Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read "Two Lines of Communication", by Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov. 2010, 83–86.
Thought:
We pray directly to our Heavenly Father, and He answers us . . . through His Holy Spirit and in other ways. . . . This personal line of communication with our Heavenly Father through His Holy Spirit is the source of our testimony of truth, of our knowledge, and of our personal guidance from a loving Heavenly Father.
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Two Lines of Communication", Ensign, Nov. 2010, 83–86.)
Song:
“I Pray in Faith,” Children’s Songbook, p. 14.
Scripture:
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
(Psalms 55:17)
Lesson:
Write the following scripture references on small slips of paper:
D&C 31:12
Luke 6:28
D&C 5:24
1 Nephi 7:21
Alma 37:37
1 Thessalonians 5:18
2 Nephi 32:9
3 Nephi 18:21
Have each person take turns looking up one of the scripture references and reading them aloud to the entire group. As each is read, have the group determine what they can learn about prayer from that verse. The following points should be included:
1. Pray to resist temptation.
2. Pray for your enemies.
3. Pray with reverence and humility.
4. Pray for forgiveness.
5. Pray in the morning, at night, and in all your doings.
6. Give thanks in your prayers.
7. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
8. Pray with your family
(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime: Book 2, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 75–76.)
Story:
In the Canadian Mission during the year 1960, I assigned Elder Clinton Buttars to the nickel-mining city of Sudbury, Ontario. The landscape was bleak, the missionary opportunities somewhat limited, and yet Clinton Buttars and his companion commenced to proselyte in one of the more affluent areas of the community.
They called at the home of Morley Dimma but found that he was at work and had his evenings fully occupied, as reported by his wife. Mrs. Dimma then suggested that the missionaries might wish to call upon him at his office. They grasped the opportunity and went to the office suite occupied by Mr. Dimma, who was the local agent of a large insurance firm.
As they were escorted into his inner office and Mr. Dimma asked them the nature of their visit, fear engulfed them. Suddenly Elder Buttars asked the question, "Mr. Dimma, how long has it been since you prayed?"
Mr. Dimma replied jokingly, "I haven't prayed since I was at my mother's knee."
Elder Buttars then said, "Would you join us in prayer?" He dropped to his knees, for there was no place else to go. His companion followed his lead, and reluctantly Mr. Dimma likewise joined in an attitude of prayer—the first time, as he stated, since he was at his mother's knee.
Concluding the prayer, the two missionaries and Mr. Dimma rose to their feet. Mr. Dimma then reported to them that he felt a strangeness come over him during that prayer and a desire to listen to the message that the missionaries had brought.
Mr. Dimma, his wife, and their children were converted to the Church. He was so thrilled with the truth he had discovered in the gospel of Jesus Christ that he asked if he might extend a personal invitation to the several hundred members of his former religious congregation to each hear the message in his home. Four other missionaries were dispatched to the Sudbury area to accommodate this request.
A thriving branch and a lovely building later characterized the position of the Church in Sudbury, Ontario.
(Thomas S. Monson, Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith: From the Life and Ministry of Thomas S. Monson, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1994], p. 129-131.)
Activity:
Make play telephones from two paper cups connected by a long string. The string should be about 25 to 40 feet long so that it can stretch from one room to another. Make sure the string is pulled tightly and you should be able to hear each other through the cups. Liken to prayer.
(Mina S. Coletti and Roberta Kling Giesea, The Family Idea Book, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1980], p. 187.)
Refreshment:
Chocolate Pretzel Passion Cookies
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
I teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups broken pretzel pieces
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (maxi size)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter until soft. Add sugars and beat until well mixed. Add eggs, water, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until well incorporated. Add the pretzels and chocolate chips and mix briefly. Scoop with a tablespoon for large cookies or with a teaspoon for smaller cookies and drop onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each dough ball slightly with a glass or the palm of your hand. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Baking times may vary depending on the size of dough. Makes 30 cookies.
(Lion House Bakery, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2009] p. 78.)
*For a printable pdf, click here.