For the STRENGTH OF YOUTH
SEPTEMBER – Matthew 16:18-19
“YOU ARE BLESSED BY PRIESTHOOD
KEYS AND AUTHORITY”
CHURCH & HOME – LESSON PLAN
(In 20 minutes you can review the lesson (that YOUTH CAN TEACH). Then send youth home with a handout to place in their journal/notebook to reinforce gospel learning. Use one per week (printing all fro the bundle or individually below.
YOU’LL FIND:
#1 Activities BUNDLE For Lesson-Match Activities (shown right)
#2 “Strength of Youth” lesson (below or here)
#3 Mutual Night ACTIVITIES (shown below)
BUNDLE Includes:
LESSON LIFESAVER Activities:
- 3 Color Quotes on Priesthood Keys, Sustaining Leaders, and Serving.
- Plus, Priesthood Keys doorknob reminder
LESSON LIFESAVER Lessons and Activities
You are blessed by priesthood keys and authority.
When Jesus taught Peter about priesthood authority, He spoke of keys. Keys are used to unlock and open things. Priesthood keys can unlock God’s power, gifts, and blessings in your life. The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of our Heavenly Father. Through the priesthood, God created and governs the heavens and earth. Through this power, He redeems and exalts His children. He gives worthy priesthood holders authority to administer ordinances of salvation. All of Heavenly Father’s children can qualify to receive these ordinances and access the power and blessings of the priesthood.
Eternal Truths
All priesthood keys and authority come through Jesus Christ. Every priesthood holder can trace his authority back to Him. The Savior determines who receives this authority and who receives priesthood keys. We trust His perfect knowledge.
Jesus Christ has restored His priesthood in our day. He directs how the priesthood will be used. Adam, Moses, Peter, and many other prophets throughout history received priesthood keys. In our day, Joseph Smith received priesthood keys from John the Baptist, Peter, Moses, Elias, Elijah, and others. The members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hold all priesthood keys on earth today. Local priesthood leaders and quorum presidents also hold priesthood keys for their callings. Priesthood keys govern God’s work. They authorize and empower men and women to assist in that work.
Priesthood authority blesses all of God’s children. Because the priesthood was restored, you can receive ordinances and make covenants with God. You can act in the name of God when you receive an assignment or calling from someone with authority.
ColorQuote “You know something about keys. In your pocket there might be a key to your home or car. Priesthood keys, on the other hand, are intangible and invisible. They “switch on” the authority of the priesthood. Some keys even convey power to bind in heaven as well as on earth.” — Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Personal Priesthood Responsibility”
YOUTH LESSON ACTIVITY. PRIESTHOOD KEYS REMINDER door hanger. Youth can learn about the keys given to us by ancient Prophets to do God’s work.
#1 Moses gave us the keys (D&C 110:11 to the gathering of Israel to do missionary work).
#2 Elijah gave us the keys (D&C 110:13-16 to do temple work “turn the hearts of the fathers” to seal families forever).
Service – Invitations
Accept Church callings and serve faithfully. When you receive a Church calling, you are set apart with authority from God to serve in that role. You can also receive guidance from God for your service. As you serve, you represent Jesus Christ. Give Him your best.
Sustain those who God has called to serve. To sustain means more than just raising your hand when a name is read in a Church meeting. It means to support and help. Look for ways to show that you sustain the people Jesus Christ has called to serve in His Church.
Fulfill assignments from your Church leaders—including from your quorum or class presidency. They have authority from God, which they delegate to you for that assignment. You might be assigned to minister to someone, welcome people as they arrive at sacrament meeting, or help with an activity. Whatever the assignment is, see it as an opportunity to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and serve God’s children.
ColorQuote “The obligation that we make when we raise our hands . . . is a most sacred one. It does not mean that we will go quietly on our way and be willing that the prophet of the Lord shall direct this work, but it means . . . that we stand behind him; we will pray for him; we will defend his good name, and we will strive to carry out his instructions as the Lord shall direct.”—President George Albert Smith, “Sustaining Those Whom the Lord Sustains”
ColorQuote “We lighten the loads of others best by helping the Lord strengthen them. That is why the Lord included in our charge to comfort others the command to be His witnesses at all times and in all places.”—President Henry B. Eyring, “The Comforter”
PATRIARCHAL BLESSING DISCUSSION AND SACRED YEARLY LETTER:
1. Talk about patriarchal blessings and about earthly fathers—what they want for their children and what they do for their children. Discuss what Heavenly Father does and wants for His children, and the things He gives us to help us.
2. Have youth write a letter of appreciation to their Heavenly Father and put it in a sealed envelope. Tell them to nourish these feelings so they will grow. Have them put the letter in their journal for one year.
3. After the year is up, have them then write another letter to Heavenly Father, expressing appreciation and love, then compare by re-reading the letter from the previous year.
4. Then have them repeat steps 2–3 and compare the feelings from one year to the next, watching their love increase.
These Mutual Night Activities were written by Fern Law, a Young Women leader of six years – these are her experiences with the YOUTH. Collect them all; there are over 200 in this series.
“Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life’s dangers.” —Thomas S. Monson
