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:

1. Insure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically.
2. Insure that every class member has something to write with and on (a device would work fine).
3. 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.
1. Par. 8-9 "Jesus Christ then . . . for you personally."
2. Par. 16 "Consider how your . . . to the earth."
3. Par. 19-22 "I invite you . . . home to Him."  (the three statements here could be listed separately).
4. Ask the class members to read these statements and spend a moment silently considering one of the invitations.
5. (Optional):  Invite the class members to share some of their thoughts with a neighbor.
6. After a couple of minutes, ask the class members to record their thoughts about one of these statements.  Explain that this is just for them to share (or not) as they choose.  During this time, you may want to put on some sacred instrumental music in the background.

Using the Activity:

Each of the invitations listed above ask us to spend some time thinking about some aspect of the gospel, i.e. pondering.  The blessings of pondering silently on gospel topics is well covered in scriptures.  However, finding quiet time is difficult in our world today, and when we do (if you are like me) sleep can too easily come or distraction in the form of my phone.  This activity is designed to provide class members with an opportunity to ponder on these things that the prophet has asked us to consider.  Then, by writing it down so that it can be shared or simply reviewed later is a way of helping us all to remember what the gospel brings into our lives.  

You could ask people to share what they wrote.  If you do this, though, please be careful to recognize that some people may not be comfortable sharing what they wrote.  

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hope and pray that you find this activity idea useful.  God bless you in your efforts to teach with power and authority.