Recognizing the Spirit FHE Lesson

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Recognizing the Spirit by Shawni Pothier (from an FHE group)

Materials needed: Scriptures, box or basket (for Spirit Box objects), (Optional for “Spirit Box” activity: feather, large

bandage, scrap of soft fabric, small candle), blindfold (for closing activity)

Purpose: Teach family members how to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost

Scripture: “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” Galatians 5:22

Songs: “The Still Small Voice”, Children’s Songbook, page 106

“I Feel My Savior’s Love”, Children’s Songbook, page 74

Opening song and prayer:

Scripture Story with Visuals:

“Samuel the Boy Prophet”: Using the flannel board figures and summary provided below, read or retell

the story of Samuel and how he had to learn to recognize the voice of the Lord

Discuss: Just like Samuel, it is important for us to learn to recognize WHEN and HOW the Lord speaks

to us and how to LISTEN.

Lesson:

Scripture: “Yea, Behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall

come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.” Doctrine and Covenants 8:2

Explain: That Heavenly Father speaks to his children in many different ways. Sometimes in a voice, but

usually in our minds and in our hearts. It is through the Holy Ghost that we “feel” His spirit.

Discuss how we can all hear His voice if we “listen” with our hearts. Everyone is different and unique.

Learning to recognize how YOU feel when He speaks to you is very important. That way you will be

able to LISTEN.

Spirit Box: Let everyone take turns reaching into the “Spirit Box” to pull out an item that represents how

the spirit makes you feel. You may want to add any others that you think of.

Activity:

Blindfold Walk: Put a blindfold on someone in your family and then have them listen for their Father’s

voice (if Dad is available). He will the guide them, with his voice to their destination. (A treat in the

kitchen is always a good option). If you want to make it more challenging, let other family members talk

and confuse the person so that they really do need to listen to their father’s voice. After the activity you

can discuss the parallels of this experience and listening to our Heavenly Father’s voice.

Challenge:

Journals: “When I’ve Felt His Spirit”—give each child their own journal and have them be thinking of

a time when they felt the spirit. Let them know how important writing down what we feel is since we

won’t always feel the same way. Sometimes we need help remembering how we felt in certain spiritual

instances.


Share: This is an excellent time for you to share a personal experience of when you felt or were guided

by the spirit. (Our children learn so much from our experiences. It is important to point out when the

spirit is present in all kinds of situations. Children feel it and know that it is real.)

Let your kids share with each other their experience and write them down. Keep the journals in a special

place for future reference. When these experiences are written down, they will be able to look back and

see the Lord’s hand in their own lives.

Closing song and prayer:

Refreshments: see recipe below

Crazy Craisin Cookies

The ingredients:

1 cup butter

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

1-1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 cups old fashioned oats

1 cup Craisins

1 cup white chocolate chips

1-1/2 cups toffee bits (I found mine already chopped in a bag with the chocolate chips)

Cream butter and sugars together. Add egg and vanilla and mix well. Then add the flour, baking soda, and oats

and mix until just combined. Stir in the Craisins, white chocolate chips, and toffee bits until just combined. Roll

into balls and place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 7-8 minutes.

Enjoy!


The Story of Samuel the Boy Prophet

Once there was a woman named Hannah. She was married to a man named Elkanah. More

than anything in the world she wanted to have children. Years went by and she had none. She

felt very sad.

One day Hannah was in the temple praying to Heavenly Father. She cried as she told Him how

much she wanted to have a child. She promised the Lord that if he would bless her with a child,

she would take the child to live and work in the temple. In a way, she promised to give the

child back to the Lord to be one of His servants. A temple worker named Eli saw her there and

told her that she would someday be blessed with a child. Shortly after she had a son and named

him Samuel.

When Samuel was young his mother took him to live and work at the temple with Eli. Samuel

grew and served the Lord.

One night when Samuel had gone to bed, he heard someone call his name. (Whisper)

“Samuel…” He rose and went into Eli and said, “Here am I, for you called me.” Eli said, “ I

did not call you, go back to bed.” As he lay there he heard his name called again. (Whisper)

“Samuel…” He returned to Eli’s room and asked if he had called him. Again Eli said, “I

called not, my son, go lie down again.” Samuel laid in his bed once again and as he was falling

asleep he heard his name. (Whisper) “Samuel….” He went again to Eli’s room and said, “Here

I am Eli, for you called me.”

Now Eli was a very wise old man and he realized that it was the Lord calling Samuel. He told

him to go back to his room and the next time he heard his name to say, “Speak Lord, for thy

Servant heareth.” Samuel, returned to his room and waited. Again he heard a still small voice

say, “Samuel…Samuel…” and he answered, “Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.” The Lord

then spoke with Samuel and He told him many important things. Samuel grew to be a great

prophet of the Lord.


Samuel the Boy Prophet—Flannel board figures


Samuel the Boy Prophet—Flannel board figures


Spirit Box—After cutting out, place the slips into a box or basket for the “Spirit Box” activity. Mount with actual objects

if desired. (A real candle for “Burning”, an actual feather for “Light”, etc.) Paperclip the “Understanding” puzzle pieces

together.

Documents

Recognizing the Spirit FHE Lesson