Purpose: To teach that prayer is one of the greatest blessings we have and that through

prayer we can talk with our Heavenly Father and seek His guidance often.

Possible scriptures:Psalm 55:17; Matthew 6:913; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 1:5; 2

Nephi 32:89; Alma 34:17-27; Alma 37:37; 3 Nephi 18:1921; Moroni 10:35; .

Possible Songs: I Pray in Faith - Children's Songbook #14; A Prayer - Children's

Songbook #22b; A Prayer Song - Children's Songbook #22a;; Children All Over the World Children's Songbook #16; Did You Think to Pray? - Hymns #140; Heavenly Father, Now I Pray Children's Songbook #19; I Love to Pray - Children's Songbook #25b; Love Is Spoken Here Children's Songbook #190; We Bow Our Heads - Children's Songbook #25a; Sweet Hour of Prayer - Hymns #142

Possible Materials: A paper bag/box that says I am Thankful For and a paper bag/box
that says Please Bless That... along with papers that say Heavenly Father, and In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. A picture of Enos, praying figurine (or this one), Parts of a prayer craft or Ponder Pray Listen craft.

Lesson:
Introduction:Pull out a bag that says I am thankful for... and ask the family what are some things theyre thankful for. Pull out pictures of some ideas (i.e. clothes, house, family, food, scriptures, etc.) When the family is done naming things, talk about prayer. Ask what are the parts of a prayer? When they talk about asking for blessings, pull out a second bag, labeled, Please Bless That... and pull out pictures of things we often need (health, we will listen, safety, our friends, etc.) Place the papers with Heavenly Father, and In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen, on either side of the bags. Discuss that there are important steps to saying a good prayer. For older children, modify to include the bags, and the steps, but make them write their own responses to include in the bags. Discuss how we get ready for prayer. For younger children, discuss reverence by sitting or kneeling quietly, folding their arms, closing their eyes, and bowing their head. You can use the link from the Friend, or something of your own creation. You should also discuss the language of prayer, using respectful words such as Thee, Thou, Thy, and Thine in place of you and your. For older kids, discuss how we should take time before we pray to think about what we really want in a prayer, who the prayer will include (i.e. for a congregation or a whole family) and any special things the members of the prayer may be seeking. Then discuss taking time after a prayer to listen and reflect.

Compiled by Keira Thomson. For more Ideas, see searchforseven.blogspot.com

From Gospel Principles: Ask the question what should we pray for? Here are some answers provided by the Gospel Principles manual: 1. Strength to resist the temptations of Satan and his followers ( 3 Nephi 18:15; D&C 10:5). 2. Confess our sins to God and ask Him to forgive us (see Alma 38:14). 3. Guidance and help in our daily lives. 4. Families and friends, neighbors, crops and animals, daily work, and other activities. 5. Protection from our enemies. (See Alma 34:1727.) 6. Express love to our Heavenly Father and to feel closer to Him. 7. Thank Him for our welfare, comfort and all things He gives us (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 8. Ask our Heavenly Father for strength to live the gospel. 9. Help in keeping on the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life. 10. So we may be righteous in our thoughts, words, and actions. From the Scriptures: Discuss or read the story of Enos. For younger children, talk about being able to pray when you need to; It doesn't have to be in the morning or at night. For teenagers, focus on what and WHO Enos prayed for. Help them realize that you should pray for your enemies as well your friends. Media:http://lds.org/media-library/video/book-of-mormon-stories?lang=eng&query=enos#201012-11-chapter-11-enos Further discussion: Discuss times that we pray, which includes when we wake up; when we go to bed; meals; as a family; in church; when we need strength; when we are scared, or lonely, etc; when we need answers; when we dont feel like praying; and continually. Further discussion: Discuss the importance of listening after we pray. Ive heard of many analogies to use, like paying for a theme park ride and not getting on it. Closing Application: Allow each kid to make their own reminder for either craft about the steps to prayer.

Resources:
Chapter 8

Sunbeams Manual Lesson 4; Nursery Manual lesson 3; Gospel Principles

Compiled by Keira Thomson. For more Ideas, see searchforseven.blogspot.com