Jan 13-19, Sunday School, Youth Lesson, Come Follow Me 2025

How can I receive answers to my prayers?

Have you ever “lacked wisdom” or felt confused about a decision you needed to make? (Joseph Smith—History 1:13). The experience Joseph Smith had in 1820 can serve as a good pattern for your own personal revelation. For example, as you search Joseph Smith—History 1:5–25, look for experiences you can relate to. What do you learn about:

This! The very first line of this lesson How can I receive answers to my prayers?

This is a big question for youth, I have my youth turn in questions at the beginning of every year and there is always at least one youth that ask this. So I've been praying that I can invite the spirit to teach these principals.

First: I am going to ask the youth to write down something they feel like they lack wisdom in or a question they may have about the gospel. Make sure that they know that you might be reading these questions to the class. It will still be anonymous.

If you don't want to print this, you can use your own 3X5 cards. OR if you have a notebook for them to record this years info in that will be better, because then they can look back and see if their question was answered at the end of the year.

Print Here

(On Card Stock)

Then Put this on your board:

See how your youth do at answering this question, maybe you don't need to teach the lesson if they already know everything(;

You will be handing out cards like this to the students:

This is a lot of reading if you have a very young group of students it might be hard. I will give you some blank steps in the bundle, for you to pick your own scriptures.

If you have more than 5 students you will have to form groups. Give them time to read scriptures and write down the feelings they find....things that stand out to them.

Next:

Briefly read these together again or have the youth that read them tell you what they read. As a class write on the board anything they might have missed. Ponder these scriptures and think of good questions to ask your students to help with discussion.

Hand out these shapes and tell them to find the "Pattern of revelation" PSST, they will know they have gotten it right when the pieces fit(:

Here is the final board.

If you have time, pull out the questions that the youth wrote down in the beginning. You can read them, but you don’t have to. Testify that as they humble themselves to ponder and pray, study the scriptures, like Joseph they will find answers to the things they lack wisdom in.

You can also close with this:

Print Here

This weeks "Follow Him" podcast said something really amazing. For youth that struggle with depression they can't feel emotions as much. So they have to find other ways of receiving revelation. It will look different then Joseph Smith or their friends and that is ok. The important challenge is that they don't give up and find their own way of "Hearing Him."

If you purchased this at the beginning of the week the gift tag was included. I'm sorry for those of you who purchased it later, Etsy just doesn't have enough folders. And too many are complaining about downloading problems so I have to take it out. You are welcome to purchase it separately. Message me (On Etsy) and I will refund your gift tag purchase if you buy them together.

You can purchase this separately.

If you purchased this at the beginning of the week the gift tag was included. I'm sorry for those of you who purchased it later, Etsy just doesn't have enough folders. And too many are complaining about downloading problems so I have to take it out. You are welcome to purchase it separately. Message me (On Etsy) and I will refund your gift tag purchase if you buy them together.

• How Joseph prepared for a sacred experience in prayer? (see verses 8, 11, 14–15).

• The role of scripture study in seeking revelation? (see verses 11–12).

• What to do when you face opposition? (see verses 15–16, 21–26).

• Accepting and acting on answers you receive? (see verses 18–25).

What additional insights can you gain from President Henry B. Eyring’s article “The First Vision: A Pattern for Personal Revelation”? (Ensign or Liahona, Feb. 2020, 12–17).

You might also look for other examples in the scriptures of people communicating with God. Images in the Gospel Art Book or other Come, Follow Me books could give you ideas. Try answering the questions listed previously for each example you find. What experiences have you had receiving answers to prayer? What can you do to help others have good experiences as well?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 88–92; Topics and Questions, “Personal Revelation,” Gospel Library.

Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20

Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Joseph Smith trusted that God would answer his prayer, but he didn’t anticipate how that answer would change his life—and the world. As you read about Joseph’s experience, ponder how the results of the First Vision have changed your life.

For example, the First Vision revealed several truths about God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, that were different from what many people in Joseph’s day believed. As you read Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20, consider writing down different ways to complete a statement like this one: “Because the First Vision happened, I know that …”

What feelings do you have as you ponder Joseph’s experience and everything that came of it?

See also “Ask of God: Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (video), Gospel Library; “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer,” Hymns, no. 26.