YOUTH CAN TEACH
“COUNSEL WITH THE LORD” tent-card and prayer chart (Ages 11-16 teens)
HOW CAN I GET CLOSE TO THE LORD THROUGH PRAYER?
YOUTH CAN TEACH other youth ways to do this by:
• Writing on the front side of the card HOW to pray and WHAT to pray for (reading Alma 37:37 I will “Counsel with the Lord” in all my doings).
• Then, on the back of the card, read, Don’t forget to pray, and then use the chart to mark morning and night prayers to form a habit.
LESSON LIFESAVER Activity
Inspiration
In Elder Bednar’s talk “Pray Always” (HERE) he outlines Principles to Make Prayers More Meaningful (see Pray Always video below)
. . . “Principle #1. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings (see Alma 37:37).
. . . Principle #2. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express heartfelt gratitude.
. . . Principle #3. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart.”
More “COUNSELING WITH THE LORD” talks to discuss with the youth.
#1 James E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2002, 59–62. Encourages us to pray. Example, pray for the Prophet of our day to ease his heavy burdens (see last paragraph).
#2 Keith B. McMullin, “Words of Jesus: Prayer,” Ensign, Jan. 2003, 48–51. Example, “Jesus taught us to watch and pray always.”
#3 “Idea List: Meaningful Prayer,” New Era, Jan. 2001, 29. Example, “Pray out loud.”
#4 Becca Aisen, “All I Asked For,” New Era, June 2003, 11. In this talk, discover what she did to ease her burdens and feel God’s love as she prayed.
THOUGHT TREAT Straight and Narrow Pretzels / Breadsticks. Make or purchase these for the youth. As they eat, they can read: Matthew 22:29, Alma 7:9, 37:44, 1 Nephi 8; 12:17; 15:12-25, AND D&C 88:63.
Tell the youth that these pretzels or breadsticks remind us of the strait and narrow path that leads us back to our Heavenly Father. We can stay on the path if we hold onto the iron rod, the word of God found in the scriptures, and through prayer.
As we search, ponder, and pray about the scriptures each day, we can keep the heavenly communication lines open and be guided each day. Happiness comes each day as we stay on the path.
GROUP ACTIVITIES
For Church or Family
BOOK OF MORMON PRAYER PRESENTATIONS:
Youth can share meaningful scriptures from the Book of Mormon, and tell how they can improve prayers in their daily life from the example of Alma’s prayer for his son Alma the Younger (Mosiah 27:14), and Alma the Younger’s prayers for the Zoramites with their vain and prideful prayers (Alma 31:12-38).
MAKE REMINDERS for youth to say their prayers and read their scriptures each morning and night.
. Angel Pillowcase: Create an angel pillowcase by ironing on an angel image. Write with fabric marking pens the verse: “Angels RECEIVE as they PRAY and BELIEVE. (Matt. 21:22).”
. Prayer Rock Bag: This activity helps youth place a rock with a verse about prayer under their pillow, and if they go to bed and hit their head, they know there is a prayer unsaid.
DOWNLOAD this Prayer Rock and Reminder Note (HERE, shown right)
So, please let them teach as it helps them learn the gospel and grow their testimony as they share it.
Use this BRIGHT IDEAS LESSON Planner to plan lesson objectives, activities, and discussions (included with each activity).
THIS ACTIVITY CAN BE USED FOR Come Follow Me:
