SUNDAY SCHOOL & SEMINARY Interactive Activities – AUGUST (week 4) Come Follow Me – Old Testament Lesson 35 “Let Every Thing That Hath Breath Praise the Lord” (Psalms)

Have members of your class felt the way the writer of Psalm 102 felt? How can we turn to the Lord when we feel discouraged or distressed? As they studied Psalms 102, 103, and 116 at home this week, class members may have found phrases that inspire them to turn to the Lord in their trials. Encourage them to share what they found, or look for some inspiring phrases together as a class. Class members could also talk about how the Lord has supported them in times of adversity.

Members of your class may enjoy writing their own psalm about how the Lord has helped them during times of trial. These need not be long or complex psalms—just simple expressions of faith, gratitude, and praise. Class members could work alone or in pairs, and they could review Psalms 102, 103, and 116 for ideas. Invite a few people to share their psalms, if they are willing. You could also sing hymns together about how the Lord comforts us, such as “Where Can I Turn for Peace?” (Hymns, no. 129).

• Understanding that the Lord is aware of us—our thoughts and actions, strengths and weaknesses—and that He loves us can have a powerful influence on the choices we make. You could invite the class to look for phrases in Psalm 139 that teach this important truth. How are our lives affected by knowing this truth? Class members could also discuss ways we can invite the Lord to “search me, O God, and know my heart” (verse 23).

To begin a discussion about Psalm 119, you might invite class members to talk about a time when they followed a path to reach a destination (it may help to contact someone in advance and ask him or her to be prepared to talk about this). What experiences made it difficult to stay on the path? What helped them stay on it? You might then draw a path on the board and invite class members to write phrases from Psalm 119 that tell what the Lord has done to help us stay on His covenant path. Consider sharing the quotation by President Russell M. Nelson in “Additional Resources” as part of your discussion.

Members of your class may benefit from comparing what Psalm 119 teaches about staying on the Lord’s path with other scriptures that teach similar truths. Consider dividing the class into groups and asking each group to review scripture passages like these: Psalm 119:33–40, 105; Proverbs 4:11–19; 1 Nephi 8:20–28; 11:25; 2 Nephi 31:17–21; Alma 7:9, 19–20. Invite each group to share what they learned. Give class members time to ponder what they are inspired to do based on what they learned.

Additional Resources