Pres. Henry B. Eyring (Apr. '20): "He Goes Before Us"

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. 

I believe this talk is so important.  As I read it I was struck by how much the prophets and apostles want to make clear to us HOW Father works with us.  Off the top of my head, I can think of at least three of the apostles/First Presidency who gave talks that touch directly on this idea (that is 20% of them that felt this was a topic important enough to address).  If we fail to understand this, we put our testimonies in jeopardy because we are open to attack from the adversary (see I Ne. 2:12).  I hope that this activity will help us to more fully understand how our Father deals with his children on Earth. 


The Activity:

1.  Scan the talk and identify words, sentences, and/or passages that explain how God works with people (such as what follows).  Write each on a separate strip of paper: 
1. par. 3 ("He teaches us . . .  us, never forcing").
2. par. 22 ("to lead in . . .  in His work").
3. par. 32 ("I testify that . . . the last days").
4. par. 35 ("whenever we proceed . . . not yet seen").
2. Distribute a single strip of paper to every 2 or 3 class members (you can duplicate some quotes if necessary depending on numbers of quotes and class members).
3. Have the class members discuss what their passage means and how they may have seen this work (in the scriptures, church history, church workings, and/or their own lives).
4. Come back together and ask the groups to share.  Write the lessons learned on the board.
5. Briefly review the events recounted by Pres. Eyring from the Kirtland Temple (par. 5-21; see also D&C 110) and identify those parts that testify of the items you wrote on the board.
6. Ask each class member to ponder how these same principles have been at work in your life. 
7. Provide them with time and materials to briefly write those memories down, if you feel so inspired.

Using the Activity:

This activity does require some preparation ahead of time, but it will be valuable time, I believe.  Also, the specific quotes you choose to use should be guided by the needs of your class members.  Some quotes that I or another person may find powerful may not be right for your branch/ward.

The power of this activity comes in at least two ways.  By asking the class members to work in small groups, it increases the chance of each person in the class exercising their faith by participating in the activity.  As we exercise faith, we open the door for the Spirit to speak to us so that we can hear Him.  Second, by asking the class members to ponder how the experiences of their own lives demonstrate some of these principles, we are again asking them to exercise faith.  Plus, it allows them to see and remember how God has been involved in their own lives.  Finally, if you choose to have them write down their memories (even brief sketches) you are helping them to compile memory aids for themselves and their kids/grandkids/etc.  An important thing that we need more of.

There is one other change you may choose to make to this activity.  In step 5, you could instead review Pres. Eyrings account of his involvement with the development of Family Search.  This could be done A) instead of the Kirtland Temple experience, B) in addition to the Kirtland Temple experience, or C) by half the class while the other half discusses the Kirtlan Temple experience.

As always, I hope that this idea is a catalyst to your own inspiration as you plan and prepare your lesson.  God bless you and let me know how it goes.