This lesson help is intended for Relief Society and Elders Quorum Teacher 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.
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I couldn’t help but feel I was receiving my own personal version of a revelation given to the Twelve nearly 200 years ago:
“Thou shalt bear record of my name … [and] send forth my word unto the ends of the earth. …
“… Morning by morning; and day after day let thy warning voice go forth; and when the night cometh let not the inhabitants of the earth slumber, because of thy speech. …
“Arise[,] … take up your cross, [and] follow me.”
My beloved sisters and brothers, since that experience, I have tried to take up my cross more earnestly, with more resolve to find where I can raise an apostolic voice of both warmth and warning in the morning, during the day, and into the night.
Engaging Questions:
- How do you relate to the idea of receiving your own personal version of revelation? Can you share a time when you felt a specific prompting to take action in your life?
- What does it mean to you to bear record of Christ’s name in your daily life? How do you actively share your testimony of Jesus Christ with others?
- How do you send forth the word of God in your community or sphere of influence? What are some practical ways you can share the gospel with those around you?
- In what ways can you raise an apostolic voice of warmth and warning, as President Holland described? How do you balance sharing truth with compassion and understanding?
- How do you ensure that you are consistent in your efforts to share the gospel, “morning by morning” and “day after day”? What routines or habits help you stay focused on this mission?
- What does it mean to you to take up your cross and follow Christ? How do you apply this principle in your life, especially when facing challenges or sacrifices?
- How do you feel about the responsibility to raise a voice of warning to those around you? What challenges do you face in fulfilling this role, and how do you overcome them?
- How do you ensure that your voice of warning is delivered with warmth and compassion? Can you share an experience where you had to offer a warning in a loving and understanding way?
- How have your daily efforts to share the gospel impacted your life and the lives of those around you? What positive outcomes have you seen from your consistent efforts?
- How do you follow Christ’s example in your efforts to bear record of His name and share His word? What aspects of His ministry inspire you the most in your own journey?
- What personal crosses have you had to take up in your journey of discipleship? How has bearing these crosses strengthened your faith and resolve?
- How can you encourage and support others in their efforts to bear record of Christ and raise their own voices of warmth and warning? What role does community play in this process?
- How do you reflect on and apply the revelations you receive in your life? What practices help you discern and act on divine guidance?
- How do you overcome fear or hesitation in raising your voice to share the gospel? What helps you find the courage to speak out with both love and conviction?
- How do you maintain a long-term commitment to bearing record of Christ and sharing His word, even when it is difficult? What keeps you motivated and focused on this mission?
Object Lessons and Activity Ideas:
- Object Lesson: The Candle and the Lampstand
- Materials: A candle and a lampstand.
- Activity: Light the candle and place it on the lampstand. Discuss how we are called to bear the light of Christ openly, not hidden under a bushel. Talk about ways we can let our light shine in our daily lives, sharing Christ’s message with others.
- Activity: Morning, Noon, and Night Prayers
- Materials: None needed.
- Activity: Encourage participants to set specific times for prayer in the morning, noon, and night, focusing on how they can bear record of Christ and share His gospel throughout the day. Reflect on these prayers and how they can guide their actions.
- Object Lesson: The Warning Bell
- Materials: A small bell or alarm.
- Activity: Ring the bell and explain how it serves as a warning. Discuss the importance of raising a voice of warning, tempered with warmth, to help others come unto Christ. Share experiences where you felt prompted to warn or guide others spiritually.
- Activity: Apostle Mission Map
- Materials: A world map, pushpins, string.
- Activity: Have participants map out where apostles have traveled to bear record of Christ’s name. Discuss the global mission of the Church and how each person can contribute to this mission in their own community.
- Object Lesson: The Cross and the Path
- Materials: A small cross, a picture or model of a path.
- Activity: Place the cross at the start of the path and discuss what it means to take up our cross and follow Christ. Talk about the daily decisions we make to follow Him and how we can invite others to join us on this path.
- Activity: Sharing Testimony Cards
- Materials: Index cards, pens.
- Activity: Have participants write down a brief testimony or message about Christ on index cards. Encourage them to share these cards with someone who may need spiritual encouragement or guidance.
- Object Lesson: The Lighthouse of Warning and Guidance
- Materials: A small model of a lighthouse or a picture.
- Activity: Discuss how a lighthouse provides both warning and guidance to ships at sea. Relate this to how we can offer both warmth and warning in our testimony and actions as disciples of Christ.
- Activity: Daily Scripture Sharing
- Materials: Scriptures, a journal.
- Activity: Challenge participants to share a scripture that bears record of Christ each day with someone else—whether in person, via text, or on social media. Reflect on how this practice strengthens both their own testimony and the testimonies of others.
- Object Lesson: The Beacon of Hope
- Materials: A flashlight or lantern.
- Activity: Turn on the flashlight or lantern in a dark room to symbolize the hope and guidance that comes from bearing testimony of Christ. Discuss how we can be beacons of hope to those who are struggling spiritually or emotionally.
- Activity: Group Testimony Meeting
- Materials: None needed.
- Activity: Organize a testimony meeting where participants focus on bearing witness of Christ and sharing how they feel prompted to share His gospel with others. Encourage each participant to think about how they can raise their apostolic voice in their daily lives.
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt prompted to share your testimony of Jesus Christ with someone. How did you respond to that prompting, and what impact did it have on you and the person you shared with?
- Think of a time when you felt the need to raise your voice in defense of gospel principles. How did you approach the situation with both warmth and warning, and what was the outcome?
- Think of a time when you made a conscious effort to “take up your cross” and follow the Savior more diligently. How did this decision influence your daily actions and interactions with others?
- Think of a time when you felt inspired to bear record of Christ’s name in a specific setting, such as at work, school, or within your community. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
- Think of a time when you received a personal revelation to share the gospel or to speak up for truth. How did you act on that revelation, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Think of a time when you felt a strong sense of responsibility to warn others of spiritual dangers. How did you balance this warning with love and compassion in your communication?
- Think of a time when you consistently shared your testimony or gospel teachings “morning by morning” and “day after day.” How did this consistent effort influence your own spiritual growth and the lives of those you taught?
- Think of a time when you felt the power of the Spirit guiding your words as you bore testimony or taught others. How did this experience strengthen your resolve to continue sharing the gospel?
- Think of a time when you were inspired by the example of someone else who bore record of Christ’s name with both boldness and love. How did their example encourage you to do the same?
- Think of a time when you felt the urgency to share the gospel message with someone before it was too late. How did you respond to that urgency, and what were the results of your efforts?
That leads me to a third truth that came in those months of loss, illness, and distress. It was a renewed witness of and endless gratitude for the resolute prayers of this Church—your prayers—of which I have been the beneficiary. I will be eternally grateful for the supplication of thousands of people who, like the importuning widow, repeatedly sought heaven’s intervention in my behalf. I received priesthood blessings, and I saw my high school class fast for me, as did several random wards across the Church. And my name must have been on the prayer roll of virtually every temple in the Church.
In my profound gratitude for all this, I join G. K. Chesterton, who said once “that thanks are the highest form of thought; and … gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” With my own “happiness doubled by wonder,” I thank all of you and thank my Father in Heaven, who heard your prayers and blessed my life.
Brothers and sisters, I testify that God hears every prayer we offer and responds to each of them according to the path He has outlined for our perfection. I recognize that at roughly the same time so many were praying for the restoration of my health, an equal number—including me—were praying for the restoration of my wife’s health. I testify that both of those prayers were heard and answered by a divinely compassionate Heavenly Father, even if the prayers for Pat were not answered the way I asked. It is for reasons known only to God why prayers are answered differently than we hope—but I promise you they are heard and they are answered according to His unfailing love and cosmic timetable.
Engaging Questions:
- How have you experienced the power of prayer in your life? Can you share a specific instance where you felt the impact of others’ prayers on your behalf?
- What role does gratitude play in your spiritual life? How do you express gratitude for the prayers and support of others?
- How do you find peace when prayers are answered differently than you hoped? What helps you trust in God’s will and timing?
- Have you ever prayed for someone else’s well-being and witnessed the outcome? How did this experience influence your faith?
- How do you show gratitude for the ways God has answered your prayers, even when the answers were unexpected?
- How do you cope with the uncertainty of not knowing why some prayers are answered in ways we don’t understand? What scriptures or teachings help you find comfort?
- In what ways do you incorporate prayer into your daily life? How do these prayers strengthen your relationship with Heavenly Father?
- How does the idea that “thanks are the highest form of thought” resonate with you? How do you cultivate a heart full of gratitude?
- How have you supported others through prayer? What impact do you think your prayers have had on their lives?
- How do you maintain faith and hope when waiting for answers to your prayers? What practices help you stay patient and trust in God’s timing?
- How does knowing that God hears every prayer influence your approach to prayer? How do you find reassurance in this belief?
- How do you reconcile the differences in how prayers are answered for yourself and others? What helps you accept these differences with faith?
- How do you express gratitude to those who have prayed for you or supported you in times of need? How does this gratitude affect your relationships?
- How has prayer helped you through difficult times? Can you share a moment when prayer provided you with strength and comfort?
- How do you incorporate the teachings about prayer and gratitude into your family life or community? What practices help you encourage others to find strength in prayer?
Object Lessons and Activity Ideas:
- Object Lesson: The Blanket of Prayers
- Materials: A large blanket.
- Activity: Explain how a blanket provides warmth and comfort, similar to how prayers from others can provide spiritual comfort and support. Discuss how being wrapped in a blanket can symbolize being surrounded by the prayers of loved ones during difficult times.
- Activity: Prayer Chain
- Materials: Paper strips, pens, tape.
- Activity: Have participants write down prayers or people they are praying for on paper strips. Link the strips together to create a prayer chain. Discuss how each link represents the power of collective prayer and how it can uplift and support those in need.
- Object Lesson: The Seed of Faith
- Materials: A seed, soil, a small pot.
- Activity: Plant a seed in the soil and explain how just as a seed needs time to grow, prayers require faith and patience to see how they are answered. Discuss how prayers are answered in God’s time and according to His will.
- Activity: Gratitude Journal
- Materials: Journals, pens.
- Activity: Encourage participants to keep a gratitude journal where they record instances where they have felt the power of others’ prayers in their lives. Reflect on how these prayers have provided strength and comfort during difficult times.
- Object Lesson: The Hourglass of Prayer
- Materials: An hourglass or a timer.
- Activity: Turn the hourglass over and watch the sand flow. Discuss how prayers are like the sand, steadily flowing to heaven. Emphasize that while we may not see immediate results, God is always aware of our prayers and answers them in His perfect timing.
- Activity: Group Prayer Circle
- Materials: None needed.
- Activity: Organize a group prayer circle where participants can pray for each other’s needs. Discuss the power of collective prayer and how it can bring peace and comfort to those who are struggling.
- Object Lesson: The Compass of God’s Will
- Materials: A compass.
- Activity: Show how a compass always points north, providing direction. Explain how our prayers help align us with God’s will, guiding us on the path He has set for us. Discuss how trust in God’s direction brings peace, even when prayers are answered differently than expected.
- Activity: Thank You Cards for Prayer
- Materials: Cards, pens, envelopes.
- Activity: Have participants write thank you cards to people who have prayed for them or supported them spiritually. Discuss how expressing gratitude for others’ prayers can strengthen relationships and increase feelings of love and support.
- Object Lesson: The Puzzle of Life
- Materials: A puzzle with missing pieces.
- Activity: Show a puzzle with some pieces missing and discuss how we often don’t see the full picture of how our prayers are answered. Explain that God sees the complete picture and answers prayers in the way that is best for us, even if we don’t understand it at the time.
- Activity: Prayer Roll Activity
- Materials: A list of people or situations to pray for.
- Activity: Create a “prayer roll” by writing down the names of people or situations that need prayer. Encourage participants to pray for these throughout the week. Discuss how praying for others helps us feel connected and strengthens our faith.
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt the power of others praying for you or a loved one. How did knowing that others were praying on your behalf bring you comfort and strength during that time?
- Think of a time when you experienced profound gratitude for prayers that were offered in your behalf. How did this gratitude influence your relationship with those who prayed for you and with God?
- Think of a time when you prayed earnestly for something but received an answer different from what you hoped for. How did you come to understand and accept God’s will in that situation?
- Think of a time when you prayed for someone else and felt that your prayers were answered in a meaningful way. How did this experience strengthen your faith in the power of prayer?
- Think of a time when you felt a deep sense of peace after praying, even if the situation remained difficult. How did this peace help you trust in God’s timing and plan?
- Think of a time when you saw the cumulative effect of many prayers—both your own and others’—in a challenging situation. How did this experience shape your understanding of collective prayer?
- Think of a time when you were grateful for the opportunity to add someone’s name to the temple prayer roll. How did participating in this act of faith and support affect your own spiritual life?
- Think of a time when you felt your prayers were answered in a way that was unexpected but ultimately for your good. How did this experience deepen your trust in God’s wisdom and love?
- Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by a situation and found solace in the prayers of others. How did knowing that others were praying for you help you carry on during that time?
- Think of a time when you offered prayers of gratitude for blessings received, especially after a difficult trial. How did expressing gratitude in your prayers change your perspective on the challenges you faced?
If we “ask not amiss,” there are no limits to when, where, or about what we should pray. According to the revelations, we are to “pray always.” We are to pray, Amulek said, for “those who are around you,” with the belief that the “fervent prayer of a righteous [people] availeth much.” Our prayers ought to be vocal when we have the privacy to so offer them. If that is not practical, they should be carried as silent utterances in our heart. We sing that prayers are “motion[s] of a hidden fire,” always to be offered, according to the Savior Himself, to God the Eternal Father in the name of His Only Begotten Son.
My beloved friends, our prayers are our sweetest hour, our most “sincere desire,” our simplest, purest form of worship. We should pray individually, in our families, and in congregations of all sizes. We are to employ prayer as a shield against temptation, and if there be any time we feel not to pray, we can be sure that hesitancy does not come from God, who yearns to communicate with His children at any and all times. Indeed, some efforts to keep us from praying come directly from the adversary. When we don’t know how or exactly for what to pray, we should begin, and continue, until the Holy Spirit guides us into the prayer we should be offering. This approach may be the one we have to invoke when praying for our enemies and those who despitefully use us.
Engaging Questions:
- How do you interpret the counsel to “pray always”? How do you incorporate prayer into your daily routine, regardless of where you are or what you are doing?
- Can you share an experience where fervent prayer made a significant difference in your life or the life of someone around you?
- How do you balance vocal prayers with silent prayers in your heart? When do you find silent prayers most meaningful?
- What does it mean to you that prayer is described as the “motion of a hidden fire”? How does this imagery influence your approach to prayer?
- How do you use prayer as a shield against temptation? Can you recall a time when prayer helped you resist a specific temptation?
- How do you respond when you feel hesitant to pray? What practices help you overcome this hesitancy and connect with God?
- When you don’t know what to pray for, how do you begin? How have you experienced the Holy Spirit guiding you into the prayer you should be offering?
- How do you approach praying for your enemies or those who have wronged you? What challenges do you face in these prayers, and how do you overcome them?
- In what ways has prayer been your “sweetest hour” or “most sincere desire”? Can you share a moment when prayer brought you profound peace or clarity?
- How does family or congregational prayer strengthen your faith and unity with others? What impact have these communal prayers had on your life?
- How do you stay consistent in your prayer life, especially during busy or stressful times? What strategies help you prioritize prayer?
- How do you feel after you’ve offered a heartfelt prayer, even if the answer or outcome is not immediately clear? What reassures you that your prayers are heard?
- How do you teach or encourage others, especially children, to develop a habit of sincere and regular prayer?
- How do you feel the adversary tries to prevent you from praying, and what do you do to counteract these efforts?
- How does the knowledge that God yearns to communicate with you affect your willingness and desire to pray? How do you nurture this relationship through prayer?
Object Lessons and Activity Ideas:
- The Unbroken Chain
- Materials: A long chain made from paper clips or links.
- Activity: Show the chain and explain how each link represents a prayer. Discuss how consistent, ongoing prayers create an unbroken connection between us and God, emphasizing the importance of “praying always.”
- The Compass of Prayer
- Materials: A compass.
- Activity: Demonstrate how a compass always points north, providing direction. Relate this to how prayer can guide us in our lives, helping us stay on the right path, even when we’re uncertain or facing challenges.
- The Shield of Prayer
- Materials: A small shield or picture of a shield.
- Activity: Explain how a shield protects a warrior in battle. Discuss how prayer acts as a spiritual shield, protecting us from temptation and guiding us through difficult times.
- The Flickering Flame
- Materials: A candle or small flame.
- Activity: Light the candle and explain how prayer is like a flame that keeps the darkness away. Discuss how regular, sincere prayer can keep our spiritual light burning brightly, even in difficult times.
- The Stone in the Shoe
- Materials: A small stone.
- Activity: Place the stone in your shoe and walk around. Explain how even a small discomfort can affect your entire body, just as unoffered prayers can affect our spiritual well-being. Emphasize the importance of praying even when it’s difficult.
- Prayer Journal
- Materials: Journals, pens.
- Activity: Have participants start a prayer journal where they can write down their prayers, thoughts, and impressions. Encourage them to reflect on how their prayers evolve and how they feel guided by the Spirit over time.
- Circle of Prayer
- Materials: None needed.
- Activity: Organize a prayer circle where each participant prays for the person on their right, including prayers for their needs and challenges. Discuss how praying for others, including those we might struggle with, can bring peace and understanding.
- Prayer Walk
- Materials: None needed.
- Activity: Take a walk and use the time to pray silently or vocally, focusing on different aspects of your life and those around you. Encourage participants to be mindful of their surroundings and how God might be speaking to them through nature and quiet reflection.
- The Prayer Map
- Materials: A world map, pushpins, paper.
- Activity: Have participants write down names or situations they want to pray for, place them on the map, and then pray over them as a group. This activity can help broaden their perspective on the power of prayer for people around the world.
- Forgiveness Prayer Challenge
- Materials: Paper, pens.
- Activity: Ask participants to write down the name of someone they need to forgive or someone who has wronged them. Challenge them to pray for that person every day for a week. Reflect on how their feelings towards that person change as they pray sincerely for them.
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt prompted to pray during an unexpected moment. How did responding to that prompting affect your situation and your connection with God?
- Think of a time when you prayed for someone who was struggling, even if they didn’t know you were praying for them. How did this act of prayer change your perspective on their challenges and your relationship with them?
- Think of a time when you struggled to find the words to pray but felt guided by the Holy Spirit as you continued. How did this experience strengthen your faith in the power of prayer?
- Think of a time when you offered a silent prayer in your heart because vocal prayer wasn’t possible. How did this silent communication with God bring you peace or guidance in that moment?
- Think of a time when you felt resistance to praying, perhaps during a time of anger or hurt. How did you overcome that resistance, and what did you learn from persisting in prayer?
- Think of a time when praying for your enemies or those who had wronged you was particularly difficult. How did you approach this challenge, and how did it affect your feelings toward them?
- Think of a time when prayer acted as a shield against temptation in your life. How did consistently turning to prayer help you resist or overcome that temptation?
- Think of a time when your family or congregation united in prayer for a specific cause. How did this collective prayer effort impact your faith and the outcome of the situation?
- Think of a time when you felt that your prayers were your “sweetest hour” during a difficult period. How did these moments of prayer sustain you and help you navigate your challenges?
- Think of a time when you realized the importance of praying always, not just in moments of need. How did adopting a more consistent prayer practice influence your daily life and spiritual well-being?
Ultimately, we can look to the example of the Savior, who prayed so very, very often. But it has always been intriguing to me that Jesus felt the need to pray at all. Wasn’t He perfect? About what did He need to pray? Well, I have come to realize that He too, with us, wanted to “seek [the Father’s] face, believe his word, and trust his grace.” Time after time, He retreated from society to be alone before piercing heaven with His prayers. At other times, He prayed in the company of a few companions. Then He would seek heaven on behalf of multitudes who would cover a hillside. Sometimes prayer glorified His clothing. Sometimes it glorified His countenance. Sometimes He stood to pray, sometimes He knelt, and at least once He fell on His face in prayer.
Luke describes Jesus’s descent into His expiation as requiring Him to pray “more earnestly.” How does one who was perfect pray more earnestly? We assume that all of His prayers were earnest, yet in fulfilling His atoning sacrifice and through the pain that attended its universal reach, He felt to pray ever more pleadingly, with the weight of His offering finally bringing blood from every pore.
Engaging Questions:
- Why do you think Jesus, being perfect, felt the need to pray so often? How does His example influence your own approach to prayer?
- How do you seek the Father’s face, believe His word, and trust His grace in your prayers? Can you share a moment when you felt particularly connected to God in prayer?
- What significance do you find in the fact that Jesus prayed in various postures—standing, kneeling, or even falling on His face? How does your posture affect your own prayers?
- How do you make time to “retreat from society” and be alone in prayer as Jesus did? What benefits have you experienced from these moments of solitude with God?
- How do you balance private prayers with prayers offered in the company of others? What different purposes do these types of prayers serve in your spiritual life?
- How do you interpret Luke’s description of Jesus praying “more earnestly” as He approached His Atonement? How does this inspire you to pray more earnestly in your own life?
- In what ways do you strive to pray more earnestly during times of trial or significant spiritual need? Can you share an experience where earnest prayer made a difference?
- How does the idea that Jesus’s prayers sometimes glorified His clothing or countenance resonate with you? What impact do you think sincere prayer has on our own countenance or presence?
- How do you incorporate the example of Christ’s prayers into your daily routine? What practices help you emulate His dedication to seeking the Father’s guidance?
- How do you feel when you pray on behalf of others, similar to how Jesus prayed for the multitudes? How does intercessory prayer affect your relationship with those for whom you pray?
- What do you learn from the Savior’s willingness to pray pleadingly, especially during His most painful moments? How does this example guide you in your own difficult times?
- How do you approach prayer when you are feeling overwhelmed or burdened, knowing that Jesus prayed more earnestly during His own trials?
- How does the knowledge that Jesus prayed with such intensity that He sweat drops of blood impact your understanding of the power and purpose of prayer?
- How do you seek to deepen the earnestness of your prayers? What practices or mindset shifts help you approach God with greater sincerity and focus?
- How can we support each other in developing a more earnest and consistent prayer life, following the example of the Savior? What role does community play in encouraging sincere prayer?
Object Lessons and Activity Ideas:
- The Weight of Prayer
- Materials: A heavy book or weight.
- Activity: Have participants hold the weight while discussing the burdens we carry in life. Then, explain how the Savior, despite His perfection, felt the weight of the world’s sins and sorrows, which led Him to pray more earnestly. Discuss how prayer can help us bear our burdens and seek strength from God.
- Materials: A heavy book or weight.
- The Changing Postures of Prayer
- Materials: None needed.
- Activity: Demonstrate different prayer postures (standing, kneeling, bowing, etc.) and discuss how each posture reflects the depth and nature of our prayers. Relate this to the Savior’s various postures in prayer, showing His humility, reverence, and earnestness.
- The Burning Candle
- Materials: A candle and matches.
- Activity: Light the candle and discuss how the flame represents the Savior’s continuous prayer life, burning brightly even in the darkest times. As the candle burns lower, explain how the Savior’s prayers intensified as He approached the Atonement, symbolizing the deepening of His earnestness.
- The Cloth of Glorification
- Materials: A bright white cloth or garment.
- Activity: Display the white cloth and discuss how prayer can “glorify” us, as it did the Savior during the Transfiguration. Discuss the spiritual upliftment and transformation that can come through earnest prayer.
- The Cup of Suffering
- Materials: A small cup filled with liquid.
- Activity: Present the cup as a symbol of the Savior’s suffering. Discuss how, in Gethsemane, He prayed for strength to “drink the bitter cup” fully. Relate this to how we can pray for strength to endure our own trials, following His example.
- Prayer Retreat
- Materials: None needed.
- Activity: Organize a quiet time or retreat where participants can find a secluded place to pray, following the Savior’s example of retreating from society to seek the Father’s face. Encourage them to pray earnestly about a personal matter and reflect on the experience.
- Group Prayer Session
- Materials: None needed.
- Activity: Gather participants for a group prayer session where each person takes turns praying for a specific need, following the Savior’s example of praying with His disciples. Emphasize the power of collective prayer and the unity it brings.
- Prayer Walk
- Materials: None needed.
- Activity: Take a walk through nature or a peaceful setting, encouraging participants to pray silently as they walk, reflecting on the Savior’s moments of prayer in solitude. Afterward, gather and discuss how the walk and prayer time felt.
- Fervent Prayer Practice
- Materials: Journals, pens.
- Activity: Encourage participants to write down something they need to pray more earnestly about, following the Savior’s example of intense prayer in Gethsemane. Have them set aside time each day for a week to pray about that specific need, then reflect on any changes or insights they experienced.
- Reenactment of the Garden of Gethsemane
- Materials: A quiet space, optional soft background music.
- Activity: Create a reverent atmosphere and have participants reenact the Savior’s prayer in Gethsemane by kneeling and praying silently or softly. Reflect on the emotions and feelings that arise during this reenactment and discuss how it helps them connect more deeply with the Savior’s sacrifice.
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt the need to pray more earnestly, following the Savior’s example. What circumstances led you to this deeper form of prayer, and how did it affect your connection with God?
- Think of a time when you sought solitude to pray, emulating the Savior’s practice of retreating from society. How did being alone with God in prayer bring you peace or clarity during that time?
- Think of a time when you prayed with others, whether family, friends, or a congregation, and felt a special unity in your prayers. How did this collective prayer strengthen your faith and the faith of those around you?
- Think of a time when you prayed during a particularly challenging trial, drawing inspiration from the Savior’s prayers in Gethsemane. How did this earnest prayer help you bear the weight of your challenges?
- Think of a time when your prayers changed in nature or intensity due to a deepening spiritual need. How did this shift in your approach to prayer influence your relationship with Heavenly Father?
- Think of a time when you felt prompted to pray for someone else, inspired by the Savior’s prayers on behalf of others. How did this prayer impact both you and the person for whom you prayed?
- Think of a time when you found comfort in the Savior’s example of prayer during your own moments of weakness or doubt. How did reflecting on His prayers guide you through your difficulties?
- Think of a time when you felt your countenance or spirit change as a result of prayer, much like the Savior’s transfiguration during His prayers. How did this transformation affect your outlook and actions?
- Think of a time when you felt the need to “pray more earnestly” as you faced a significant decision or trial. How did this earnest prayer help you find direction or strength?
- Think of a time when you prayed in a variety of postures or settings, inspired by the Savior’s different approaches to prayer. How did these varied experiences enhance your connection with God?
I bear witness that when Christ comes, He needs to recognize us—not as nominal members listed on a faded baptismal record but as thoroughly committed, faithfully believing, covenant-keeping disciples. This is an urgent matter for all of us, lest we ever hear with devastating regret: “I never knew you,” or, as Joseph Smith translated that phrase, “[You] never knew me.”
Fortunately, we have help for this task—lots of help. We need to believe in angels and miracles and the promises of the holy priesthood. We need to believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, the influence of good families and friends, and the power of the pure love of Christ. We need to believe in revelation and prophets, seers, and revelators and President Russell M. Nelson. We need to believe that with prayer and pleading and personal righteousness, we really can ascend to “Mount Zion, … the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all.”
Brothers and sisters, as we repent of our sins and come boldly to the “throne of grace,” leaving before Him there our alms and our heartfelt supplications, we will find mercy and compassion and forgiveness at the benevolent hands of our Eternal Father and His obedient, perfectly pure Son. Then, with Job and all the refined faithful, we will behold a world “too wonderful” to understand.
Engaging Questions:
- What does it mean to you to be a committed, covenant-keeping disciple of Christ? How do you strive to live up to this standard in your daily life?
- How do you ensure that your faith is more than just nominal, but a deeply rooted and active part of who you are? What practices help you strengthen your commitment to Christ?
- How do you feel about the idea that Christ needs to recognize us when He comes again? What steps do you take to ensure that you are prepared for that moment?
- In what ways do you rely on angels, miracles, and the promises of the holy priesthood in your spiritual journey? Can you share an experience where these divine gifts have helped you?
- How do you cultivate a belief in the power of the Holy Ghost, good families, and friends, and the pure love of Christ? How have these influences shaped your faith and actions?
- How do you respond to prophetic counsel from leaders like President Russell M. Nelson? How do you apply their teachings to your life in a way that deepens your discipleship?
- What role does repentance play in your efforts to be a covenant-keeping disciple? How do you approach repentance as a regular and meaningful part of your spiritual life?
- How do you feel when you come to the “throne of grace” in prayer and supplication? What experiences have you had where you felt mercy, compassion, and forgiveness from God?
- How do you maintain a focus on personal righteousness and prayer as you strive to ascend to “Mount Zion” and become more like Christ?
- How do you find comfort in the promises of mercy and compassion from God? How does this assurance influence your approach to challenges and trials?
- What do you think it means to behold a world “too wonderful” to understand, as Job did? How do you keep your hope and faith alive in the promise of such a future?
- How do you seek out and recognize the divine guidance and gifts that can help you on your journey to becoming a committed disciple of Christ?
- How do you ensure that your baptismal covenant remains a living, active commitment in your life? What reminders or practices help you keep this covenant at the forefront?
- How do you encourage and support others in their efforts to be covenant-keeping disciples? What role does community play in strengthening each other’s faith?
- How do you feel about the importance of being known by Christ? What actions do you take to ensure that you are living in a way that He would recognize and embrace?
Object Lessons and Activity Ideas:
- The Refined Silver
- Materials: A piece of tarnished silver and a polishing cloth.
- Activity: Show how the tarnished silver can be restored to its original shine through careful polishing. Explain how this symbolizes repentance and the refining process we go through to be recognized by Christ as pure, covenant-keeping disciples.
- The Mirror of Christ
- Materials: A mirror.
- Activity: Have participants look into a mirror and ask, “When Christ looks at you, does He recognize His image?” Discuss how our lives should reflect the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Encourage participants to think about what changes they can make to better reflect His image.
- The Seal of Commitment
- Materials: A wax seal or stamp.
- Activity: Show how a seal is used to authenticate a document. Discuss how our covenants act as a seal of our commitment to Christ, making us recognizable to Him. Share ways to keep this seal intact through daily discipleship.
- The Ladder of Faith
- Materials: A small ladder or steps labeled with principles (e.g., faith, repentance, obedience).
- Activity: Discuss how each step on the ladder represents progress toward becoming a covenant-keeping disciple. Emphasize that Christ recognizes us as we consistently climb the ladder through faith and obedience.
- The Light in the Darkness
- Materials: A candle or flashlight in a dark room.
- Activity: Light the candle or flashlight and explain how being a committed disciple means shining Christ’s light in a dark world. Discuss how this light makes us recognizable to Christ and how we can keep our light shining brightly.
- Covenant Commitment Cards
- Materials: Index cards, pens.
- Activity: Have participants write down specific covenants or commitments they have made and how they are striving to keep them. Encourage them to reflect on these commitments regularly as a reminder to stay faithful and committed.
- Mirror Reflection Activity
- Materials: Small mirrors for each participant.
- Activity: Give each participant a mirror and ask them to reflect on their spiritual progress. Discuss what they see in themselves that reflects Christ’s teachings and what areas they need to improve. Encourage self-assessment and goal-setting.
- Prayer and Repentance Workshop
- Materials: None needed.
- Activity: Organize a workshop where participants learn about the power of prayer and repentance. Discuss how these practices help us stay aligned with Christ’s teachings and keep us recognized by Him. Include time for personal reflection and prayer.
- Climbing Mount Zion Vision Board
- Materials: Poster boards, magazines, scissors, glue, markers.
- Activity: Have participants create vision boards that represent their journey to “Mount Zion” as covenant-keeping disciples. Include images and words that symbolize faith, repentance, temple worship, and divine guidance.
- Group Testimony Meeting
- Materials: None needed.
- Activity: Hold a testimony meeting focused on the theme of being recognized by Christ. Encourage participants to share experiences where they felt guided by the Holy Ghost, strengthened by covenants, or helped by the pure love of Christ.
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt the need to deepen your commitment to being a covenant-keeping disciple of Christ. What steps did you take to strengthen your faith and dedication, and how did it impact your relationship with the Savior?
- Think of a time when you experienced the power of repentance and felt closer to Christ as a result. How did this experience help you feel more aligned with the Savior’s teachings and more confident in your standing before Him?
- Think of a time when you relied on the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide you in making a significant decision or overcoming a challenge. How did following that guidance help you stay true to your covenants?
- Think of a time when you felt the influence of angels or miracles in your life, helping you to remain faithful and committed. How did this experience strengthen your testimony and resolve to follow Christ?
- Think of a time when the support of good family members or friends helped you stay on the path of discipleship. How did their influence reinforce your commitment to living a Christ-centered life?
- Think of a time when you felt the power of the pure love of Christ in your life, motivating you to act with greater kindness and compassion. How did this experience deepen your desire to be recognized by the Savior as His true disciple?
- Think of a time when you felt the guidance of modern prophets and leaders in your journey of faith. How did their counsel help you strengthen your covenant relationship with the Savior?
- Think of a time when you approached the “throne of grace” with heartfelt supplications and felt the mercy and compassion of the Savior. How did this experience bring you closer to understanding His infinite love and forgiveness?
- Think of a time when you felt your faith being refined through trials, leading you to a deeper understanding of God’s plan. How did this refinement help you become a more committed disciple of Christ?
- Think of a time when you were inspired by the vision of “Mount Zion” and the heavenly city in your efforts to live faithfully. How did this vision influence your daily actions and your commitment to keeping your covenants?
