Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Oct. '23): "The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home"

-

 Re-reading this talk I have been struck anew with the love Father has for me-- and my own weakness in doing what I want as opposed to what He wants.  And I am left-- as the hymn says-- "all amazed."

The Activity:

  1. Make sure every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically.
  2. Read and discuss par. 40-43 "My beloved brothers . . . try to return?"
  3. Stress that this is a story for and about us.  As a result, there is much to learn from it.
  4. Divide the class into 3 groups.  Assign each group one perspective represented in the story-- the father, the prodigal son, and the faithful son.
  5. Invite each group to discuss the lessons we can learn from/about their assigned person.  For this they can refer to the entirety of Elder Uchtdorf's talk and/or the parable in the scriptures (Luke 15:11-32).
  6. Give the groups time to discuss.
  7. Come back together as a class and share what was talked about in the groups.

Using the Activity:

I find that often times I consider only one perspective of a gospel story.  However, when I push myself to consider the other perspectives I learn as much or more as I did from my default perspective.  The parable of the prodigal son is a good example of this.  As I listened to and re-read Elder Uchtdorf's talk I was struck by how much is taught in this parable that is so easy to overlook.  This activity is designed to help the class consider the various perspectives.  

I think this is an important part of being a teacher in the Church-- we should be modelling for our class members more complete ways to engage with the scriptures and teachings of our prophets and leaders.  This activity is an effort to do this.

As always I pray that this activity is useful and that you find it helpful.  Please leave a comment about your experiences with this activity (or any other on my blog).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (Apr. '23): "Hosanna to the Most High God"

-
 Like Elder Stevenson's talk, a quick reading of this talk might appear as if the talk were really about a holiday (Palm Sunday in this case).  However, it is really about so much more.  This is a powerful talk on coming to Christ and being prepared for His coming. The Activity: Make sure that everyone has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Read par. 24-25 "We, like the . . . Father in Heaven." Discuss this passage briefly as a class. Point out that Elder Rasband mentions four ways to fill our lamps with oil. Divide the class into four groups and assign each group one of the doctrines that Elder Rasband discusses: Prophecy (par. 13-15:  "First, prophecy.  For . . . shall rise again.'") The Gift of the Holy Ghost (par. 16:  "Second, the companionship . . . of all things'") Discipleship (par. 17: "Third, discipleship.  True . . . cried, 'Crucify Him'") The Atonement (par. 18-19:  "Fourth, the Atone
Read more

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell (Oct. '23): "More Than a Hero"

-
 This talk is custom made for today.  All around us we can see people who choose worldly heroes to focus on and follow with little, if any, thought given to Christ and Father.  The results are perilous to us and to society.  This talk in some aspects reminds me of some of Pres. Kimball's teachings ( here , for example).   The Activity: Draw a line down the middle of the board. Read par. 23 "For us on . . . Savior and Redeemer." Ask the class members to consider what would characterize too much trust placed in "the politician, the musician, the athlete, or the vlogger" or anyone. Invite them to share their ideas.  As they do, list them on one side of the board. Invite the class members to look over the list they have created and consider how they can either safeguard against these things or walk back from perilous positions. Allow a moment to think and then discuss. Point out that if this is too much attention placed on people, in what ways could we do the same t
Read more

Elder David A. Bednar (Apr. '23): "Abide in Me, and I in You; Therefore, Walk with Me"

-
 I have mentioned in other places in this blog that I am a newly called Elders Quorum president.  As such, this talk really struck home.  I feel woefully inadequate in fulfilling my calling.  This talk gave me comfort and confidence in moving forward.   The Activity: Explain Enoch's reaction to his calling and share your own experience with receiving a calling that overwhelmed you at first and/or invite some class members to share their experiences like this. Invite the class members to read paragraph 5 ("And the Lord . . . give thee utterance'") silently and ask them to identify 1) what God asks of Enoch and 2) what God promises Enoch.   Allow class members a moment to read the passage. Come back and discuss as a class what they found. Ask them to think about how these same commands and promises could apply to various callings (including those they currently have and/or those talked about at the beginning). Invite the class members to share experiences/testimonies
Read more