As you prepare to teach Doctrine and Covenants 94–97 in Sunday School this week, you’ll have the opportunity to explore how the Lord calls His people to build both His house and their hearts. These sections focus on the construction of sacred spaces—like temples and meetinghouses—but also invite us to become spiritually prepared, obedient, and unified as disciples of Christ. Whether you’re teaching about Zion being “the pure in heart” or how the Lord accepts our righteous efforts, there’s so much to apply personally and collectively. To support your lesson, we’ve included a collection of engaging discussion questions, simple object lesson ideas, and personal sharing prompts to help your class connect with the principles and participate in meaningful ways.
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I can be “wholly dedicated unto the Lord.”
Engaging Questions:
- What does being “wholly dedicated” to the Lord look like in everyday life?
- Is there a difference between being “partially” versus “wholly” dedicated? What do you think that difference feels like?
- What are some things that make it hard to give our full hearts to the Lord today?
- Have you ever felt nudged by the Spirit to recommit or give more of yourself to God? What happened?
- Can someone be fully dedicated to the Lord and still have fun, personal interests, and hobbies? How do you balance it?
- What helps you stay spiritually focused when life gets busy or overwhelming?
- When have you felt most “on fire” in your faith? What helped you feel that way?
- What’s one area of your life you feel prompted to dedicate more fully to the Lord right now?
- How can your daily habits (even small ones) show dedication to God?
- What blessings have you seen in your life or others’ lives from choosing to give the Lord your full heart?
Object Lessons:
1. The 100% vs. 90% Orange
Materials:
- An orange (or apple)
- A knife
Lesson Overview:
Peel or cut the orange. If you eat only 90% and leave part behind, the gift isn’t complete. Relate this to discipleship: giving “almost all” of ourselves isn’t the same as being wholly dedicated.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s the difference between giving “most” vs. “all” to the Lord?
- What part of yourself is hardest to dedicate fully?
2. The Two Glasses of Water
Materials:
- One glass filled to the brim with water
- One glass only half-filled
Lesson Overview:
Ask: “Which glass shows complete dedication?” The half-full glass represents partial effort; the full one represents wholeness and commitment. God asks for our entire heart.
Discussion Questions:
- What does a “full glass” look like in your life right now?
- Why does the Lord value willingness more than perfection?
3. The Backpack of Priorities
Materials:
- A backpack
- Items labeled with “school/work,” “sports,” “social media,” “family,” “prayer,” etc.
Lesson Overview:
Fill the backpack with everything except one “spiritual” item (scriptures, prayer card). Show how it feels incomplete or unbalanced. Being wholly dedicated means putting God first so everything else fits better.
Discussion Questions:
- What happens when God isn’t at the center of our priorities?
- How can dedicating ourselves to Him bless all the other parts of life?
4. The Full vs. Half-Inflated Balloon
Materials:
- One balloon inflated fully
- One balloon only partly inflated
Lesson Overview:
The half-inflated balloon won’t rise or float well (if helium) and is weaker. The full balloon fulfills its purpose. Likewise, we only rise spiritually when wholly filled with dedication to the Lord.
Discussion Questions:
- How does giving more of yourself to God lift you up?
- What fills your life with strength and purpose?
5. The Puzzle with Missing Pieces
Materials:
- A nearly finished puzzle with a few key pieces missing
Lesson Overview:
Even if most of the puzzle is finished, it feels incomplete without all the pieces. Dedication to the Lord is the same—He wants our whole heart, not just parts.
Discussion Questions:
- What “missing piece” do you feel you could give to the Lord?
- How does wholeness bring peace?
6. The Temple Blueprint Analogy
Materials:
- A picture of a temple blueprint or floor plan
Lesson Overview:
Explain that the Saints were commanded to build the temple exactly as the Lord instructed—not halfway, not with shortcuts. Zion and discipleship require exactness and dedication, not just partial effort.
Discussion Questions:
- How is your life like a temple you are building for God?
- What details of “wholly dedicating yourself” matter most?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt completely committed to serving the Lord. What helped you make that decision?
- Think of a time when your priorities shifted to focus more on the Lord. What changed in your heart or in your schedule?
- Think of a time when you gave something up because you felt prompted to put God first. How did that act of dedication bless you?
- Think of a time when you chose to follow a commandment even though it was hard. How did that choice strengthen your faith?
- Think of a time when you poured your whole heart into a calling or assignment. What did you learn about the Lord through that experience?
- Think of a time when being “all in” spiritually brought unexpected peace or strength. What surprised you most?
- Think of a time when the Lord helped you re-align your life with His will. What did that process look like?
- Think of a time when you felt joy in consecrating your time, talents, or efforts to God. What was the outcome?
- Think of a time when distractions pulled your focus from the Lord—and how you came back. What helped you re-center?
- Think of a time when your example of spiritual dedication influenced someone else. What did you notice?
The Lord chastens those He loves.
Engaging Questions:
- Have you ever had someone correct you because they cared about you? How did it feel in the moment—and after?
- Why do you think love and correction often go hand in hand?
- How does knowing that the Lord’s chastening comes from love change the way you view challenges or setbacks?
- What’s the difference between feeling punished vs. being lovingly corrected by God?
- Can you think of a time you learned something valuable through a hard experience? What did God teach you through it?
- Why is it sometimes hard to accept correction—even when we know it’s for our good?
- What helps you recognize when the Lord is trying to teach you something personally?
- How do you think we can support others with love when they’re going through “refining” or correction?
- What role does humility play in receiving the Lord’s guidance or correction?
- What blessings have come into your life as a result of learning from mistakes or course corrections?
Object Lessons:
1. The Coach and the Athlete
Materials:
- A whistle or picture of a sports team
Lesson Overview:
Explain how a good coach corrects mistakes—not to embarrass, but to help the athlete play their best. If a coach never corrected players, they’d never improve. Likewise, the Lord’s chastening is proof He believes in our potential.
Discussion Questions:
- How can correction actually show love?
- When has the Lord (or someone else) corrected you in a way that helped you?
2. The Crooked Picture Frame
Materials:
- A frame or object hung slightly crooked
- A level (optional)
Lesson Overview:
Point out the crooked frame and straighten it. Even small adjustments make a big difference. The Lord “straightens” us through chastening so we can align with Him.
Discussion Questions:
- What happens if small corrections are ignored over time?
- How has the Lord helped “straighten” your life?
3. The Garden Pruning
Materials:
- A plant with some dead leaves
- Scissors (or show a picture of pruning)
Lesson Overview:
Show how pruning removes what’s weak or harmful so the plant can grow stronger. God’s chastening removes things that keep us from thriving spiritually.
Discussion Questions:
- Can you think of a time when a trial or correction helped you grow?
- Why is pruning (or chastening) sometimes painful but necessary?
4. The GPS Reroute
Materials:
- A phone with GPS navigation
Lesson Overview:
Show how GPS says, “Recalculating…” when you take a wrong turn. It’s not angry—it redirects to help you arrive safely. Chastening is like God’s “rerouting”—loving correction to guide us back to the path.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is it reassuring that God keeps redirecting us?
- How do you recognize His gentle “reroutes” in your life?
5. The Parent and the Child
Materials:
- None, just an analogy
Lesson Overview:
Describe how parents set rules and sometimes discipline—not out of dislike, but because they love their children and want them safe. Heavenly Father’s chastening is like this: a sign of His love, not His rejection.
Discussion Questions:
- How does this change how you think about God’s correction?
- Why would a lack of discipline actually be less loving?
6. The Refiner’s Fire
Materials:
- A piece of metal/jewelry (or picture of refining silver/gold)
Lesson Overview:
Explain that refining requires heat to remove impurities. God chastens us in similar ways—to refine us, not destroy us. The end result is greater strength and beauty.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s an example of a “refining fire” in your life?
- How does it help to know God has a purpose in it?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when the Lord corrected you in a way that helped you grow. How did you come to recognize His love in it?
- Think of a time when a spiritual prompting or scripture gave you a hard but needed truth. What did you learn from acting on it?
- Think of a time when a trial humbled you and brought you closer to God. How did your relationship with Him change?
- Think of a time when you felt disappointed or rebuked—but later saw the Lord’s hand in it. How did that shift your perspective?
- Think of a time when someone gave you correction inspired by the Spirit. How did it bless your life?
- Think of a time when you realized God was teaching you patience, trust, or obedience. What were the fruits of that experience?
- Think of a time when you resisted God’s guidance at first, but later felt gratitude for His persistence. What softened your heart?
- Think of a time when you saw a friend or loved one experience growth through spiritual correction. How did that deepen your testimony?
- Think of a time when you felt the Lord was pruning something from your life for your good. What grew in its place?
- Think of a time when you came to understand that chastening was a form of divine love. How has that changed how you view trials?
The temple is the house of the Lord.
Engaging Questions:
- What makes the temple feel different from other buildings or places to you personally?
- When you think of the phrase “house of the Lord,” what images or feelings come to mind?
- Why do you think God asks us to build temples instead of worshiping anywhere?
- What blessings have you seen or heard of that come from temple worship?
- How can we prepare ourselves spiritually before entering the temple, no matter our age or current temple recommend status?
- If someone asked you why temples matter in our faith, how would you explain it in your own words?
- Have you ever done family history or temple work for someone? What was that experience like?
- In what ways can we make our homes feel more like a “house of the Lord”?
- What do you think the Lord means when He says, “My name shall be there”? (D&C 97:15–16)
- What is something you’ve learned about Jesus Christ—either in or because of the temple—that you treasure?
Object Lessons:
1. Cleaning for an Honored Guest
Materials:
- A plate or cup that’s smudged/dirty
- A clean, polished one
Lesson Overview:
Ask: “If a very important guest were coming, which one would you serve them with?” Just as we prepare our best for earthly visitors, the temple is prepared for the greatest Guest—the Lord Himself.
Discussion:
- How can we prepare ourselves to enter His house?
- What does it mean to bring our “best” to the Lord?
2. Keys and Doors
Materials:
- A door or box with a lock
- A key
Lesson Overview:
Only the right key gives access. Priesthood keys, worthiness, and temple recommends are required to enter God’s house—not to exclude, but to protect its holiness and ensure we are spiritually ready.
Discussion:
- What are the “keys” we need to enter the Lord’s house?
- How does preparation make the temple experience more meaningful?
3. Light in a Dark Room
Materials:
- A lamp or flashlight
- A darkened room
Lesson Overview:
Switch on the light and ask how the space changes. The temple is like this—it is a beacon of light in a dark world, offering safety, clarity, and God’s presence.
Discussion:
- How does the temple bring light into your life?
- How can we carry that light home with us?
4. Blueprint vs. Finished Building
Materials:
- A blueprint or floor plan
- A picture of a completed temple
Lesson Overview:
Show the blueprint first, then the finished temple. Explain that in D&C 94, the Lord gave specific plans for His house. The temple is not man’s idea but designed by revelation as a dwelling place for God.
Discussion:
- Why does it matter that temples are built by God’s pattern?
- How is your life like a temple “under construction”?
5. Special vs. Common Rooms
Materials:
- Two photos: an everyday room (kitchen/garage) and a beautifully decorated, sacred place (cathedral/temple interior)
Lesson Overview:
Ask: “What makes one feel different from the other?” The temple is not ordinary—it is dedicated and set apart as God’s home, filled with His Spirit.
Discussion:
- How do you feel differently inside the temple than anywhere else?
- What can we do to make our own homes more temple-like?
6. The Doormat or “Welcome” Sign
Materials:
- A doormat with “Welcome” on it
Lesson Overview:
The temple is literally God’s house on earth, and He welcomes His children in. Just as a welcome mat shows hospitality, the Lord’s house is a place where He invites us to draw close to Him.
Discussion:
- How do you feel knowing the temple is the Lord’s personal house?
- What does He invite us to do once inside?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt the Spirit powerfully while inside a temple. What were the circumstances and how did it impact you?
- Think of a time when preparing to enter the temple brought clarity or peace to your life. What changed as you prepared?
- Think of a time when a visit to the temple helped you through a difficult decision or season. How did the Lord answer you there?
- Think of a time when teaching someone else about the temple deepened your own understanding. What truths stood out to you?
- Think of a time when you were far from a temple but still felt connected to it in your heart. How did you keep that connection strong?
- Think of a time when you saw someone return to the temple after a long absence. What did their example teach you about the temple’s role in healing and hope?
- Think of a time when you felt the sacredness of temple covenants influence your everyday choices. How did that change your perspective?
- Think of a time when learning about the temple brought joy or hope to a child, youth, or new convert. What did you observe?
- Think of a time when you participated in family history or temple work that connected generations. How did it strengthen your testimony?
- Think of a time when you saw the temple as more than a building—as a symbol of God’s presence in your life. What did that realization mean to you?
“They are accepted of me.”
Engaging Questions:
- What does it feel like to know that God accepts you—even when you’re still learning or struggling?
- Have you ever wondered if you were “good enough” for God? What helps you feel reassured?
- What’s the difference between being accepted by people and being accepted by God?
- When have you felt truly seen and accepted by someone—and how did it change you?
- Doctrine and Covenants 95:1 says the Lord chastens those He loves. How does that connect with being “accepted”?
- What do you think God looks at when He decides to accept someone?
- How can we help others feel accepted in our homes, wards, or communities?
- Why do you think some people struggle to believe that they are accepted by God?
- What role does repentance or humility play in being accepted of the Lord?
- If Jesus were to say to you today, “You are accepted of me,” how would that influence your thoughts or choices this week?
Object Lessons:
1. The Imperfect Gift
Materials:
- A store-bought polished gift (like a wrapped box)
- A childlike handmade drawing or card
Lesson Overview:
Ask: “Which would mean more if given from someone you love?” Most choose the simple, heartfelt gift. The Lord accepts us the same way—our efforts may not be perfect, but when they come from the heart, He treasures them.
Discussion:
- How do you think God sees your efforts, even when small?
- Why is willingness more important than perfection?
2. The Puzzle with Missing Pieces
Materials:
- A nearly finished puzzle missing one or two pieces
Lesson Overview:
Even incomplete, you can still see the picture. Point out that God sees the whole of who we are, not just what’s missing. If we’re trying and doing our part, we are accepted of Him.
Discussion:
- Do you ever focus too much on your “missing pieces”?
- How can we remember that the Lord sees our whole picture?
3. The Half-Filled Jar
Materials:
- A jar half full of marbles, beans, or water
Lesson Overview:
Some may say it’s “half-empty,” but it’s still valuable and useful. God values the part we offer with sincerity, not what’s missing. Our contribution counts, even when it feels small.
Discussion:
- What does it mean to give the Lord what you can right now?
- How can trusting that He accepts you change how you serve?
4. The Effort Chart
Materials:
- A simple chart (like scripture reading goals) with some boxes left unchecked
Lesson Overview:
Show that not every box is filled, but there’s clear progress. The Lord doesn’t demand flawless streaks—He looks at our desire and direction. Progress = acceptance.
Discussion:
- Why do you think God cares more about our direction than our record?
- How does this truth give you hope?
5. The Cracked Clay Pot (Kintsugi Analogy)
Materials:
- A cracked pot or picture of Japanese “kintsugi” (pottery repaired with gold)
Lesson Overview:
The cracks don’t make the vessel worthless; in fact, they can make it more beautiful. The Lord accepts us with our cracks and weaknesses and can even make them part of His glory.
Discussion:
- How have your struggles actually drawn you closer to God?
- What does it mean to you that He accepts you as you are, even while helping you grow?
6. The Smudged Mirror
Materials:
- A mirror with smudges
- A cloth to wipe it
Lesson Overview:
The reflection may not be clear at first, but it’s still you. The Lord sees past our smudges and accepts the true person underneath, while also helping us polish and grow.
Discussion:
- How does God’s acceptance give you courage to keep improving?
- What daily habits can help “clean the mirror”?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you wondered if your efforts were enough—and later felt reassured by the Spirit that God accepted them.
What helped you recognize His approval? - Think of a time when you felt unseen or unnoticed by others, but knew God saw and accepted your heart.
How did that spiritual confirmation come? - Think of a time when you were doing something small or simple, but felt it mattered to the Lord.
What did that teach you about how He measures worth? - Think of a time when someone reminded you that God accepts sincere, imperfect efforts.
What impact did their encouragement have on your faith? - Think of a time when you were trying to do what was right, even though it was hard.
How did you come to feel that the Lord accepted your sacrifice? - Think of a time when you felt prompted to accept someone else, the way Christ would.
What happened when you acted on that prompting? - Think of a time when you helped someone feel that they were loved and accepted by the Savior.
What did you say or do, and how did it affect them? - Think of a time when a quiet prompting confirmed to you that you were on the right path.
What were you doing in that moment? - Think of a time when you participated in temple worship or service and felt deeply accepted by God.
What did that experience teach you about His grace? - Think of a time when you taught or led a class, lesson, or calling and felt unsure—but later knew the Lord had accepted your offering.
How did that reassurance shape your confidence moving forward?
Zion is “the pure in heart.”
Engaging Questions:
- What do you think it means to be “pure in heart” in our everyday lives?
- Can you think of someone you know who seems to have a pure heart? What qualities do they show?
- How is being pure in heart different from being perfect?
- What are some real-life examples of people building Zion in their homes or communities today?
- Have you ever been in a place that felt like Zion? What made it feel that way?
- What things in the world today challenge our ability to stay pure in heart?
- How can we support each other in creating Zion-like relationships, even when we’re all imperfect?
- How do repentance and forgiveness help us become more pure in heart?
- What’s one small thing you could do this week to help build Zion where you are?
- Why do you think God chose to define Zion not as a location, but as a condition of the heart?
Object Lessons:
1. Clear vs. Cloudy Water
Materials:
- Two clear glasses: one filled with clean water, one with muddy/cloudy water
Lesson Overview:
Ask which one people would choose to drink from. The clear glass represents a pure heart—trustworthy, refreshing, safe. Zion is formed when we, like the clear water, are free from pride, envy, or selfishness.
Discussion Questions:
- What things can “cloud” our hearts?
- How can repentance and Christ purify us?
2. The Window Pane
Materials:
- A piece of glass/plastic—one smudged, one clean
Lesson Overview:
Hold both up to the light. The dirty one blocks and distorts, while the clean one lets light shine through. Our hearts are like windows: the purer they are, the more God’s light shines through us.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you “clean” your spiritual window?
- What happens to a community if everyone seeks more light?
3. The Apple Inside
Materials:
- An apple that looks fine outside but is bruised inside
- An apple that is fresh inside and out
Lesson Overview:
Cut open both. Zion isn’t about outward appearances—it’s about being pure within. God looks at the heart, not just the surface.
Discussion Questions:
- How can we make sure our inside matches our outside?
- Why does God define Zion as “the pure in heart”?
4. Building Blocks of Zion
Materials:
- Blocks (LEGO, Jenga, etc.) labeled with words like Charity, Forgiveness, Honesty, Humility
Lesson Overview:
Build a tower together. Each block represents a Christlike quality. If one key block is missing (like charity), the whole structure weakens. Zion is built block by block, through pure-hearted people.
Discussion Questions:
- What qualities do you think are essential for Zion?
- How can you contribute one “block” to building Zion?
5. The Magnet and Shavings
Materials:
- A magnet and iron filings or paper clips
Lesson Overview:
Show how the filings naturally gather to the magnet. A pure heart draws others toward Christ. Zion isn’t forced—it’s a community where people are drawn to the Spirit and love of God.
Discussion Questions:
- How can your pure-hearted choices influence others?
- What makes a Zion community attractive and safe?
6. The Garden Analogy
Materials:
- A thriving plant vs. one overrun with weeds
Lesson Overview:
Explain that a garden thrives when weeds are removed and good soil is maintained. A Zion people are the same—pure in heart, free from “weeds” like pride or contention.
Discussion Questions:
- What “weeds” keep people from building Zion?
- How can we tend our hearts so they grow in purity?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt surrounded by people whose hearts were truly centered on Christ.
What did that “Zion-like” environment feel like? - Think of a time when someone showed you pure, Christlike love without judgment.
How did that moment reflect the spirit of Zion? - Think of a time when you caught a glimpse of what a Zion community could be—at church, at home, or elsewhere.
What helped you feel unity and love? - Think of a time when you chose forgiveness, even when it was hard.
How did that decision help purify your heart? - Think of a time when you worked with others toward a righteous goal, and it brought a deeper bond.
What did that teach you about being “of one heart and one mind”? - Think of a time when your desire to serve or love someone grew stronger than your desire to be right, praised, or in control.
What changed in your heart? - Think of a time when a child or youth taught you something powerful about what it means to be pure in heart.
What did you learn from their example? - Think of a time when being around someone with a pure heart helped you want to be better.
How did their example shape your choices? - Think of a time when you experienced peace because your heart was clean before God.
What helped you get to that place? - Think of a time when your family, ward, or group had a moment of unity that felt sacred.
What helped create that kind of Zion spirit?
