Elder David A. Bednar (Apr. '20): "Let This House Be Built unto My Name"

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A NOTE:
Maintaining this blog at this time might be one of the most optimistic things I have done in recent memory :), although I am sure we will eventually be meeting together again for church.  I just have no idea when that will be.  Still, I want to continue this blog even in these times as an expression of hope.  In the meantime, I have begun a separate blog that focuses on sharing ideas to explore the messages of general conference in our homes.  That blog can be found here. 

Elder Bednar's talks always seem to demand a little bit more from me.  I find that I am compelled to examing them more closely in order to really glean what he is saying, but I am never disappointed.  My efforts are always richly rewarded, and this talk is no different.  The activity below is based on a more thorough, careful reading of Elder Bednar's talk.

The Activity:
  1. Divide the class into three groups.
  2. Point out that Elder Bednar makes three statements that begin with common conceptions of the temple but then go on to expand and deepen our vision of the temple.
  3. Assign each group one of these quotes to read and discuss:
    1. par. 16 ("We do not . . . sons and daughters")
    2. par. 21 ("We do not . . . and become good")
    3. par. 38 ("Understandable, the announcement . . .  of the building")
  4. Ask the groups to spend a couple of minutes talking about how their quote expands how we often talk/think about the temple and to share any experiences that they feel are relevant to the quote.  Also, ask them to discuss what the second half of their quote teaches us about how we should think about temples and temple worship.
  5. Come back together as a class and share what was talked about in each group.
  6. Ask the class members to set a goal to bring their approach to temple worship more in line with what Elder Bednar talks about.
Using the Activity:

This activity is built on a close reading of the talk and specifically certain quotes taken from the talk.  There is great power in taking time to carefully ponder on exactly what a prophet says.  Also, this activity is designed to lead to class members making a commitment to change what they do, say, or think in regards to the temple.  This is to encourage all of us to liken this talk unto ourselves.  

Of course, there are a number of variations of this particular activity.  Step 3 and 4 could be done individually or in groups of 2 or 3 people only.  The whole class could discuss each quote separately.  In any case, I hope that this idea is useful to you and will help you in your efforts to teach with power and authority.  

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