Introduction: Why Center a Lesson on Prophets?

This in-depth guide is built to make lesson prep faster and richer. It separates Sister Spannaus’s message into crisp discussion points, surfaces doctrine-anchoring quotes, and supplies ready-to-use teaching tools for each section:

• 10 Engaging Questions to spark thoughtful participation.
• 5 Simple Object Lessons to make doctrine tangible.
• 10 Personal Sharing Prompts to invite authentic testimony and lived experience.

Use all of it for a full-length lesson or select a section or two for a focused discussion. The outcome we’re aiming for: sisters who personally seek, receive, and act on prophetic direction—and help the youth in their lives do the same.

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Section 1 — Recognizing and Receiving the Prophet: The Woman of Shunem

Anchor Quotes (use liberally in class)

• “There was a great woman; and she invited [Elisha] to eat bread.”
• “Now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God.”
• “Let us make a little chamber … a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick.”
• “The Lord testified to the woman of Shunem that Elisha was a prophet of God, and she acted by opening her house to receive him.”
• “We too can receive a personal testimony of God’s prophets today and **open our hearts and minds—our house—**to the message.”

Doctrinal focus: The Spirit reveals who God’s servants are; discipleship then makes room—space, priority, provision—for their words.

10 Engaging Questions

1. What do you notice about the woman’s sequence: perceive → prepare → provide?
2. How do you “invite the prophet to your table” in a digital age?
3. What modern equivalents are the bed, table, stool, and candlestick?
4. Where in your “house” (time, media, routines) is there no room yet for prophetic counsel?
5. How do we discern “this is a holy man of God” in a world of competing voices?
6. What made her “great”—status or spiritual responsiveness?
7. How do we move from appreciating prophets to actually accommodating them?
8. Which prophetic message have you most recently “furnished a room” for?
9. What keeps us from “perceiving” (noise, hurry, prior opinions)?
10. How do we teach youth to receive a testimony of prophets by the Holy Ghost?

5 Object Lessons

1. Empty Chair + Name Card “Prophet”: Leave one seat at your table; ask what it means to reserve space for his counsel.
2. Small Room in a Shoebox: Bed/table/stool/candlestick miniatures = daily structures (scripture chair, study table, question journal, lamp as the Spirit).
3. Do Not Disturb Sign: Time block labeled “General Conference/prophetic study”—protect the space.
4. Door Hinge/Oil: Well-oiled hinge opens smoothly; consistent small efforts (weekly talks) keep our “door” responsive.
5. Candle and Shade: Candlestick under a shade vs. uncovered—remove habits that dim prophetic light.

10 Personal Sharing Prompts

1. The first time you knew a prophet was God’s mouthpiece.
2. A “little chamber” you built in your routine for prophetic study.
3. A moment you said, “Now, I perceive…” about a local leader.
4. A time making room for counsel changed a decision.
5. How inviting the prophet’s words into your home shifted the tone.
6. A youth story of recognizing the Spirit in conference.
7. An obstacle you removed to hear better (media, schedule, cynicism).
8. A single line from conference that became daily bread.
9. How your family “sets a table” for prophetic counsel post-conference.
10. What you felt the last time you acted quickly on prophetic direction.

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Section 2 — What Is a Prophet? Seers, Revelators, Unanimity, Continuing Revelation

Anchor Quotes

• “A prophet is a man whom God has called to speak for Him. There are prophets on the earth today.”
• “Prophets are seers and revelators … can see what others cannot see … prophesy … prepare us for calamities.”
• “We believe … He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” (A of F 9)
• Elder Stevenson: “The Lord continues to reveal His commandments and will … because He desires to lead us to happiness.”
• “The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve … prophets, seers, and revelators … decisions must be unanimous.”

Doctrinal focus: Christ governs His Church by living prophets whose united, revealed decisions safeguard doctrine and guide timing.

10 Engaging Questions

1. How does “seer” expand your expectations of prophetic ministry?
2. Why does unanimity among the Twelve and First Presidency matter?
3. What does “continuing revelation” look like in practice?
4. How do we distinguish prophetic revelation from opinion or speculation?
5. Why might the Lord wait to reveal “many great and important things”?
6. What’s the gift of a global, unified quorum in a divided age?
7. How can we sustain even when we don’t yet understand the “why” or “when”?
8. What safeguards keep doctrine safe while allowing inspired adaptation?
9. How do we help youth trust process and timing?
10. Which recent prophetic initiatives show seership and revelation at work?

5 Object Lessons

1. Binoculars vs. Blindfold: Prophets see far; we often see narrow—trust the vantage point.
2. Tuning Forks: Twelve forks tuned to the same note—unanimity by the Spirit, not unanimity by pressure.
3. Blueprint & Building Permit: Revelation (design) + keys/authority (authorization) before building programmatic change.
4. Traffic Lights: Green/yellow/red—prophetic pacing (go, wait, stop) protects us.
5. Umbrella in Storm: Authority and keys are covering; standing outside gets you wet even if you “believe” in umbrellas.

10 Personal Sharing Prompts

1. A time prophetic timing protected you.
2. What “seer” has meant in your personal prayers for direction.
3. An instance when unanimity deepened your trust.
4. Your experience sustaining amid questions.
5. A change you grew to love after living it.
6. How a prophetic emphasis led your ministering or parenting.
7. A time you felt happiness by heeding counsel you didn’t expect.
8. What you tell youth about how revelation comes to councils.
9. A talk that felt like God anticipated your need.
10. A specific “great and important thing” you’re watching for with faith.

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Section 3 — Prophets Testify of Christ; Heed Their Words

Anchor Quotes

• Abinadi: “God himself shall come down among the children of men.”
• Samuel: Jesus Christ is “the Son of God … the Creator of all things.”
• Moroni: “I have seen Jesus … he hath talked with me face to face.”
• Jesus to the Nephites: “Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen.”

Doctrinal focus: The central message of prophets is Jesus Christ; heeding Apostolic witnesses is a covenant sign of discipleship.

10 Engaging Questions

1. How does Christ-centered prophetic witness differ from generic inspiration?
2. What does it mean to “give heed” rather than simply “admire”?
3. How do Book of Mormon prophetic testimonies prepare us to receive modern ones?
4. Which recent apostolic testimonies have anchored you?
5. How do prophets help us differentiate the true Christ from cultural counterfeits?
6. What actions in a week demonstrate that we “give heed”?
7. How do we resist the temptation to pick and choose our heeding?
8. What is gained by hearing a chorus of witnesses, not just one?
9. How can we help youth experience the living reality of Christ through prophets?
10. What does “face to face” testimony invite us to seek in the temple and sacrament?

5 Object Lessons

1. Red Thread Through Every Page: Mark Christ references in conference talks—show the throughline.
2. Stethoscope: Heeding = acting; you must follow the doctor’s counsel to be well.
3. Two Glasses of Water: Clear (pure witness) vs. tinted (partial truths)—heed clarity.
4. Road Signs: Ignore signs → miss exits; heed → arrive at the destination (Christ).
5. Lamp and Mirrors: Apostles reflect the Light of the World; alignment matters to see Him.

10 Personal Sharing Prompts

1. A time an apostolic testimony of Christ pierced your heart.
2. How “giving heed” changed your sacrament experience.
3. A youth who came to Christ through a modern witness.
4. The conference line you carry into the temple.
5. A correction that re-centered you on the Savior.
6. Heeding counsel in a relationship or conflict.
7. A doubt answered by simple testimony of Jesus.
8. Your pattern for reviewing apostolic talks across a quarter.
9. How prophetic Christ-focus changed home evenings or seminary lessons.
10. What “heed” you feel prompted to give this week.

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Section 4 — Parents and Teachers: “Teach These Things Freely”

Anchor Quotes

• “The Lord … said to [Adam and Eve], ‘Teach these things freely unto your children.’”
• “The 2,060 stripling warriors … ‘men of truth and soberness … taught to keep the commandments of God.’”
• “Parents … God Himself has commanded us to raise our children in light and truth. If we fail to do so, the world will not do it.”

Doctrinal focus: Home and Church partner to form disciples. Parents and mentors carry a divine stewardship to instruct, model, and normalize obedience to prophetic counsel.

10 Engaging Questions

1. What does “teach freely” look like in daily family rhythms?
2. How do we move from event-based teaching to organic, continual teaching?
3. Which prophetic topics do your youth most need you to normalize?
4. How did the stripling warriors’ mothers shape resilient obedience?
5. Where does fear keep us from being explicit about standards?
6. What helps you teach tricky topics with both clarity and compassion?
7. How does your home signal that revelation is ongoing and welcome?
8. Which informal moments (car rides, chores) are most teachable for you?
9. How can Relief Society strengthen parents and aunties/mentors in this work?
10. What one practice will you add or revive this month?

5 Object Lessons

1. Kitchen Timer: Five minutes of daily “freely teach” time—small and consistent wins.
2. Toolbox: Scripture, prophetic quotes, music, questions—use the right tool at the right moment.
3. Seed Packets: Plant truth early; growth appears later (stripling warriors).
4. Two Buckets (Home/World): Which fills faster? Be intentional.
5. Torch Relay: Pass the light—invite a teen to teach for two minutes on Sunday evenings.

10 Personal Sharing Prompts

1. A time teaching “freely” felt natural and Spirit-led.
2. How you overcame awkwardness to speak plainly of standards.
3. A family ritual that keeps prophetic words in circulation.
4. A time a youth’s question led to revelation at home.
5. How you corrected lovingly when a standard was broken.
6. What you wish you’d known earlier as a gospel teacher in the home.
7. A Relief Society sister who mentored your child.
8. How you use “why” (doctrine) before “what” (rule).
9. Your plan to review conference with teens this cycle.
10. A small success story with a reluctant listener.

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Section 5 — Invitation to Youth (and All): Pray to Know and Obey

Anchor Quotes

• “Do I have a personal testimony of God’s living prophets?”
• “Kneel … pray with faith … asking Him to confirm that His chosen prophet and apostles are His voice.”
• “Once we know they are God’s anointed ones, our lives will be easier … as we obey their voices with trust, faith, and hope.”
• “To listen to and obey the voice of the prophet is crucial to holding on to every good thing until the Second Coming.”

Doctrinal focus: Revelation is personal and promised; obedience brings power, protection, and spiritual ease amid difficulty.

10 Engaging Questions

1. What does “easier” mean when trials don’t disappear?
2. How can adults model the exact invitation we issue to youth?
3. What helps a first-time seeker recognize a confirming witness?
4. What does it look like to “hold on to every good thing” in a semester, a marriage, a ward?
5. Where have you seen obedience unlock unseen help?
6. What do you do when your answer seems delayed?
7. How can we pair “pray to know” with “promise to do”?
8. Which prophetic voice has been most faith-strengthening for you this year?
9. How do we help youth differentiate hype from holiness?
10. What “good thing” are you gripping more firmly because of prophetic counsel?

5 Object Lessons

1. Carabiner Clip + Rope: Beliefs vs. obedience—clip in to actually hold on.
2. Gloves vs. Bare Hands on a Rope: Obedience makes the grip sustainable.
3. Headphones: Turn down noise to hear the confirming whisper.
4. Two Lists: “To Know” vs. “To Do”—act fast on what you know.
5. Passport: Temple recommend as “citizenship” credential—live worthy to travel safely through the last days.

10 Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Your experience praying to know a prophet is God’s voice.
2. A witness that came while acting, not just asking.
3. “Easier” you’ve felt through obedience during a hard patch.
4. The “good thing” you’re holding more tightly now.
5. A youth you watched receive a personal witness.
6. How you record and revisit spiritual confirmations.
7. An obedience story that brought unanticipated blessings.
8. A time ignoring counsel proved costly—and what changed.
9. The next prophetic directive you intend to implement.
10. A hymn or scripture you pair with this invitation.

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Section 6 — Courage in the Latter Days; “Shall We Not Go On?”

Anchor Quotes

• “The world’s wickedness is growing, but the Church … and His kingdom are stronger than ever.”
• “The Lord expects us to be strong … full of faith … repent daily.”
• Joseph Smith (adapted): “[Youth], shall we not go on in so great a cause? … Courage … on to the victory!”
• “It will always be the Lord who chooses His servants.”

Doctrinal focus: Prophetic leadership anchors a courageous, repentant, forward-moving people. Confidence comes from who leads us—the Lord—and whom He calls.

10 Engaging Questions

1. What does it mean to be “strong” and “repent daily” at the same time?
2. Where do we see signs the kingdom is “stronger than ever”?
3. How can Relief Society cultivate holy courage rather than cultural combativeness?
4. What does forward motion look like for a struggling ward or family?
5. How do we respond when prophetic leadership is mocked or misunderstood?
6. Where do you need “on to the victory” faith this month?
7. What practices keep hope bright in worsening world conditions?
8. How do we teach youth to be both bold and gentle?
9. How does knowing the Lord chooses His servants settle your heart?
10. How can our covenant repentance fuel our covenant courage?

5 Object Lessons

1. Anchor and Flag: Anchor = covenants/prophets; flag = courage visible to others.
2. Daily Calendar with Eraser: Repentance is daily scheduling, not one-time deletion.
3. Running Shoes: Forward motion—small consistent steps win long races.
4. Refinery Image: Heat (world pressures) refines covenant courage.
5. Compass Over Megaphone: We follow direction more than volume.

10 Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Where you feel called to move forward, not backward.
2. A daily repentance practice that keeps you strong.
3. Courage you borrowed from a prophetic promise.
4. A time you bore simple, steady witness amid ridicule.
5. Signs you see that Zion is “putting on her beautiful garments.”
6. How you talk hope with your children about the last days.
7. A Relief Society sister who modeled holy courage for you.
8. A hard thing you did because “the prophet asked.”
9. How sustaining leaders increased unity in your ward.
10. Your personal “go on in so great a cause” commitment.

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Conclusion: How This Lesson Help Strengthens Relief Society Preparation

This guide gives you a clear structure (six natural sections), doctrinal quotes ready to drop into your outline, and a rich bank of questions, object lessons, and sharing prompts tailored to Sister Spannaus’s message. It is designed to help you:

• Aim your lesson at conversion—not just comprehension—by inviting sisters to seek a personal witness of living prophets.
• Translate testimony into practice—building room in our “house” for prophetic words, teaching freely at home, and obeying with courage.
• Equip youth and adults alike to “hold on to every good thing” as we look to, listen to, and obey the Lord’s anointed until He comes.

Choose one or two sections if time is short, or move through all six for a fuller lesson arc. However you use it, the promise stands: as we recognize and receive the Lord’s prophets, our lives will be easier in the covenant sense—more guided, protected, and hopeful—and we will go on in so great a cause with courage and joy.

Posted By: Lia · In: Relief Society