

Study Journal: Write their responses to the question or Spirit that you felt as you taught. Set a goal to show pictures and talk to your children about their ancestors in order to help them see the importance of family history work.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know God priesthood makes it possible to be married forever. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

This is an appropriate time for children to share their thoughts and feelings about what they have learned. As you encourage the sharing of their thoughts and feelings they are being prepared to share their testimony. Confirm the truthfulness of what they have said and that learning these things by the power of the Holy Ghost is the beginning of gaining a testimony.

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Lesson #2 Priesthood and Priesthood Keys: The Bishop Hold the Keys of the Aaronic Priesthood

Preparation for Parents

Pray: Prayerfully review lesson material while considering the needs of your children. Prepare any materials you will need.

Review: Read the doctrinal Summary of Priesthood and Priesthood Keys provided in the beginning of this section.

Read or listen to: President Gordon B. Hinckley, “To the Bishops of the Church,” Ensign, Nov. 1988.

Sing an opening song: Our Bishop, Children’s Songbook p. 135.

Pray to invite the Spirit into your lesson:

Show Artwork: Photograph or Non-cartoon Illustration of a Bishop/Priesthood and Priesthood Keys.

Read: The bishop holds keys of the Aaronic Priesthood when he is set apart by priesthood holders. As a bishop he is also given a mantel to help him in his calling. Through the priesthood keys and mantel the bishop has access the power to inspiration from Heavenly Father concerning members of his ward’s personal worthiness in preparing for participating in the sacrament, baptism, patriarchal blessings and obtaining recommends for the temple as well as to hold callings (see Church Administration True to the Faith p. 32-37). We need to always be honest with the bishop and he will help us to build our faith in Christ. The bishop or branch president presides over a ward or branch and they are the ones with the keys to help those within their boundaries. When we go to other wards because of personal differences we leave the safety and protection that those keys provide, because leaders of the congregation in which we are not in the boundaries, no matter how wise and kind, do not have the power to assist you in obtaining recommends or other necessary gospel blessings (see D&C 72:1-26).

Testify: Testify that the bishop has power given to him from God to help them.

Teaching Hint: We need to help children have respect for the mantel of the bishop. We can help young children say hello to the bishop at church. Have their father; brother or uncle role-play with them so that children understand what an interview is like. If they are not yet eight you can role play an interview for bapstm. If they are older perhaps you can help them to prepare to do baptisms for the dead. If they are 12-13 perhaps you could role-play an interview to prepare for a patriarchal blessing. If you are not sure your remember your interview or what to say ask your Bishop or other priesthood leaders for help. You can also play role reversal and have the children say things that they think a bishop would say. In fact, it is good for children to have regular worthiness interview with their fathers as part of his responsibilities as the head of the household and the one who provides priesthood ordinances and blessings for the family.

Ask: What are the keys of the priesthood that the bishop holds?

What do those keys help him accomplish?

What must I do to let the bishop assist me in learning about Christ?

Study Journal: What did you learn about priesthood and priesthood keys today? Set a goal to be respectful and supportive of the mantel the bishop holds. Regularly pray for him and his family.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know God gives priesthood keys to men who lead his church. Those keys give them special abilities to conduct the business and spiritual matters of the Church. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Will you share your testimony now or later?

Will you share your testimony about priesthood keys being the authority to lead the church?

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Adaptions for small children (0-3/non-verbal)

Sing the opening song: Our Bishop, Children’s Songbook p. 135.

Say a simple prayer: Pray to invite the Spirit to teach you and your children the truths God desires for you.

Statements of true doctrinal principals: The bishop is set apart for his calling by those who hold the priesthood and he is given a gift as bishop called a mantel that helps him with his calling. The bishop holds the keys of the Aaronic priesthood and has the responsibility to oversee the ordinances to make sure they are done properly. Bishops conduct interviews to help you prepare for baptism. He is called the Father of the ward.

Testify: Testify that the Bishop has power given to him from God to help them.

Teaching Hint: Talk about what Daddy’s do in the family? Help them see that bishops are similar to the Daddy in how they take care of the ward.

Ask: Do you know who the bishop is? If children don’t know who he is tell them you will help them find him at Church.

Do you know that the bishop helps us?

Study Journal: Write their responses to the question or Spirit that you felt as you taught. Set a goal to share how you felt the Spirit in a lesson or talk the bishop gave and how you plan to follow it. Transparency about spiritual goals and positive feeling towards church leadership invites the Spirit in your home and is a great teaching technique.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know the bishop holds the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood for his ward and has the reasonability of overseeing the ordinance of the sacrament. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Lesson #3 Priesthood and Priesthood Keys: The Aaronic Priesthood

Preparation for Parents

Pray: Prayerfully review lesson material while considering the needs of your children. Prepare any materials you will need.

Review: Read the doctrinal Summary of Priesthood and Priesthood Keys provided in the beginning of this section.

Read or listen to: Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Aaronic Priesthood—A Gift from God.” Ensign, May 1988.

Sing an opening song: I hope they call me on a mission, Children’s Songbook p.169.

Pray to invite the Spirit into your lesson:

Show Artwork: Non-cartoon Illustration of Moses calls Aaron to the Ministry/Priesthood and Priesthood Keys

Read: Moses gave the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood to his brother Aaron in the wilderness. The Aaronic priesthood was known as the lesser priesthood and is the power to act in the name of God in the ordinances of baptism and the sacrament. The bishop presides over the Aaronic Priesthood and holds the keys of authority for its use. Young men 12-13 years olds are ordained to the position of Deacons (see D&C 104:111 107:68, D&C 20:57, 59). At 14 and 15 they are ordained to the office of Teacher (see D&C 20:53-55) and have additional assignments. At 16 years of age, they are ordained to the office of a Priest these young men enter into further responsibilities in the Aaronic priesthood office (see D&C 20: 46-48). The Priest blesses the sacrament for the congregation. They can participate in the ordinance baptism for those found worthy by priesthood leaders. Without the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood one cannot baptize with authority and God does not recognize the ordinance as valid (see D&C 107 Aaronic Priesthood- True to the Faith, 2004, p. 3-4). The ordinances of the Aaronic priesthood prepare us to receive the blessings of the Melchizedek Priesthood when we are old enough and show that we are spiritually ready. You can do things now to help you understand the Aaronic priesthood and it blessings so you are ready to receive all the blessings God has for you. You can work on listening to the Sacrament prayers when they are being said. You can try to remember Jesus every day and be nice like he was. Every week you can learn a new commandment from the 10 commandments and work on living it every day.

Testify: Share that you know the Aaronic priesthood is God’s power.

Teaching Hint: Have children remember the Sacrament ordinance and tell you everything that they remember about it. Help them if this is difficult for them. Help them understand that all of these things are part of the Aaronic Priesthood.

Ask: Why do we need the Aaronic priesthood?

Have you ever seen the ordinance of the Sacrament being preformed?

How do the young men act?

What do they do?

What can you do to be reverent during the Sacrament meeting?

Study Journal: What did you learn about priesthood and priesthood keys today? Set a goal to be reverent in church.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know God gives priesthood in order to provide us with ordinances. We can feel God love through the priesthood and it’s ordinances. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Will you share your testimony now or later?

Will you share your testimony about priesthood ordinances?

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Adaptions for small children (0-3/non-verbal)

Sing the opening song: I hope they call me on a mission, Children’s Songbook p.169.

Say a simple prayer: Pray to invite the Spirit to teach you and your children the truths God desires for you.

Statements of true doctrinal principals: Moses gave the Aaronic Priesthood to his brother Aaron. That priesthood helped the people in his day to learn to be good and get ready for more blessings. The Aaronic Priesthood helps us today too in the same way.

Testify: Share that the Aaronic priesthood is the power of God to prepare us for further blessings and a higher priesthood.

Teaching Hint: It would be fun to dress them up like the people in Moses day and help them to have a simplified tabernacle experience. Have them take off their shows at the door to a room. Pretend that is the outer court. Then have a place sectioned off with sheets or other bedding in the room to represent the Holy of Holies. Have them enter that place and explain that only the priest could enter the Holy of Holies and in it was the Ark of the Covenant. If you are feeling creative make your own ark of the covenant to go in the room, or simply place the scriptures there. Explain that the holy of holies is where they placed the 10 Commandments. Help them understand how special scriptures are.

Ask: Do you like Heavenly Father’s blessings?

Can you name some of the blessings Heavenly Father’s has given you? Share some possible answers so that they can connect the wonderful things in their world that are there because Heavenly Father loves them. Some possible answers would be, family, friends, church, house, pets, grass, trees, water, and food.

Study Journal: Write their responses to the question or Spirit that you felt as you taught. Think of ways that your can help your child with their reverence at church. Express your confidence in them and reinforce their positive steps for reverence.

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Chapter 5 - Prophets and Revelation

My Son Playing King Benjamin with a Costume he made himself.

“A prophet is a person who has been called by God to speak for Him (see Amos 3:7). Prophets testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. They make known God’s will and true character. They denounce sin and warn of its consequences. At times, they prophesy of future events (see D&C 1:37–38). Many teachings of prophets are found in the scriptures. As we study the words of prophets, we can learn truth and receive guidance (see 2 Nephi 32:3).

We sustain the President of the Church as a prophet, seer, and revelator and the only person on the earth who receives revelation to guide the entire Church. We also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.

Revelation is communication from God to His children. When the Lord reveals His will to the Church, He speaks through His prophet. The scriptures—the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price—contain revelations given through ancient and latter-day prophets. The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God’s prophet on the earth today.

Individuals can receive revelation to help them with their specific needs, responsibilities, and questions and to help strengthen their testimonies. Most revelations to leaders and members of the Church come through impressions and thoughts from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost speaks to our minds and hearts in a still, small voice (see D&C 8:2–3). Revelation can also come through visions, dreams, and visitations by angels.

Related references: Psalm 119:105; Ephesians 4:11–14; 2 Timothy 3:15–17; James 1:5–6; Moroni 10:4–5.”

Lesson #1 Prophets and Revelation: God Gives Prophets His Power

Preparation for Parents

Pray: Prayerfully review lesson material while considering the needs of your children. Prepare any materials you will need.

Review: Read the doctrinal Summary of Prophets and Revelation provided in the beginning of this section.

Read or listen to: Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Decisions for Eternity,” Ensign, Nov. 2013, p. 106.

Sing an opening song: Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice, Hymn #21.

Pray to invite the Spirit into your lesson:

Show Artwork: Non-cartoon Illustration of Lehi in Jerusalem and Samuel the Lamanite on the wall of the city/ Prophets and Revelation:

Read: Lehi was diligent in teaching the Gospel, but his people were also stubborn and unwilling to change. In God’s plan it is important to remember that each person has the moral agency to choose whether to obey or disobey the prophets counsel. Yet if they are willing to use their agency to follow the prophet they can receive a confirming witness from the Spirit of God that the choice they made to follow the prophet is correct (D&C 58:30-33). This is an example of what we call living by faith. While we are free to choose whether or not we will follow God, we are not free to choose the consequences of those choices. Jerusalem was destroyed just as Lehi had prophesied and many people were killed and carried away captive (see D&C 5:20). Some prophets are required to give their life to seal their testimonies like Joseph Smith. At other times God protects them through miraculous means like Lehi and his family (see 1 Nephi 1:17-20; 2:1-4) as well as Samuel the Lamanite what could not be hit by the arrows that shot at him while he was preaching from the city wall (see Helaman 13:2-39; 16:1-2). We need to be ready to choose the right no matter the consequences. Sometimes choosing the right may mean we will lose friends or not be looked upon as popular. When that happens know that God is very proud of you and he is standing with you at those times.

Testify: Share how you know that we are free to choose whether or not we will follow God, but we are not free to choose the consequences of those choices. Share how happy following God helps you to be.

Teaching Hint: Pretend that you are either in Lehi’s situation or Samuel the Lamanite’s situation. Act out the story. Prepare costumes, (such as a bath towel draped over one shoulder and tied with a sash around the waste to represent the people of either the Book of Mormon or the Bible.) Be creative but simplistic. Children are very good at using their imaginations. Have weapons prepared (while teaching seminary I just had them throw balls made from paper or giant marshmallows …just in case children are not obedient to the non-hitting rule there can’t be much harm done.)

Ask: Have you ever felt good when you have listened to and followed a prophet?

Think of some scripture stories when people didn’t follow the prophet? What happened to them?

What are some scripture stories when people followed the prophet? What happened to them?

Why did God give us these stories?

How can they help us choose the right?

Study Journal: What did you learn about Prophets and Revelation today?

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know that God loves his children and sends them prophets to help them repent. I know that it is up to us to use are agency and faith to follow the prophets words. I know the Lord protects his prophets until their missions are complete. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Will you share your testimony now or later?

Will you share your testimony about Jesus Christ and how he helps us repent?

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Adaptions for small children (0-3/non-verbal)

Sing the opening song: Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice, Hymn #21.

Say a simple prayer: Pray to invite the Spirit to teach you and your children the truths God desires for you.

Statements of true doctrinal principals: Prophets preach repentance to people. People are often warned of consequences if they do not do so. Choosing righteousness allows us to be free from the misery and sadness that always follows bad decisions.

Testify: Share how choosing the right has led you to be a happier person.

(As prompted you may need to share how you felt when you made wrong choices so that children have an opportunity to learn from your experiences.)

Teaching Hint: Sometimes it is good to stretch a lesson into a day activity or even a weekly experiment. This is a perfect time to try. Make a chart for children with goals that you have for them and they agree would be helping us follow the prophet and keep the 10 commandments. These goals need to be simple and part of your daily routine or the daily routine you hope to have. Some possible suggestions could be say your personal prayers morning and night, read a scripture, memorize the 13 articles of faith. Give them a sticker or make a mark on their chart indicating they have completed the goal for the day. Ask them how they feel when they accomplish a goal. Make sure that children understand that sometimes people avoid consequences for bad decisions for a time but bad consequences follow bad choices. Also help them understand that good consequences follow good choices even if those good consequences take time and are not immediate following the good choice. Reinforce your teaching with your Christlike disciplining efforts.

Ask: What can you do to follow the prophet?

What do you feel like when you choose the right?

What do you feel like when you choose the wrong? (Since non-verbal children can usually make happy faces or sad faces help them by modeling the faces you make when you choose something wrong or you choose the right things.)

Study Journal: Write their responses to the question or spirit that you felt as you taught. Have a goal to place a picture of the current prophet in a visible place in the home. On occasion look at that picture with the child and share something you learned from him.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know that when we following the prophet help us be happy. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Lesson #2 Prophets and Revelation: Prophets Speak for God

Preparation for Parents

Pray: Prayerfully review lesson material while considering the needs of your children. Prepare any materials you will need.

Review: Read the doctrinal Summary of Prophets and Revelation provided in the beginning of this section.

Read or listen to: President Henry B. Eyring, “As a Child,” Ensign, May 2006, p. 14.

Sing an opening song: The Golden Plates, Children’s Songbook p. 86B.

Pray to invite the Spirit into your lesson:

Show Artwork: Non-cartoon Illustration of King Benjamin addresses his people as well as an illustration of the 1^st Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve/Prophets and Revelation.

Read: One of the experiences that Mormon chose by the power of revelation to include was King Benjamin’s address to his people. King Benjamin was concerned about his people. He prayed to know what God would have him do. Through his faith he was given the address by an angel. King Benjamin had faith in what the angel told him. He asked that all of his people would gather together to listen to the lesson he had prepared through the help of an angel (see Mosiah 3:1-13). He devised a plan that his words would be written and taken to all of those that could not hear his voice. When King Benjamin delivered his address it had such a power influence on the people that they never wanted to sin again (See Mosiah 5:1-6). If we follow revelation from God it will always lead to do good. Just as God gave power to King Benjamin to teach his people leaders in the church can help us receive the revelations of heaven. In addition the Lord has given us the opportunity to listen to Prophets, Seers and Revelators every six months at General Conference. Prophets know that Jesus is the Christ by the power of the Holy Ghost. A Seer is greater than a prophet and can know the past, present and future (see A Guide to the Scriptures, Seer and Mosiah 8:13-16), and a Revelator is one who reveals truths that have not yet been made known to the Children of men concerning the Church and kingdom on the earth (See D&C 100:11). God loves all of his children and he gives them Prophets, Seers and Revelators so that they will know how to act and what to do in this life. Just as he gives his leaders help to reach others with his teaching he will give us power and words to speak to help those we are responsible to help.

Testify: I know that God has Prophets, Seers, and Revelators on the Earth today. They have special gifts of the spirit to help us in our lives. As we listen to General Conference we can find answers to our gospel questions as well as our prayers.

Teaching Hint: Show a picture of the Quorum of the Twelve and the First Presidency and help them understand that these are the men who have the special calling to be Prophets, Seers, and Revelators for the Lord and give us the guidance to be happy and safe in this life. If you have a set of pictures of the quorum or want to print them off of the lds.org website you can play a matching game with the apostles and their name. This is a great game to repeat. Give stickers or little prizes when they get the names matched to the right apostle.

Ask: Have you ever felt the Holy Ghost tell you what to say?

How do you think missionaries use the Holy Ghost to teach others?

Who is someone else in scripture that the Holy Ghost helped them know what to say? What can you do to listen for the Holy Ghost when you are saying your prayers, or giving a talk at church?

Study Journal: What did you learn about Prophets and Revelation today? Set a goal to accomplish a goal given through our prophet today. If you don’t know how to find that just look at their last general conference address and review it.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know revelation is the way that God speaks to us. I know that revelation comes through visions, angels and inspired church leaders. I know we can know the revelations lead us to do good and walk humbly before God (see D&C 11:12). In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Will you share your testimony now or later?

Will you share your testimony about revelation through the Holy Ghost?

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Adaptions for small children (0-3/non-verbal)

Sing the opening song: The Golden Plates, Children’s Songbook p. 86B.

Say a simple prayer: Pray to invite the Spirit to teach you and your children the truths God desires for you.

Statements of true doctrinal principals: God calls Prophets, Seers, and Revelators to help us know how we are to act and do in this life. Prophets, Seers, and Revelators are given great spiritual gifts to help them with the responsibilities to teach the Gospel to the world. God will also help you know that these servants are his servants through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Testify: Share how you know that God sends servants to help us and that they have great spiritual capacities to know how to help us.

Teaching Hint: Let the children pretend they are King Benjamin. Let them stand on something safe and tall where they can repeat whatever they can of a simplified gospel message like, “An angel has told me that we need to repent and believe in Jesus.” (Many times I have heard little children say “sus” which was their word for Jesus. These are great steps for toddlers and they should be encouraged positively for every effort they are making to learn about the gospel.)

Ask: Can you say Seer?

Can you say Revelator and Prophet?

Do you believe that Prophet, Seers and Revelators will help you follow Jesus?

Study Journal: Write their responses to the question or spirit that you felt as you taught. A good goal would be to look for ways you can share your testimony of prophets, seers and revelators throughout the week.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know revelation is the way that God speaks to us. I know that prophets, seers, and revelators help us to know the will of God. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Lesson #3 Prophets and Revelation: The Gift of the Holy Ghost and the Gifts of the Spirit

Preparation for Parents

Pray: Prayerfully review lesson material while considering the needs of your children. Prepare any materials you will need.

Review: Read the doctrinal Summary of Prophets and Revelation provided in the beginning of this section.

Read or listen to: Elder David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” Ensign, May 2011, p.87.

Sing an opening song: Let the Holy Spirit Guide, Hymn #143.

Pray to invite the Spirit into your lesson:

Show Artwork: Non-cartoon Illustration of Daniel interprets King’s dream/Prophets and Revelation:

Read: Prophets are called prophets because they know by the spirit of prophecy that Jesus is the Christ. They can only know who Jesus is because of the power of revelation. Whatever God reveals to one he reveals to all (see D&C 1:34-35). The Holy Ghost has many other gifts within it. These are called gifts of the Spirit. These gifts of the spirit also help Prophets to accomplish the will of the Lord (see Moroni 10:5-34, 1Corinthians 13:2-13 and D&C 46: 8-33, are great scripture chapters and sections to teach us learn about the gifts of the spirit). We know that the spiritual gift of interpreting dreams was given to those the Lord chose in the scriptures. One such prophet was Daniel. Yet Daniel was also given great wisdom because he was willing to live God’s laws even when doing so went directly against the King’s wishes (see Daniel 1:3-20). He was able to tell the king of Babylon what his dream meant when none of the other wise men could help (see Daniel 2:1-49). Because of this he was made a ruler of the people and assisted the Lord to help all those who were carried away captive into Babylon after Jerusalem was destroyed. Just as Daniel was able to have spiritual gifts through obedience to the Lord’s gospel you too can be given gifts of the Spirit to help you accomplish the mission that the Lord is preparing for you. By studying the scriptures you are preparing for the time when you can be baptized and be given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Learning about the gifts of the Spirit will help you recognize the gift or gifts of the Spirit that you will receive and can continue to receive through that ordinance and faithful gospel living throughout your entire life.

Testify: Share how you have felt the Holy Ghost in your life. Share how you know that the Prophets are led by the gift of the Holy Ghost. Share how you came to discover a spiritual gift you have. (As you pray for the Spirit of what to share with you children the Holy Ghost will lead you to the experiences they need. This is a sacred time for you and your children. As you share these experiences with your children and those you have the responsibility to teach the spirit with testify to the truthfulness of the Holy Ghost and the gifts contained in receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. These can be some of the most spiritually rewarding conversations that will open further opportunities to discuss the gifts of the spirit as they grow and discover the gifts that the Lord has blessed them with.)

Teaching Hint: Wrap a box and inside it write on it the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Put that gift in a larger box and wrap it. Then put the doubled boxes in a larger box and wrap it. Help children understand that with the gift of the Holy Ghost comes many additional gifts of the Spirit to help us and others throughout our lives.

Ask: What was the special gift God gave to Daniel?

How did this gift help Daniel and the King?

What special gifts of the Spirit do you know about?

Study Journal: What did you learn about Prophets and Revelation today? Set a goal to learn more about the spiritual gifts the Lord has given you personally.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know God gives dreams and spiritual gifts to help us accomplish our mission in this life. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Will you share your testimony now or later?

Will you share your testimony about spiritual gifts and how they help you accomplish your mission in life?

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Adaptions for small children (0-3/non-verbal)

Sing the opening song: Let the Holy Spirit Guide, Hymn #143.

Say a simple prayer: Pray to invite the Spirit to teach you and your children the truths God desires for you.

Statements of true doctrinal principals: God gives his prophets special gifts of being Prophets, Seers and Revelators to help us. God gives you special gifts to help you with your responsibilities in this life when you are given the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Testify: Share that you know that Prophets help us and God gives us spiritual gifts when we are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Teaching Hint: Use the same teaching hint you did for older children, just read the note for them. To help young children understand the concept of gifts that you cannot always see discuss gifts like love, angels and so on.

Ask: Do you believe that the Holy Ghost is a gift God will give you when you are baptized?

What do you think about the many gifts you can obtain when you receive the Holy Ghost? Share your feelings about what this does for you personally as well as knowing that they can have this special opportunity as well.

Study Journal: Write their responses to the question or spirit that you felt as you taught. Set a goal to look for your own spiritual gifts. Often these gifts are sometimes listed in your patriarchal blessing. Looking for your own spiritual gift will help you know how to help your children with finding and developing yours. If you are not positive if your gift comes from God seek the help of your Bishop who has been given the keys to discern whether the gifts manifest in the ward come from God or not (see D&C 46:27). If you have not received a patriarchal blessing speak to local leaders about receiving one. Everything you do is an example to your children to follow.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know God gives dreams and spiritual gifts to help us accomplish our mission in this life. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.