Elder David A. Bednar (Oct. '22): "Put On Thy Strength, O Zion"

-

 As an English professor, I confess an affinity for talks that dig deep into a single relatively short passage of scripture.  So, obviously, this talk is right up my alley 😁.  Also, though, I love the emphasis on our need to make righteous choices so that we can, in turn, be chosen for God's kingdom.

The Activity:

  1. Ensure that everyone has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically.
  2. Draw a vertical line down the middle of the board.  Label one side "called" and the other side "chosen."
  3. Read aloud the first sentence in par. 24 ("The invitation to . . . related but different.").
  4. Explain that you want to spend a few minutes exploring these labels and how they relate to our lives and the lives of all people.
  5. Ask the class members to briefly read over the last section of Elder Bednar's talk (entitled "Many Are Called, but Few Are Chosen").
  6. Allow a few minutes of silence for them to complete this reading.
  7. Invite class members to share what they learned about these two concepts (and their relationship) as they read Elder Bednar's talk.
  8. As a class member shares a thought, record it on the appropriate side of the board.  
  9. Discuss each answer with an eye towards bearing testimony and encouraging application in the lives of those in the class.

Using the Activity:

For many of us, it is not in our natures to dig deeply into a single text (it is not my natural state, only my trained state because of my profession); yet, we are told that spending time allowing the ideas of the gospel to marinate in our minds invites learning and revelation.  This activity is built on that idea.  

Also, it is worth noting steps #5 and 6.  Often times, it feels like there is so much to cover in a lesson that there is no time for silence.  We need to overcome this tendency.  The purpose of a lesson is NOT to cover an entire talk; instead, the purpose is to foster spiritual experiences with the gospel doctrine and principles in the talk so that the testimonies, faith, and conversions of those in the class (including us) deepen.  So, devoting some time to something like re-reading a portion of the lesson can be a powerful part of class.  In terms of re-reading a section, it allows the ideas to be fresh(er) whether a class member has read the talk in preparation for the lesson or not.  It fosters more invigorating discussions.  

As always, I pray this idea is helpful to you in your calling.  God bless you.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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 Dale G. Renlund (Oct. '23): "Jesus Christ is the Treasure"

-
 What a great talk reminding us of the simplicity of the gospel-- Jesus  Christ.  The treasure is always Jesus Christ.  Remembering that is not easy in our modern world, though.  To help us remember, the Lord has given us many things.  Elder Renlund in this talk reviews four of these and this is what the activity below focuses on. The Activity: Make sure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Explain that in this talk, Elder Renlund reviews four actions we can do to avoid looking beyond the mark. Divide the class into four groups. Assign each group one action along with the corresponding part of the talk.  These are: Repentance-- par. 10-11 "The Savior has . . . of our sins." The sacrament-- par. 12-13 "Just like the . . . prospered, and preserved." Temple Worship-- par. 14-15 "When we have . . . it is distant." Listening to the Prophet-- par. 16-17  "After Carter and . . . look no further." Have
Read more

Pres. Russell M. Nelson (Apr. '24): "Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys"

-
 This is a relatively short talk, but it is full of both invitations and promises from our prophet.  The blessings enumerated and promised are especially inspiring (par. 25-31).  However, for this activity I chose to focus on the invitations that Pres. Nelson extends to us as members. The Activity: Insure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Insure that every class member has something to write with and on (a device would work fine). Write on the board (or post printed statements) of the 3 (or 5 depending on how you choose to break up the last one) invitations that Pres. Nelson gives us. Par. 8-9 "Jesus Christ then . . . for you personally." Par. 16 "Consider how your . . . to the earth." Par. 19-22 "I invite you . . . home to Him."  (the three statements here could be listed separately). Ask the class members to read these statements and spend a moment silently considering one of the invitations. (Option
Read more