Lessons from our Prophet – Sharing Time or family night idea

lds.org

“Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110) has always been one of the most beloved Primary songs that I have had the privilege of teaching to children of all ages. It is amazing that we can not only learn about ancient prophets giving directions, but that we too can listen to our own latter-day prophet and receive guidance.

After having the opportunity to listen to our latter-day prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, speak at General Conference, here are some of the directions he has given us that you may want to teach the children  (April 2014):

• “If you ever find yourself where you shouldn’t ought to be, get out!”
• “In order for us to make correct decisions courage is needed—the courage to say no when we should, the courage to say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right.”
• “Love is the very essence of the gospel and Jesus Christ is our Exemplar.”
• “If we would keep the commandment to love one another, we must treat each other with kindness and respect.”
• “Forgiveness should go hand in hand with love.”
• “May we begin now, this very day, to express love to all of God’s children, whether they be our family members, our friends, mere acquaintances, or total strangers.”
• “May we be kind and loving to all those who do not share our beliefs and standards.”

Activity Ideas:

Look through the Gospel Art book or in your ward library and find pictures of ancient prophets – such as Adam, Noah, Daniel, Moses, King Benjamin. Have a child pick a picture and place it on the board. Discuss with the children something that that prophet taught. For example, Moses gave the Ten Commandments; Noah preached about repentance.

Next place a picture of President Monson on the board. Explain that just as the prophets of old have given directions, our prophet today does that same thing! Fold up the quotes from his talks and place them into deflated balloons. Blow up the balloons (with the folded pieces of paper stuck inside) and have the children pick a balloon to pop and find out what the prophet taught during General Conference. (Hold the balloons by the knotted end and pop with a thumbtack.) Explain and discuss each quote and how it relates to them.

Share a personal experience of when you have had to be courageous and stood for what you believed in. Invite the children to share any experiences they might have had.

If you prefer a more creative outlet, have the children draw a picture of how they can show love to either family, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. You can either let them choose which one to draw, or you can have them pick a piece of paper out of a hat. Children can then share their drawings with the group if time allows.

Sing “Follow the Prophet” (CS, 110). Pick your favorite verses, but make sure to sing the final verse about listening to the prophet today! I love to use homemade instruments with Junior Primary (and nursery) as well.

In the Media Library on lds.org you can also find posters of inspirational quotes from General Conference. Download Pres. Monson’s quotes. I like the one above with Christ and a child. Younger kids can look at the image and remember to be kind like Jesus; older kids can read the quote. Put four images on a page, print, and cut into four individual mini posters that kids can take home with them.

-Laura