“Covenant Confidence through Jesus Christ” By Elder Ulisses Soares Relief Society Lesson Help + Free Canva Template

This lesson help is intended for Relief Society and Elders Quorum Teachers and is taken from the April 2024 General Conference.

The structure of this lesson help is as follows: Section of the talk followed by engaging questions, object lessons and activity ideas, and personal sharing prompts to help inspire any of your past experiences and apply it to the lesson.

Let’s get started!

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Inscribed on the front of each temple is a solemn statement: “Holiness to the Lord.” These inspired words are a clear invitation that when we enter the Lord’s house, we embark on a sacred journey of learning to become higher and holier disciples of Christ. As we make covenants in holiness before God and commit to follow the Savior, we receive the power to change our hearts, renew our spirits, and deepen our relationship with Him. Such an endeavor brings sanctification to our souls and forms a sacred bond with God and Jesus Christ, who promise that we can inherit the gift of eternal life. The result of this sacred journey is that we obtain a holier and higher confidence for our day-to-day lives within our covenants made through Jesus Christ.

Engaging Questions:

• Significance of the Inscription:
• What does the inscription “Holiness to the Lord” mean to you personally? How do you feel when you see these words on the front of a temple?
• Sacred Journey:
• How do you view your journey of becoming a higher and holier disciple of Christ? What steps have you taken to embark on this sacred journey?
• Making Covenants:
• How do the covenants you make in the temple influence your daily life? Can you share an experience where a specific covenant brought you closer to the Savior?
• Changing Hearts:
• How have the covenants made in the temple helped change your heart and renew your spirit? What differences have you noticed in your life as a result?
• Deepening Relationship with Christ:
• In what ways has temple worship deepened your relationship with Jesus Christ? How do you feel this relationship has grown over time?
• Sanctification of the Soul:
• What does sanctification mean to you, and how have you experienced it through temple worship and covenant making?
• Sacred Bond with God:
• How do you perceive the sacred bond formed with God and Jesus Christ through temple covenants? How does this bond influence your decisions and actions?
• Power of Covenants:
• How do you draw upon the power of your covenants to face challenges in your daily life? Can you share a time when this power was particularly evident?
• Holier and Higher Confidence:
• How has making and keeping temple covenants given you a holier and higher confidence in your day-to-day life? What changes have you noticed in your approach to life’s challenges?
• Eternal Life:
• How do the promises of eternal life associated with temple covenants motivate you in your spiritual journey? What aspects of this promise bring you the most hope and joy?
• Learning in the Temple:
• What have you learned in the temple that has significantly impacted your faith and testimony? How do you apply these lessons in your everyday life?
• Reflecting on Personal Growth:
• How do you reflect on your personal growth as a disciple of Christ? What practices help you stay focused on becoming holier and higher in your discipleship?
• Inspiration from Temple Visits:
• Can you share an inspiring experience from a temple visit that strengthened your commitment to follow the Savior? How did this experience influence your spiritual journey?
• Daily Applications of Holiness:
• How do you apply the principles of holiness you learn in the temple to your daily life? What practical steps do you take to maintain this holiness outside of the temple?
• Encouraging Others:
• How can we encourage and support each other in our sacred journeys of becoming higher and holier disciples of Christ? What role does community play in this process?

Object Lesson and Activity Ideas:

• Object Lesson: The Inscription on Our Hearts
• Materials: A heart-shaped object, a marker.
• Activity: Write “Holiness to the Lord” on the heart-shaped object. Explain how temples have this inscription and discuss how we can symbolically inscribe it on our hearts by living holy lives and making righteous choices.
• Activity: Covenant Pathway
• Materials: Paper, markers, tape.
• Activity: Create a pathway on the floor with steps labeled with different covenants and commitments (e.g., baptism, sacrament, temple covenants). Have participants walk the pathway, stopping at each step to discuss how these covenants help us become holier disciples of Christ.
• Object Lesson: The Refiner’s Fire
• Materials: A small piece of metal or rock, a picture of a refiner’s fire.
• Activity: Show the piece of metal and the picture of the refiner’s fire. Explain how just as metal is refined and purified through fire, we are spiritually refined through our sacred journey and covenants in the temple.
• Activity: Personal Temple Plan
• Materials: Paper, pens.
• Activity: Have participants create a personal plan for preparing to attend the temple or for renewing their temple worship. Include goals for personal holiness, such as prayer, scripture study, and service. Share and discuss their plans.
• Object Lesson: The Mirror of Christ
• Materials: A mirror.
• Activity: Have participants look into the mirror and reflect on how they can become more like Christ. Discuss how making and keeping temple covenants helps us reflect the Savior’s image in our countenance.
• Activity: Holiness Journals
• Materials: Journals, pens.
• Activity: Encourage participants to keep a journal where they record their experiences and insights from temple worship and their efforts to live holier lives. Reflect regularly on their progress and share entries if comfortable.
• Object Lesson: The Temple Stone
• Materials: A small stone or rock, a permanent marker.
• Activity: Write “Holiness to the Lord” on the stone. Explain how temples are built with stones and how each of us is like a stone in building a holy life. Discuss ways to make our lives more holy.
• Activity: Sacred Music Reflection
• Materials: Hymnbooks or music recordings.
• Activity: Listen to or sing hymns about the temple and holiness. Reflect on the lyrics and discuss how music can inspire us to live holier lives and prepare for temple worship.
• Object Lesson: The Seed of Holiness
• Materials: Seeds, soil, a small pot.
• Activity: Plant seeds in the soil and explain how, like a seed needs nourishment to grow, we need spiritual nourishment through temple worship and covenant keeping to grow in holiness. Discuss how to nurture spiritual growth.
• Activity: Group Prayer and Commitment
• Materials: None needed.
• Activity: Gather participants for a group prayer focused on seeking the Lord’s help in becoming holier disciples. After the prayer, have each participant write down a personal commitment to improve their holiness and share their commitments with the group.

Personal Sharing Prompt:

• Think of a time when you felt a profound sense of holiness and reverence upon entering the temple. How did this experience influence your desire to become a higher and holier disciple of Christ?
• Think of a time when making or renewing a covenant in the temple brought about a significant change in your heart or spirit. What impact did this change have on your daily life and your relationship with God?
• Think of a time when you felt particularly close to the Savior while participating in temple ordinances. How did this closeness help you in your efforts to follow Him more faithfully?
• Think of a time when the phrase “Holiness to the Lord” took on special meaning for you. How did this understanding deepen your commitment to living a holier life?
• Think of a time when you felt empowered by the covenants you made in the temple to overcome a personal challenge or weakness. How did this empowerment help you grow spiritually?
• Think of a time when you experienced sanctification through temple worship. How did this process of sanctification affect your confidence and perspective in your day-to-day life?
• Think of a time when you saw the influence of your temple covenants in your interactions with others. How did these covenants help you become more Christlike in your relationships?
• Think of a time when the teachings and experiences in the temple provided you with peace and direction during a difficult time. How did this guidance help you navigate your challenges?
• Think of a time when you felt a renewed sense of purpose and commitment after attending the temple. How did this renewal help you in your journey to become a higher and holier disciple of Christ?
• Think of a time when reflecting on the sacredness of the temple inspired you to make positive changes in your life. What changes did you make, and how did they bring you closer to the Savior?

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Such confidence is the pinnacle of our divine connection with God and can help us increase our devotion to and gratitude for Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. It fortifies our ability to love and serve others, and it strengthens our souls to live in an unholy world that is increasingly dark and discouraging. It empowers us to overcome the seeds of doubt and despair, fear and frustration, heartache and hopelessness that the enemy tries to drive deep into our hearts, especially when life is hard, trials are long, or circumstances are difficult. A biblical verse offers sound advice for each of us as we lean into the stiff wind of today’s worldly challenges: “Cast not away therefore your confidence.”

Dear brothers and sisters, those who gain genuine confidence in the covenants made in the house of the Lord through Jesus Christ possess one of the most powerful forces that we can access in this life.

Engaging Questions:

• Gaining Confidence in Covenants:
• How do you gain genuine confidence in the covenants you make in the temple? What practices help you reinforce this confidence?
• Devotion to Jesus Christ:
• How does your confidence in temple covenants increase your devotion to Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice? Can you share a specific example of how this has manifested in your life?
• Gratitude for the Atonement:
• In what ways does your confidence in the covenants made in the temple deepen your gratitude for Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice?
• Serving Others:
• How does the confidence gained from temple covenants fortify your ability to love and serve others? Can you share an experience where this confidence helped you in your service?
• Strength in a Dark World:
• How do temple covenants strengthen your soul to live in an increasingly dark and discouraging world? What aspects of these covenants provide you with the most resilience?
• Overcoming Doubt and Despair:
• How does your confidence in the Lord’s covenants empower you to overcome doubt, despair, fear, and frustration? Can you recall a time when this confidence helped you through a difficult situation?
• Facing Life’s Challenges:
• What role do temple covenants play in helping you face long trials and difficult circumstances? How do they provide you with hope and strength?
• Biblical Encouragement:
• How does the biblical verse “Cast not away therefore your confidence” resonate with you in the context of your temple covenants? How do you apply this advice in your daily life?
• Empowerment through Covenants:
• In what ways do you feel empowered by the covenants made in the house of the Lord? How does this empowerment influence your daily decisions and actions?
• Resilience and Hope:
• How do the covenants you make in the temple help you maintain resilience and hope during challenging times? What specific covenant promises do you find most comforting?
• Community Support:
• How can we as a faith community support each other in gaining and maintaining confidence in our temple covenants? What role does fellowship play in this process?
• Personal Reflection:
• Reflect on a time when your confidence in the temple covenants was particularly strong. How did this confidence affect your spiritual well-being and actions?
• Living in Confidence:
• How do you strive to live each day with confidence in your covenants? What daily habits or practices help you maintain this focus?
• Spiritual Armor:
• How do you view your temple covenants as spiritual armor against the challenges and temptations of the world? How does this perspective influence your approach to adversity?
• Expression of Faith:
• How do you express your faith and confidence in the Lord through your actions and choices? Can you share a moment when your temple covenants guided you in making a difficult decision?

Object Lessons and Activity Ideas:

1. Object Lesson: The Anchor of Confidence

• Materials: A small anchor, a rope.
• Activity: Show the anchor and explain how it keeps a ship steady during storms. Discuss how our covenants act as an anchor, giving us confidence and stability amidst life’s challenges. Invite participants to share how their covenants have anchored them.

1. Activity: Covenant Reminder Bands

• Materials: Rubber bands or bracelets, permanent markers.
• Activity: Have participants write a word or phrase related to their covenants on a band or bracelet (e.g., “faith,” “trust,” “strength”). Wear the band as a daily reminder of their covenants and the confidence those covenants bring.

1. Object Lesson: The Shield of Faith

• Materials: A toy shield or a picture of a shield.
• Activity: Explain how a shield protects a warrior in battle. Discuss how faith in our covenants acts as a shield against doubt, fear, and despair. Have participants share experiences where their faith protected them.

1. Activity: Confidence Journal

• Materials: Journals, pens.
• Activity: Encourage participants to keep a journal of experiences where their covenants have given them confidence and strength. Reflect regularly on these experiences and share entries if comfortable.

1. Object Lesson: The Lighthouse of Hope

• Materials: A small model of a lighthouse or a picture.
• Activity: Explain how a lighthouse guides ships safely through dangerous waters. Discuss how our covenants guide us through life’s difficulties and give us hope. Share personal stories of guidance received through covenant keeping.

1. Activity: Group Scripture Study

• Materials: Scriptures, study guides.
• Activity: Study Hebrews 10:35 together, which says, “Cast not away therefore your confidence.” Discuss how this scripture relates to confidence in covenants and share insights on how to maintain that confidence.

1. Object Lesson: The Growing Plant

• Materials: A small potted plant, water, sunlight.
• Activity: Show how a plant grows with consistent care and light. Compare this to how our confidence in covenants grows with regular spiritual nourishment. Discuss ways to nourish our faith and confidence.

1. Activity: Covenant Symbols

• Materials: Paper, pens, art supplies.
• Activity: Have participants draw or create a symbol that represents their covenants and the confidence they bring. Share and explain their symbols, discussing the personal meaning behind each one.

1. Object Lesson: The Rope of Strength

• Materials: A strong rope.
• Activity: Show the rope and explain how it represents the strength and unity that comes from keeping covenants. Have participants hold the rope together, symbolizing mutual support and shared confidence in their covenants.

1. Activity: Service Project

• Materials: None needed.
• Activity: Organize a service project to help others. Discuss how serving others is a reflection of our covenant commitment and strengthens our confidence in the Lord. Reflect on the experience and share how it reinforced their faith and covenants.

Personal Sharing Prompts:

• Think of a time when the covenants you made in the temple gave you the confidence to face a difficult challenge. How did this confidence help you overcome the obstacle and find peace?
• Think of a time when your devotion to Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice was strengthened through temple worship. How did this increased devotion influence your daily life and interactions with others?
• Think of a time when the power of your temple covenants helped you to love and serve others more deeply. What were the circumstances, and how did you feel empowered by your covenants?
• Think of a time when your temple covenants fortified you against feelings of doubt, fear, or despair. How did relying on these covenants provide you with the strength to persevere?
• Think of a time when you felt your soul strengthened by the confidence you gained through temple worship. How did this strength help you navigate a particularly dark or discouraging period in your life?
• Think of a time when you were inspired by the biblical counsel to “cast not away therefore your confidence” during a trial. How did this scripture help you maintain your faith and confidence in God?
• Think of a time when the confidence from your temple covenants helped you to remain hopeful despite prolonged trials. How did this hope sustain you and guide your actions?
• Think of a time when your gratitude for Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice was deepened through your temple experiences. How did this gratitude influence your outlook and behavior?
• Think of a time when you felt empowered by your temple covenants to overcome heartache or hopelessness. What did you learn about the sustaining power of these covenants during this time?
• Think of a time when the confidence you gained from temple worship helped you to resist worldly temptations and stay true to your faith. How did this experience shape your spiritual journey?

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As we have studied the Book of Mormon in Come, Follow Me this year, we have witnessed how Nephi beautifully exemplified the power of this type of covenant confidence through his faithfulness when he faced setbacks and challenges, like getting the plates as commanded by the Lord. Nephi, despite being exceedingly sorrowful for the fear and lack of faith of Laman and Lemuel, remained confident that the Lord would deliver the plates to them. He said unto his brothers, “As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us.” Because of Nephi’s confidence in the Lord’s promises, he was able to accomplish what he had been commanded to do. Later, in his vision, Nephi beheld the influence of this type of confidence, writing, “I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, … and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.”

Engaging Questions:

• Nephi’s Example:
• How does Nephi’s confidence in the Lord’s promises inspire you when facing your own setbacks and challenges? Can you share a specific instance where his example has influenced you?
• Facing Challenges with Faith:
• What challenges have you faced where you needed to rely on your confidence in the Lord’s promises? How did this confidence help you overcome those challenges?
• Strength from Covenant Confidence:
• How does having confidence in the covenants you’ve made with the Lord strengthen you in difficult times? What specific covenants give you the most assurance?
• Learning from Nephi’s Vision:
• In Nephi’s vision, he saw the power of the Lamb of God descending upon the saints. How do you interpret this vision in the context of your own life and challenges?
• Influence of Faithfulness:
• How does maintaining faithfulness, like Nephi, impact your ability to accomplish what the Lord has commanded you to do? Can you share an experience where your faithfulness led to success?
• Handling Fear and Lack of Faith:
• Nephi remained confident despite the fear and lack of faith of Laman and Lemuel. How do you handle the doubts and fears of others around you while maintaining your own faith and confidence?
• Scriptural Insights:
• What insights from the Book of Mormon have helped you develop a stronger confidence in the Lord? How do these insights influence your daily actions and decisions?
• Being Armed with Righteousness:
• Nephi described the saints as being “armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.” How do you arm yourself with righteousness in your daily life?
• Role of the Book of Mormon:
• How has studying the Book of Mormon in Come, Follow Me strengthened your confidence in the Lord’s promises? What specific lessons from Nephi’s story resonate with you?
• Overcoming Setbacks:
• How do you stay confident and faithful when facing setbacks similar to Nephi’s challenge of obtaining the plates? What personal strategies do you use to maintain this confidence?
• Impact of Covenant Confidence:
• How has your confidence in the Lord’s covenants influenced your relationships with family, friends, and community? Can you share an example where this confidence made a positive impact?
• Vision of the Future:
• Nephi’s vision provided him with a view of the future glory of the covenant people. How does having a long-term perspective and vision of eternal promises help you stay confident in your current challenges?
• Support from Fellow Believers:
• How can we support each other in developing and maintaining covenant confidence? What role does community and fellowship play in this process?
• Personal Reflection:
• Reflect on a time when you felt exceedingly sorrowful or faced a lack of faith. How did you regain your confidence in the Lord, and what was the outcome?
• Practical Applications:
• What practical steps can you take to strengthen your confidence in the Lord’s promises each day? How do these steps help you stay focused and faithful in your covenant journey?

Object Lessons and Activity Ideas:

• Object Lesson: The Compass of Confidence
• Materials: A compass.
• Activity: Show how a compass always points north, providing direction. Explain how Nephi’s confidence in the Lord’s promises acted as his compass, guiding him through challenges. Discuss how our covenants can guide us through difficult times.
• Activity: Faith Walk
• Materials: Blindfolds, a safe walking path.
• Activity: Pair participants and have one blindfolded while the other guides them. Discuss how trusting in their partner mirrors Nephi’s confidence in the Lord’s guidance, despite not seeing the outcome.
• Object Lesson: The Arrow and the Target
• Materials: A toy bow and arrow or a picture of an arrow hitting a target.
• Activity: Show how the arrow must be aimed correctly to hit the target. Relate this to Nephi’s unwavering focus on his goal despite setbacks. Discuss how focusing on our covenants helps us achieve our spiritual goals.
• Activity: Scripture Study on Nephi’s Faith
• Materials: Scriptures, study guides.
• Activity: Study the story of Nephi obtaining the plates (1 Nephi 3-4) and discuss how his confidence in the Lord’s commands helped him overcome obstacles. Reflect on how we can apply Nephi’s example in our own lives.
• Object Lesson: The Strong Foundation
• Materials: Building blocks or LEGO bricks.
• Activity: Build a structure with a strong foundation and another with a weak foundation. Compare the stability of both and relate it to Nephi’s strong foundation of faith in the Lord’s promises. Discuss how a strong foundation helps us face challenges.
• Activity: Covenant Reminder Cards
• Materials: Index cards, pens.
• Activity: Have participants write down specific covenants they have made and how these covenants give them confidence. Encourage them to keep these cards as reminders of the strength they draw from their covenants.
• Object Lesson: The Rope of Faith
• Materials: A strong rope.
• Activity: Show how a strong rope can hold weight and provide support. Explain how Nephi’s confidence in the Lord’s promises was like a strong rope that helped him pull through challenges. Discuss how our covenants provide similar support.
• Activity: Vision Board of Faith
• Materials: Poster boards, magazines, scissors, glue, markers.
• Activity: Create vision boards that depict goals and challenges participants face. Include scriptures, quotes, and images that inspire covenant confidence. Share and discuss how focusing on these can help overcome setbacks.
• Object Lesson: The Shield of Righteousness
• Materials: A toy shield or a picture of a shield.
• Activity: Explain how a shield protects a warrior in battle. Discuss how Nephi’s righteousness and confidence in the Lord acted as a shield against his challenges. Relate this to how our covenants protect and empower us.
• Activity: Group Discussion and Role Play
• Materials: None needed.
• Activity: Divide participants into groups and have them role-play scenarios where they face challenges similar to Nephi’s. Discuss how they can apply covenant confidence to overcome these challenges. Reflect on the importance of faithfulness in adversity.

Personal Sharing Prompts:

• Think of a time when you faced a significant challenge but remained confident in the Lord’s promises, similar to Nephi’s experience with retrieving the plates. How did your confidence in the Lord help you overcome the challenge?
• Think of a time when you felt sorrowful or discouraged by others’ lack of faith, but you chose to stay faithful. How did your faithfulness impact the outcome of the situation?
• Think of a time when you had to take a bold step of faith, trusting in the Lord’s commandments despite uncertainty. How did this step of faith strengthen your confidence in God’s promises?
• Think of a time when you felt armed with righteousness and the power of God during a difficult period. How did this divine support help you navigate through the challenges you faced?
• Think of a time when you saw the influence of covenant confidence in your life or in the lives of others. How did this confidence manifest, and what were the results?
• Think of a time when you accomplished something difficult because of your unwavering confidence in the Lord, much like Nephi. What did you learn from this experience about the power of faith and obedience?
• Think of a time when you were inspired by the faithfulness of a scripture character or someone you know. How did their example of covenant confidence influence your own faith journey?
• Think of a time when you felt the Lord’s guidance and strength as you endeavored to follow His commandments. How did this experience bolster your confidence in His promises?
• Think of a time when you faced a setback or failure but chose to trust in the Lord’s timing and wisdom. How did this trust help you persevere and eventually see a positive outcome?
• Think of a time when you felt the power of the Lamb of God descending upon you, providing you with righteousness and great glory. How did this spiritual empowerment help you overcome a significant challenge?

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My dear friends, if there is one thing we could possess—and one thing we could pass on to our children and grandchildren that would help each in the tests and trials ahead—it would be confidence in the covenants made through Jesus Christ. Obtaining such a divine possession will help them live as the Lord promised His faithful followers: “My disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved.”

Engaging Questions:

• Confidence in Covenants:
• What does it mean to you to have confidence in the covenants made through Jesus Christ? How does this confidence influence your daily life?
• Passing on Faith:
• How can we effectively pass on our confidence in the Lord’s covenants to our children and grandchildren? What practices or traditions help instill this confidence in the next generation?
• Living as Disciples:
• How do you strive to live as a disciple who stands in holy places and is not moved? What challenges do you face, and how do you overcome them?
• Role of Example:
• How does your example influence the faith and confidence of your family and those around you? Can you share a time when your actions positively impacted someone else’s confidence in the Lord?
• Teaching about Covenants:
• What are some effective ways to teach children and youth about the importance and power of covenants? How do you make these teachings relevant and meaningful to them?
• Standing in Holy Places:
• What does it mean to you to “stand in holy places”? How do you identify and create these holy places in your life?
• Facing Tests and Trials:
• How does confidence in covenants help you face the tests and trials in your life? Can you share an example where this confidence provided strength and guidance?
• Incorporating Faith into Daily Life:
• How do you incorporate the principles of your faith and covenants into your daily routine? What habits or practices help you stay focused on your commitments to the Lord?
• Building a Foundation of Faith:
• How do you build a strong foundation of faith for yourself and your family? What specific actions or experiences have contributed to this foundation?
• Role of the Holy Ghost:
• How does the guidance of the Holy Ghost help you maintain confidence in your covenants? Can you describe a time when the Holy Ghost provided clarity or comfort related to your covenants?
• Encouraging Confidence in Others:
• How can we encourage and support each other in developing confidence in the Lord’s covenants? What role does community play in this process?
• Reflecting on Promises:
• How do you reflect on and remember the promises you have made to the Lord? What helps you stay committed to these promises during difficult times?
• Sharing Personal Testimonies:
• How does sharing your personal testimony of the covenants you have made strengthen your own faith and the faith of others? Can you share an instance where your testimony made a difference?
• Overcoming Doubts:
• How do you handle doubts or questions about your covenants? What strategies help you regain confidence and stay true to your commitments?
• Long-term Perspective:
• How does having a long-term perspective on the blessings of covenants help you stay focused and motivated? What future promises give you hope and strength in your current journey?

Object Lessons and Activity Ideas:

• Object Lesson: The Shield of Faith
• Materials: A toy shield or a picture of a shield.
• Activity: Discuss how a shield protects a warrior in battle. Explain how our covenants act as a shield that protects us from spiritual dangers. Encourage participants to share experiences where their covenants have provided protection and strength.
• Activity: Covenant Time Capsule
• Materials: A box, paper, pens.
• Activity: Have participants write letters to their future selves or to their children, detailing their testimonies and experiences with covenants. Seal the letters in a time capsule to be opened in the future. Discuss the importance of leaving a legacy of faith.
• Object Lesson: The Tree of Life
• Materials: A small tree or a picture of a tree.
• Activity: Explain how a tree’s deep roots provide stability and nourishment. Compare this to how covenants root us deeply in the gospel. Discuss how passing on this rootedness can help future generations withstand spiritual storms.
• Activity: Family Covenant Chart
• Materials: Large paper, markers.
• Activity: Create a chart showing the covenants made by family members, including baptism, marriage, and temple covenants. Discuss how each covenant strengthens the family and how this strength can be passed on to future generations.
• Object Lesson: The Lamp of Guidance
• Materials: A lamp or flashlight.
• Activity: Show how a lamp lights the way in darkness. Discuss how covenants provide spiritual light and guidance. Encourage participants to share how they have been guided by their covenants during difficult times.
• Activity: Covenant Testimony Meeting
• Materials: None needed.
• Activity: Organize a testimony meeting where participants share their experiences with covenants and how these covenants have helped them. Emphasize the importance of bearing testimony to strengthen future generations.
• Object Lesson: The Strong Foundation
• Materials: Building blocks or LEGO bricks.
• Activity: Build a structure on a strong foundation and another on a weak foundation. Compare the stability of both structures. Discuss how covenants provide a strong foundation for life and how this foundation can support future generations.
• Activity: Covenant Reminder Bracelets
• Materials: Rubber bands or bracelets, permanent markers.
• Activity: Have participants write a word or phrase related to their covenants on a bracelet. Encourage them to wear the bracelet as a daily reminder of their covenants and the confidence those covenants bring.
• Object Lesson: The Rope of Support
• Materials: A strong rope.
• Activity: Use the rope to illustrate how it can hold weight and provide support. Discuss how covenants act as a rope, offering support and strength. Encourage participants to share how they can support future generations in their covenant journey.
• Activity: Scripture Study on Holy Places
• Materials: Scriptures, study guides.
• Activity: Study scriptures that talk about standing in holy places (e.g., D&C 45:32). Discuss how covenants help us stand firm in holy places and how we can teach future generations to do the same.

Personal Sharing Prompts:

• Think of a time when your confidence in your covenants helped you remain steadfast during a challenging situation. How did this experience reinforce your commitment to standing in holy places?
• Think of a time when you taught your children or grandchildren about the importance of temple covenants. How did sharing your testimony impact their understanding and confidence in these sacred commitments?
• Think of a time when you observed a family member or friend draw strength from their temple covenants during a trial. What did this teach you about the power of covenant confidence?
• Think of a time when your covenants gave you the courage to make a difficult but righteous decision. How did this decision help you and others see the importance of standing firm in holy places?
• Think of a time when you felt especially guided or protected because of your temple covenants. How did this guidance or protection influence your confidence in the Lord’s promises?
• Think of a time when you helped someone else recognize the importance of their covenants. How did this interaction strengthen both your faith and theirs?
• Think of a time when you were reminded of the blessings associated with temple covenants during a moment of doubt or fear. How did recalling these blessings help you regain confidence and peace?
• Think of a time when participating in temple ordinances with your family brought you closer together. How did this shared spiritual experience strengthen your collective confidence in standing in holy places?
• Think of a time when your confidence in your covenants inspired you to serve others. How did this act of service help you feel more connected to the Savior and His promises?
• Think of a time when reflecting on your temple covenants helped you resist a temptation or overcome a personal weakness. How did this reflection fortify your resolve to remain true to your commitments?

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How do we gain such confidence through Jesus Christ? It comes through humility, centering our lives on the Savior, living by the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, receiving the ordinances of salvation and exaltation, and honoring the covenants we make with God in His holy house.

Engaging Questions:

• Humility and Confidence:
• How does humility play a role in gaining confidence through Jesus Christ? Can you share an experience where practicing humility strengthened your faith?
• Centering on the Savior:
• What does it mean to center your life on the Savior? How do you keep Jesus Christ at the center of your daily activities and decisions?
• Living Gospel Principles:
• How do you strive to live by the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Which principles have been most impactful in your life, and why?
• Receiving Ordinances:
• How have the ordinances of salvation and exaltation strengthened your confidence in the Lord? Can you describe a specific ordinance that had a significant impact on you?
• Honoring Covenants:
• In what ways do you honor the covenants you have made with God in His holy house? How does this commitment influence your daily behavior and decisions?
• Role of the Temple:
• How does regular temple attendance contribute to your confidence in the covenants you’ve made? What blessings have you noticed from consistent temple worship?
• Practical Steps:
• What practical steps do you take to live a Christ-centered life? How do these steps help you gain and maintain spiritual confidence?
• Challenges and Solutions:
• What challenges do you face in trying to live by the principles of the gospel and honor your covenants? How do you overcome these challenges?
• Examples of Humility:
• Who are some examples of humility in your life or in the scriptures that inspire you? How do these examples help you develop your own humility?
• Daily Reminders:
• What daily practices or reminders help you keep your focus on Jesus Christ and the covenants you’ve made? How do these practices affect your spiritual confidence?
• Community Support:
• How can we as a community support each other in gaining confidence through Jesus Christ? What role does fellowship and shared experiences play in this process?
• Personal Reflection:
• Reflect on a time when you felt particularly confident in your faith. What factors contributed to this confidence, and how can you continue to build on it?
• Spiritual Growth:
• How do you measure your spiritual growth and progress in living a Christ-centered life? What indicators do you use to assess your development?
• Impact of Ordinances:
• How have the ordinances of the gospel influenced your relationship with Jesus Christ? Can you share a specific example of how an ordinance deepened your faith?
• Continuous Improvement:
• What areas of your life do you feel need more alignment with the principles of the gospel and the covenants you’ve made? How do you plan to work on these areas?

Object Lessons and Activities:

• Object Lesson: The Foundation of Humility
• Materials: A foundation stone or brick.
• Activity: Explain how a strong foundation is crucial for any structure. Discuss how humility is the foundation for gaining confidence in Jesus Christ. Share examples of how humility has strengthened faith and confidence.
• Activity: Centering on Christ Collage
• Materials: Magazines, scissors, glue, poster board.
• Activity: Have participants create a collage of images and words that represent centering their lives on Christ. Discuss how focusing on the Savior brings confidence and peace.
• Object Lesson: The Gospel Pathway
• Materials: A pathway drawn on the floor, labeled with principles of the gospel (e.g., faith, repentance, baptism).
• Activity: Walk the pathway and discuss each principle. Emphasize how living by these principles leads to confidence in Christ. Share personal experiences related to each principle.
• Activity: Ordinance Chart
• Materials: Large paper, markers.
• Activity: Create a chart outlining the ordinances of salvation and exaltation. Discuss the importance of each ordinance and how participating in them increases spiritual confidence.
• Object Lesson: The Covenant Ladder
• Materials: A ladder, labels for each step (e.g., baptism, temple endowment).
• Activity: Climb the ladder, discussing each step and how it represents progression through the covenants. Emphasize how each covenant builds upon the previous one, leading to greater confidence in Christ.
• Activity: Living the Gospel Daily Planner
• Materials: Daily planners or calendars, pens.
• Activity: Have participants plan a week where they intentionally live the principles of the gospel each day. Discuss how consistent, daily efforts to live the gospel increase confidence and faith.
• Object Lesson: The Anchor of Ordinances
• Materials: An anchor.
• Activity: Discuss how an anchor keeps a ship steady and safe. Compare this to how ordinances anchor our lives in Christ, providing stability and confidence.
• Activity: Covenant Reminders
• Materials: Small stones, markers.
• Activity: Have participants write a word or phrase related to their covenants on a stone. Encourage them to keep the stone as a reminder of their commitments to God and how honoring these covenants brings confidence.
• Object Lesson: The Light of Christ
• Materials: A candle or small lantern.
• Activity: Light the candle and explain how Christ is the light of the world. Discuss how living by the light of Christ through gospel principles and covenants dispels darkness and brings confidence.
• Activity: Group Covenant Renewal
• Materials: None needed.
• Activity: Organize a group activity where participants discuss and renew their commitment to live their covenants. Share testimonies and experiences of how covenants have brought confidence and strength in difficult times.

Personal Sharing Prompts:

1. Think of a time when you humbled yourself before the Lord and felt a renewed sense of confidence in your faith. How did this humility help you center your life more on the Savior?
2. Think of a time when you made a conscious effort to live by the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. How did this effort strengthen your confidence in the Lord’s guidance and promises?
3. Think of a time when receiving an ordinance, such as baptism or the sacrament, deepened your commitment to follow Christ. How did this ordinance impact your spiritual confidence and daily actions?
4. Think of a time when honoring a covenant you made with God brought you closer to Him. How did keeping this covenant help you feel more confident in your relationship with the Savior?
5. Think of a time when centering your life on Jesus Christ helped you overcome a significant trial or temptation. How did focusing on the Savior provide you with the strength and confidence to prevail?
6. Think of a time when living by gospel principles helped you navigate a difficult decision. How did adhering to these principles give you confidence in the path you chose?
7. Think of a time when participating in temple ordinances gave you a greater sense of peace and assurance. How did this experience strengthen your confidence in the Lord’s eternal plan for you?
8. Think of a time when you felt a powerful confirmation of your covenants with God during a moment of prayer or meditation. How did this confirmation affect your confidence in living a covenant-centered life?
9. Think of a time when you saw the blessings of honoring your covenants reflected in your personal or family life. How did these blessings bolster your confidence in continuing to keep those covenants?
10. Think of a time when you shared your testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel principles with others. How did this act of sharing reinforce your own confidence in the truths you hold dear?

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In his closing remarks at the October 2019 general conference, our dear prophet reminded us about an important step in achieving covenant confidence, saying: “Individual worthiness to enter the Lord’s house requires much individual spiritual preparation. … Individual worthiness requires a total conversion of mind and heart to be more like the Lord, to be an honest citizen, to be a better example, and to be a holier person.” Therefore, if we change our preparation to enter the temple, we will change our experience in the temple, which will transform our lives outside of the temple. “Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.”

Engaging Questions:

• Individual Worthiness:
• What does individual worthiness to enter the Lord’s house mean to you? How do you assess and improve your own worthiness?
• Spiritual Preparation:
• How do you spiritually prepare yourself to enter the temple? What specific practices or routines help you feel ready to participate in temple ordinances?
• Total Conversion:
• What does it mean to have a total conversion of mind and heart? How do you strive to align your thoughts and actions more closely with the Lord’s teachings?
• Being an Honest Citizen:
• How does being an honest citizen contribute to your overall spiritual preparation and worthiness? Can you share an example where your integrity made a difference in your spiritual journey?
• Setting an Example:
• How do you aim to be a better example to those around you? What are some ways you can show Christlike qualities in your daily interactions?
• Becoming Holier:
• What steps do you take to become a holier person? How do you incorporate holiness into your everyday life?
• Impact of Preparation on Temple Experience:
• How does changing your preparation for the temple change your experience in the temple? Can you describe a time when enhanced preparation made a significant difference?
• Transformation through Temple Worship:
• How has your life outside of the temple been transformed by your experiences within the temple? What changes have you noticed in your behavior, attitudes, and relationships?
• Confidence in the Presence of God:
• How does achieving covenant confidence help you feel stronger and more assured in the presence of God? What role does regular temple attendance play in this process?
• Doctrine of the Priesthood:
• How do you experience the doctrine of the priesthood distilling upon your soul as you strive for worthiness and spiritual preparation? Can you share a moment when you felt this spiritual influence?
• Challenges and Overcoming Them:
• What challenges do you face in maintaining worthiness and spiritual preparation? How do you overcome these obstacles?
• Role of Repentance:
• How does repentance contribute to your individual worthiness and spiritual preparation? How do you incorporate regular repentance into your spiritual routine?
• Inspiration from Church Leaders:
• How have the teachings of church leaders, like the prophet’s closing remarks, inspired you to improve your spiritual preparation and worthiness? What specific advice has been most impactful for you?
• Community Support:
• How can we support each other in achieving covenant confidence through individual worthiness and spiritual preparation? What role does the faith community play in this journey?
• Reflecting on Personal Growth:
• Reflect on a time when you felt particularly worthy and spiritually prepared to enter the temple. What contributed to this feeling, and how can you maintain and build upon it?

Object Lessons and Activities:

• Object Lesson: The Refined Gold
• Materials: A small piece of gold or a picture of gold being refined.
• Activity: Discuss how gold is refined through intense heat and purification processes. Compare this to the process of individual spiritual preparation and conversion. Share examples of how refining experiences have strengthened faith and worthiness.
• Activity: Personal Worthiness Checklist
• Materials: Paper, pens.
• Activity: Have participants create a checklist of areas in their lives where they can improve their personal worthiness (e.g., honesty, service, prayer). Discuss how working on these areas prepares them for the temple and strengthens their covenant confidence.
• Object Lesson: The Clean Mirror
• Materials: A mirror, cleaning supplies.
• Activity: Show a dirty mirror and then clean it. Explain how just as a clean mirror reflects light more clearly, a pure heart reflects the Spirit more fully. Discuss how personal worthiness and spiritual preparation cleanse our hearts.
• Activity: Temple Preparation Journal
• Materials: Journals, pens.
• Activity: Encourage participants to keep a journal of their efforts to prepare for the temple, including daily spiritual practices, insights, and progress. Reflect regularly on how these efforts increase their confidence and readiness.
• Object Lesson: The Seed of Conversion
• Materials: Seeds, soil, small pots.
• Activity: Plant seeds in soil and discuss how they need care and nourishment to grow. Compare this to how spiritual practices nurture our hearts and minds, leading to total conversion and worthiness. Monitor the growth over time as a reminder.
• Activity: Spiritual Preparation Plan
• Materials: Large paper, markers.
• Activity: Create a group plan outlining steps for spiritual preparation, such as daily scripture study, regular prayer, and acts of service. Discuss how following this plan can lead to greater temple experiences and covenant confidence.
• Object Lesson: The Strong Foundation
• Materials: Building blocks or LEGO bricks.
• Activity: Build a structure with a strong foundation, emphasizing how each block represents spiritual practices and conversion efforts. Discuss how a strong foundation leads to a firm and confident testimony.
• Activity: Role-Playing Worthiness Scenarios
• Materials: None needed.
• Activity: Divide participants into groups and have them role-play scenarios where they demonstrate honesty, service, and other qualities of worthiness. Discuss the outcomes and how these qualities prepare them for the temple.
• Object Lesson: The Pure Water
• Materials: A glass of clean water, a glass of dirty water.
• Activity: Show the difference between the two glasses of water. Explain how personal worthiness and spiritual preparation purify our hearts, making us more receptive to the Spirit. Discuss ways to maintain this purity.
• Activity: Covenant Confidence Testimonies
• Materials: None needed.
• Activity: Organize a testimony meeting where participants share their experiences with temple preparation and how it has strengthened their covenant confidence. Emphasize the importance of ongoing spiritual preparation and conversion.

Personal Sharing Prompts:

1. Think of a time when you dedicated yourself to spiritual preparation before attending the temple. How did this preparation enhance your experience in the temple and impact your life outside of it?
2. Think of a time when you felt your worthiness to enter the Lord’s house was tested or challenged. How did you overcome these challenges, and what did you learn about maintaining your worthiness?
3. Think of a time when a focus on honesty and integrity improved your confidence in your spiritual standing. How did being an honest citizen and a better example influence your relationship with God and others?
4. Think of a time when a significant change in your heart and mind brought you closer to the Lord. How did this conversion process affect your daily actions and spiritual confidence?
5. Think of a time when you experienced a powerful sense of confidence in the presence of God because of your individual worthiness. How did this experience influence your understanding of the doctrine of the priesthood?
6. Think of a time when preparing for a temple visit transformed your approach to living gospel principles. How did this transformation affect your daily life and interactions with others?
7. Think of a time when you felt the doctrine of the priesthood distill upon your soul as you worked on your spiritual preparation. How did this divine influence strengthen your testimony and covenant confidence?
8. Think of a time when total conversion of your mind and heart led to a significant spiritual breakthrough. How did this breakthrough change your perspective and commitment to living a holy life?
9. Think of a time when you saw the effects of your spiritual preparation on your confidence and peace during temple worship. How did this preparation and subsequent confidence affect your ability to face life’s challenges?
10. Think of a time when a focus on individual worthiness helped you become a holier person. How did striving for holiness in your everyday actions build your confidence in your covenants with God?

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Preparation isn’t just for those going to the temple for the first time. We all should be perpetually preparing to go to the house of the Lord. One stake I know has adopted the motto “Home centered, Church supported, and temple bound.” Bound is an interesting word in that it means focused on a direction, but it also means fastened to or secured by, resolved and determined, sure. So being temple bound secures us to the Savior, giving us proper direction and stability while ensuring we have covenant confidence through Jesus Christ. Therefore, all of us should intentionally enhance such binding by having our next appointment scheduled with the Lord in His holy house, whether the temple is near or far away.

Engaging Questions:

• Perpetual Preparation:
• What does perpetual preparation for temple attendance look like in your life? How do you keep yourself spiritually ready to enter the temple regularly?
• Motto Application:
• How do you apply the motto “Home centered, Church supported, and temple bound” in your daily routines? Can you share specific examples of how this motto influences your family life?
• Meaning of “Temple Bound”:
• What does being “temple bound” mean to you personally? How do you balance the focus on direction with the idea of being securely fastened to the Savior?
• Scheduling Temple Visits:
• How do you feel about the idea of always having your next temple appointment scheduled? How does this practice impact your spiritual preparation and mindset?
• Direction and Stability:
• In what ways does being “temple bound” provide you with direction and stability? Can you share an experience where this focus helped you navigate a difficult situation?
• Covenant Confidence:
• How does regular temple attendance help you build and maintain covenant confidence through Jesus Christ? What specific ordinances or experiences in the temple have strengthened this confidence for you?
• Enhancing Temple Binding:
• What intentional steps do you take to strengthen your connection to the temple and the Savior? How do these actions affect your overall spiritual growth and daily life?
• Challenges of Distance:
• If the temple is far away, how do you maintain your commitment to being “temple bound”? What alternative practices help you stay connected to the blessings of the temple?
• Family Involvement:
• How do you involve your family in preparing for and attending the temple? What traditions or activities help your family stay focused on being “temple bound”?
• Impact of Preparation:
• Reflect on a time when thorough preparation for the temple significantly impacted your experience. What did you do differently, and how did it enhance your worship?
• Community Support:
• How can we, as a community, support each other in being perpetually prepared and “temple bound”? What role does the Church play in fostering this collective effort?
• Long-Term Spiritual Goals:
• What long-term spiritual goals do you set related to temple worship and preparation? How do these goals help you stay focused on your spiritual journey?
• Spiritual Benefits:
• What spiritual benefits have you experienced from being consistently prepared for temple attendance? How has this preparation deepened your relationship with the Savior?
• Practical Tips for Preparation:
• What practical tips can you share for staying focused on temple preparation despite a busy schedule? How do you prioritize this preparation in your daily life?
• Central Role of the Temple:
• How does the temple play a central role in your faith and daily life? What motivates you to keep returning to the temple, even when faced with challenges or obstacles?

Object Lessons and Activity Ideas:

• Object Lesson: The Compass and the Map
• Materials: A compass and a map.
• Activity: Show how a compass provides direction and helps navigate the map. Explain how being “temple bound” gives us spiritual direction and stability. Discuss how setting regular temple attendance as a goal helps keep our lives on course.
• Activity: Temple Preparation Planner
• Materials: Daily planners or calendars, pens.
• Activity: Have participants plan out a month with specific activities focused on temple preparation, such as scripture study, prayer, and service. Encourage them to schedule their next temple appointment. Discuss how these activities prepare them spiritually.
• Object Lesson: The Anchor of the Soul
• Materials: A small anchor or a picture of an anchor.
• Activity: Discuss how an anchor keeps a ship steady and secure. Compare this to how being “temple bound” anchors our souls to the Savior and provides spiritual stability. Share personal experiences of how temple worship has anchored your faith.
• Activity: Temple Goals Vision Board
• Materials: Poster boards, magazines, scissors, glue, markers.
• Activity: Create vision boards with images and words that represent participants’ goals for temple preparation and attendance. Display these as reminders of their commitment to being “temple bound.”
• Object Lesson: The Secure Knot
• Materials: Rope or string.
• Activity: Demonstrate how to tie a secure knot and explain how being “temple bound” means being fastened securely to our covenants and the Savior. Discuss ways to strengthen our commitment and resolve.
• Activity: Home-Centered Study Group
• Materials: Scriptures, study guides.
• Activity: Organize a study group focused on temple-related topics and doctrine. Discuss how studying at home supports temple preparation and enhances understanding of covenants.
• Object Lesson: The Steady Light
• Materials: A flashlight or lantern.
• Activity: Show how a steady light guides the way in darkness. Compare this to how regular temple attendance illuminates our spiritual path and provides clarity. Discuss how to maintain this light in daily life.
• Activity: Covenant Reminder Bracelets
• Materials: Rubber bands or bracelets, permanent markers.
• Activity: Have participants write “Temple Bound” on a bracelet to wear as a daily reminder of their commitment to regular temple worship. Share how small reminders can keep us focused on our spiritual goals.
• Object Lesson: The Roadmap to the Temple
• Materials: A map with a marked route to the temple.
• Activity: Discuss how having a clear route and destination helps us reach our goals. Compare this to planning and preparing for temple attendance. Share how setting specific goals and steps can lead to successful temple worship.
• Activity: Family Temple Nights
• Materials: None needed.
• Activity: Encourage families to set aside regular nights dedicated to temple preparation activities, such as family history work, reading temple-related talks, or planning temple trips. Discuss how involving the whole family strengthens commitment to being “temple bound.”

Personal Sharing Prompts:

• Think of a time when you felt particularly “temple bound” and focused on your spiritual direction. How did this focus influence your daily life and your relationship with the Savior?
• Think of a time when you made a deliberate effort to prepare for a temple visit, even if it wasn’t your first time. How did this preparation affect your experience in the temple and your ongoing spiritual journey?
• Think of a time when the concept of being “temple bound” provided you with stability and direction during a challenging period. How did this focus help you navigate through the challenges you faced?
• Think of a time when scheduling regular temple visits helped you stay committed to your covenants and spiritual goals. How did having these appointments with the Lord enhance your covenant confidence?
• Think of a time when your home-centered gospel study and church-supported activities strengthened your resolve to be “temple bound.” How did these efforts impact your spiritual growth and readiness for temple worship?
• Think of a time when you felt a deep connection to the Savior through your temple experiences. How did this connection secure you to Him and provide you with spiritual strength?
• Think of a time when being “temple bound” helped you feel more secure and resolved in your faith. How did this determination affect your decisions and actions in everyday life?
• Think of a time when you had to overcome obstacles to attend the temple. How did your determination to be “temple bound” help you persevere and reach your goal?
• Think of a time when the teachings and covenants of the temple brought clarity and direction to your life. How did being “temple bound” ensure you stayed on the right spiritual path?
• Think of a time when you felt the support of your church community in your efforts to prepare for and attend the temple. How did this support enhance your commitment to being “temple bound”?

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Our dear prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, reminds us about these vital principles by saying: “The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. Then, as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing, strengthening power. And oh, how we will need His power in the days ahead.”

The Savior desires that we become prepared to understand, with great clarity, exactly how to act as we make covenants with our Heavenly Father in His name. He wants us to be prepared to experience our privileges, promises, and responsibilities; to be prepared to have the spiritual insights and awakenings that we need in this life. I know that when the Lord sees even a spark of desire or a flicker of righteous effort in our willingness to center our lives on Him and on the ordinances and covenants we make in His house, He will bless us, in His perfect way, with the miracles and tender mercies we need.

Engaging Questions:

• Center of Faith:
• How does temple worship strengthen your faith and spiritual fortitude? Can you share a specific experience where the temple played a central role in deepening your faith?
• Understanding Jesus Christ:
• How has your understanding of Jesus Christ and His doctrine increased through temple worship? What specific teachings or experiences in the temple have impacted you the most?
• Sacred Priesthood Covenants:
• What does it mean to you to be bound to the Savior through sacred priesthood covenants? How do these covenants influence your daily decisions and actions?
• Receiving the Savior’s Power:
• How have you experienced the Savior’s healing and strengthening power as you keep your covenants? Can you describe a time when this power was particularly evident in your life?
• Preparation for Covenants:
• How do you prepare yourself to understand and act on the covenants you make in the temple? What practices help you stay spiritually ready to make and keep these covenants?
• Experiencing Privileges and Promises:
• How do the privileges and promises associated with temple covenants affect your outlook on life? What specific blessings have you received from these covenants?
• Spiritual Insights and Awakenings:
• What spiritual insights or awakenings have you gained from temple worship? How have these insights influenced your personal and spiritual growth?
• Desire and Effort:
• How do you show a spark of desire or a flicker of righteous effort in centering your life on the Savior and temple covenants? What motivates you to keep striving?
• Receiving Miracles and Tender Mercies:
• How have you witnessed miracles and tender mercies in your life as a result of your commitment to temple worship and covenant keeping? Can you share an example?
• Teaching and Instruction in the Temple:
• What role does teaching and instruction in the temple play in your understanding of the gospel? How do you apply what you learn in the temple to your everyday life?
• Balancing Responsibilities:
• How do you balance the responsibilities associated with temple covenants with other aspects of your life? What strategies help you maintain this balance?
• Community and Support:
• How can we support each other in our efforts to prepare for and keep temple covenants? What role does the faith community play in this process?
• Long-Term Commitment:
• How do you maintain a long-term commitment to temple worship and covenant keeping? What practices or habits help you stay dedicated over time?
• Impact of Prophetic Counsel:
• How has the counsel of President Russell M. Nelson and other church leaders influenced your approach to temple worship and covenant keeping? What specific advice has been most impactful for you?
• Personal Reflection:
• Reflect on a time when you felt particularly close to the Savior in the temple. What contributed to this feeling, and how can you continue to foster such experiences?

Object Lessons and Activities:

• Object Lesson: The Seed of Desire
• Materials: Seeds, soil, small pots.
• Activity: Plant seeds in small pots and explain how a seed represents a spark of desire to follow the Savior. Discuss how nurturing this desire through preparation and righteous effort helps it grow into strong faith and commitment to temple covenants.
• Activity: Temple Preparation Checklist
• Materials: Paper, pens.
• Activity: Create a checklist of spiritual preparations for the temple, such as daily prayer, scripture study, service, and repentance. Have participants track their progress and discuss how each preparation strengthens their understanding and readiness for temple covenants.
• Object Lesson: The Safety Net
• Materials: A net or fabric.
• Activity: Explain how a safety net provides security and support. Discuss how the covenants made in the temple act as a spiritual safety net, providing protection and strength. Share examples of how temple covenants have been a source of support.
• Activity: Privileges and Promises Journal
• Materials: Journals, pens.
• Activity: Encourage participants to keep a journal where they record the privileges and promises they receive through temple covenants. Reflect on how these blessings impact their lives and strengthen their faith.
• Object Lesson: The Lighthouse of Guidance
• Materials: A small model of a lighthouse or a picture.
• Activity: Explain how a lighthouse provides guidance and safety for ships. Discuss how the teachings and ordinances of the temple guide us through life’s challenges and lead us to spiritual safety.
• Activity: Temple Symbols Study
• Materials: Scriptures, study guides.
• Activity: Study the symbolism of various elements in the temple (e.g., clothing, ordinances). Discuss how these symbols teach us about Jesus Christ and our covenants. Share insights and personal experiences related to temple symbolism.
• Object Lesson: The Bridge of Covenants
• Materials: A small model of a bridge.
• Activity: Explain how a bridge connects two places, allowing safe passage. Discuss how temple covenants act as a bridge, connecting us to God and providing a path to eternal life. Share how covenants have helped bridge gaps in faith or understanding.
• Activity: Covenant Commitment Cards
• Materials: Index cards, pens.
• Activity: Have participants write down specific commitments they will make to prepare for the temple. Encourage them to keep these cards as reminders of their dedication to keeping their covenants.
• Object Lesson: The Armor of God
• Materials: Toy armor or pictures of armor.
• Activity: Discuss how putting on the armor of God provides spiritual protection. Compare this to how temple covenants protect us and strengthen our resolve to follow the Savior. Share personal experiences of feeling spiritually fortified by temple worship.
• Activity: Temple Blessings Tree
• Materials: Paper, markers, scissors.
• Activity: Create a tree on a large piece of paper and have participants write down temple blessings on leaves to attach to the tree. Discuss how each blessing contributes to the overall strength and beauty of their spiritual lives.

Personal Sharing Prompts:

1. Think of a time when your faith was strengthened through your experiences in the temple. How did the teachings and ordinances increase your understanding of Jesus Christ?
2. Think of a time when you felt the healing and strengthening power of the Savior as you kept your temple covenants. How did this power help you in your daily life?
3. Think of a time when a temple visit provided you with the clarity and guidance you needed to act on an important decision. How did the temple experience influence your decision-making process?
4. Think of a time when you experienced a miracle or tender mercy after showing even a small desire to center your life on Jesus Christ and His ordinances. How did this experience impact your faith and commitment?
5. Think of a time when the instruction and Spirit you felt in the temple brought you a deeper understanding of your privileges, promises, and responsibilities as a covenant-keeper. How did this understanding affect your actions and attitudes?
6. Think of a time when you had a spiritual awakening or insight during or after a temple visit. How did this revelation change your perspective or behavior?
7. Think of a time when you prepared diligently for a temple visit and felt richly blessed as a result. How did this preparation enhance your temple experience and strengthen your faith?
8. Think of a time when you felt particularly bound to the Savior through the sacred priesthood covenants made in the temple. How did this bond influence your relationship with Him and your dedication to living the gospel?
9. Think of a time when the temple teachings helped you understand how to act in a challenging situation. How did applying what you learned in the temple provide you with the needed strength and wisdom?
10. Think of a time when your willingness to make and keep temple covenants brought specific blessings into your life. How did these blessings testify to you of the Savior’s love and power?

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The house of the Lord is where we can be transformed in higher and holier ways. So, when we walk out of the temple, transformed by our hope in the promises of the covenants, armed with power from on high, we take the temple with us into our homes and lives. I assure you that having the spirit of the Lord’s house in us changes us, completely.

We also know from the temple that if we want the Spirit of the Lord to be unrestrained in our lives, we simply cannot and must not have unkind feelings toward anyone. Giving place in our hearts or minds for unkind feelings or thoughts will produce unkind words and actions, whether on social media or in our homes, causing the Spirit of the Lord to withdraw from our hearts. Therefore, please cast not away your confidence, but rather, let your confidence wax strong.

Engaging Questions:

• Temple Transformation:
• How have your experiences in the temple transformed you in higher and holier ways? Can you share a specific example of this transformation?
• Hope in Covenants:
• How does hope in the promises of temple covenants influence your daily life? What specific promises bring you the most comfort and motivation?
• Armed with Power:
• In what ways do you feel armed with power from on high after attending the temple? How does this power manifest in your actions and decisions?
• Bringing the Temple Spirit Home:
• How do you bring the spirit of the temple into your home and everyday life? What practices help you maintain this spirit throughout the week?
• Complete Change:
• How has having the spirit of the Lord’s house within you changed you completely? What noticeable differences do you see in your thoughts, behaviors, and relationships?
• Unkind Feelings and the Spirit:
• How do unkind feelings or thoughts affect your ability to feel the Spirit of the Lord? What steps do you take to cast away unkind feelings and ensure the Spirit remains with you?
• Kindness in Actions:
• How can you ensure that your words and actions, both in person and on social media, reflect kindness and maintain the Spirit of the Lord? Can you share an instance where you made a conscious effort to be kind?
• Confidence in Covenants:
• What does it mean to you to let your confidence wax strong in the covenants you have made? How does this confidence help you face challenges and adversities?
• Impact of the Temple:
• How does regular temple attendance impact your relationships with family and friends? What positive changes have you noticed in your interactions with others?
• Maintaining the Spirit:
• What daily habits or practices help you maintain the Spirit of the Lord in your life? How do these practices help you stay focused on living higher and holier principles?
• Forgiveness and Kindness:
• How does the principle of forgiveness play a role in maintaining kind feelings toward others? Can you share a time when forgiving someone helped you regain the Spirit of the Lord?
• Reflection on Temple Experiences:
• How do you reflect on your temple experiences to draw strength and guidance in your daily life? What methods do you use to remember and apply the lessons learned in the temple?
• Challenges of Kindness:
• What challenges do you face in keeping unkind feelings at bay, and how do you overcome them? How does overcoming these challenges help you grow spiritually?
• Temple as a Source of Strength:
• How does the temple serve as a source of strength and renewal for you? How do you use this strength to serve and uplift others in your community?
• Sharing the Spirit:
• How can you share the spirit of the temple with those who may not have the opportunity to attend as often? What actions or words can help convey this spirit to others?

Object Lessons and Activity Ideas:

• Object Lesson: The Changeable Clay
• Materials: Clay or playdough.
• Activity: Shape the clay into different forms, showing how it can be transformed. Discuss how temple covenants mold and shape our character to become more Christlike. Share personal experiences of how the temple has transformed your life.
• Activity: Temple Reflection Journal
• Materials: Journals, pens.
• Activity: Encourage participants to write about their temple experiences and how they feel transformed after attending. Reflect on how they can carry these feelings and changes into their daily lives.
• Object Lesson: The Mirror of Reflection
• Materials: A mirror.
• Activity: Have participants look into the mirror and reflect on their current spiritual state. Discuss how temple worship helps us see ourselves more clearly and make necessary changes. Share insights on how to reflect the temple’s influence in daily life.
• Activity: Temple to Home Plan
• Materials: Paper, pens.
• Activity: Create a plan for how to bring the spirit of the temple into the home. Include activities like regular family prayer, scripture study, and acts of kindness. Discuss the importance of consistency in maintaining the spirit of the temple.
• Object Lesson: The Clean Water
• Materials: Two glasses of water (one clean, one dirty).
• Activity: Show the difference between the two glasses. Discuss how unkind feelings can dirty our spirits and how the temple helps us cleanse our hearts. Share ways to keep our thoughts and actions pure.
• Activity: Kindness Challenge
• Materials: None needed.
• Activity: Challenge participants to perform specific acts of kindness throughout the week, both online and offline. Reflect on how these actions help maintain the spirit of the temple in their lives.
• Object Lesson: The Light of the Temple
• Materials: A candle or small lantern.
• Activity: Light the candle and explain how the temple fills us with spiritual light. Discuss how we can carry this light into our homes and daily interactions, dispelling darkness and negativity.
• Activity: Family Temple Night
• Materials: None needed.
• Activity: Organize a family night focused on the temple. Share stories, watch a video about the temple, and discuss how the temple strengthens family bonds. Plan ways to visit the temple together regularly.
• Object Lesson: The Shield of Love
• Materials: A toy shield or picture of a shield.
• Activity: Explain how love and kindness act as a shield against negative influences. Discuss how temple covenants strengthen our ability to love and protect our hearts from unkind feelings.
• Activity: Gratitude Jar
• Materials: A jar, paper, pens.
• Activity: Create a gratitude jar where family members can write down things they are thankful for, especially focusing on blessings received from temple worship. Regularly read and discuss these notes to keep the spirit of gratitude and the temple alive in the home.

Personal Sharing Prompts:

• Think of a time when you felt transformed by the power and promises of the temple covenants. How did this transformation affect your behavior and attitudes once you left the temple?
• Think of a time when you brought the spirit of the temple into your home. How did this influence the atmosphere and relationships within your household?
• Think of a time when you recognized the need to let go of unkind feelings or thoughts after attending the temple. How did releasing these feelings improve your relationships and your ability to feel the Spirit?
• Think of a time when you felt armed with power from on high after a temple visit. How did this empowerment help you face challenges or serve others?
• Think of a time when the teachings or experiences in the temple inspired you to act more kindly towards others, especially in difficult situations. How did this kindness change the dynamics of those situations?
• Think of a time when you felt the Spirit of the Lord unrestrained in your life because of your commitment to temple covenants. How did this influence your daily interactions and decisions?
• Think of a time when you struggled with unkind feelings but found peace and resolution through your temple experiences. How did the temple help you overcome these feelings?
• Think of a time when you used what you learned in the temple to improve your communication and actions on social media. How did this effort to be kind and positive affect your online interactions?
• Think of a time when you felt your confidence in the Lord and His promises grow stronger after a temple visit. How did this renewed confidence impact your ability to handle personal trials or help others?
• Think of a time when you saw a noticeable change in someone else who regularly attended the temple. How did their transformation inspire you to seek similar changes in your own life?

Posted By: Lia · In: Relief Society