Oct 27-Nov 2, Come Follow Me, Youth lessons, Sunday school.
- redwallace
- Oct 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 22
The Lord can guide me through my patriarchal blessing.
Shortly after the Prophet’s father, Joseph Smith Sr., passed away, the Lord called Hyrum Smith to the calling that his father had held—the Patriarch to the Church. You can read about this in Doctrine and Covenants 124:91–92.
How would you describe a patriarchal blessing to someone who has never heard of it? What would you say to encourage someone to receive one? Look for answers to these questions in Elder Randall K. Bennett’s message “Your Patriarchal Blessing—Inspired Direction from Heavenly Father” (Liahona, May 2023, 42–43) or Topics and Questions, “Patriarchal Blessings” (Gospel Library).
Based on what you’ve studied and experienced, consider how you would complete this sentence: “A patriarchal blessing is like .” Why does Heavenly Father want His children to receive a patriarchal blessing?
If you have not received a patriarchal blessing, what can you do to prepare for one? If you have received a patriarchal blessing, how can you show God that you treasure this gift?
See also Kazuhiko Yamashita, “When to Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing,” Liahona, May 2023, 88–90; General Handbook, 18.17, Gospel Library.
It's been a while since we last played a game. I realize it's not a great idea to play a game every week, but it is nice to mix up the routine once in a while.
Find out how much your youth know about Patriarchal blessings before you begin.
I think asking this question will help you know how much they know:
How would you describe a patriarchal blessing to someone who has never heard of it?
Ensure your youth understand what a Liahona is and have a basic understanding of Lehi and Nephi's story.
I believe incorporating the Book of Mormon stories and principles into our D&C learning is Fantastic. Be prepared to share these Book of Mormon stories. Or better yet, youth love responsibility; let them share.
Then ask this question:
These are Free Prints
You can also ask how these scriptures apply to a Patriarchal blessing.
Then ask:
How do these scriptures apply to Patriarchal blessings?
Then tell your youth to divide into teams. You are playing tic-tac-toe. Team "Liahona", and I would call the other team "Fire!" or something more clever than "Lamps" (: Your board might look like this:
Notice how I also have a scoreboard. You may have to play tic-tac-toe a couple of times before you answer all the questions. This will help you keep track of which team has won each game.
Rules:
Sometimes, when youth find out they are on a team, they automatically develop a competitive spirit and feel like they have to answer questions quickly, without taking the time to discuss the meaning of scriptures. Prepare them right away that each team will get a turn, and there is no need to rush or feel pressured. There is no stopwatch waiting for them to answer the question.
When they draw a card, they will read it to the entire class. The team that has a turn first will get the first chance to answer, but the other team can also be working on it, as they will have an opportunity to steal. Some questions may be personal: "Please prepare yourself so that we can still maintain a sense of spirit in the classroom."
Be upfront with them that you don't want the same person on the team answering the questions. If that happens, you will give the other team a chance at the point. (Use your own discretion, but knowing my youth, this is what I have to do to get everyone involved.) So, make sure to go in order, with each person on the team having an opportunity to draw out a question. They can seek help from their team, but it is ultimately their responsibility to answer the question.
I like to put my question cards in a paper bag like this:
It's just more portable.
I have 25 question cards(in my store); I want to give you plenty of material. If there is a card you don't like, feel free to eliminate it. Additionally, you will have specific cards that need to be done first. Certain scriptures and doctrines need to be covered before the cards labeled #2 can be placed in the paper bag.
You will need them to read some GC talks and other resources to search for answers. Here are some options you can print if you prefer not to have them on their phones. But I do have QR codes they can scan to answer each question.
Elder Randall K. Bennett’s message “Your Patriarchal Blessing—Inspired Direction from Heavenly Father” (Liahona, May 2023, 42–43) or Topics and Questions, “Patriarchal Blessings” (Gospel Library).
Kazuhiko Yamashita, “When to Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing,” Liahona, May 2023, 88–90; General Handbook, 18.17, Gospel Library.
Like this sample:
Your board may look like this at the end:
Treats for everyone (with a gift tag included), so everyone is happy(:
This is available in Black and White.
This gift tag is already available in the lesson bundle, but you can purchase it separately by clicking on the image below.
Loads of Christmas gift tags in my store:
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