July 4-10
2 Kings 2-7
"There is a Prophet in Israel"
Materials: maze pages (printed), blank papers labeled with scriptures (see below), Bibles, Picture labels printed and cut out, coloring utensils,
Opening Song: "Tell me the stories of Jesus"(Children's Songbook, 57)
Opening Prayer:
Attention Activity: Print and hand out the maze from the link below and have each family member complete.
Lesson:
In the Northern Kingdom of Israel, after Elijah is taken up to heaven, Elisha becomes the next prophet. Elisha performs many miracles as a prophet. What are miracles? Elder Donald A. Hallstrom of the seventy taught that miracles are "'a beneficial event brought about through divine power that mortals do not understand' gives an expanded perspective into matters more eternal in nature. This definition also allows us to contemplate the vital role of faith in the receipt of a miracle" ("Has the Day of Miracles Ceased?" General Conference 2017).
Activity: Miracles draw and sort
Directions: Before FHE, label pieces of paper with the scriptures below--one scripture per page. Give each family member a labeled paper and set out drawing supplies. Ask your family to read the scripture passage and illustrate the miracle described on their paper.
- 2 Kings 2: 19-22
- 2 Kings 4: 14-17
- 2 Kings 4: 32-35
- 2 Kings 4: 38-41
- 2 Kings 4: 42-44
- 2 Kings 6 :4-7
After your family is done drawing, have them line up the proper caption to each picture, using the captions below.
- Elisha heals the waters of Jericho.
- Elisha makes a lost axe float to the top of the water.
- 20 loaves of barley bread and corn are enough to feed a hundred men with left-overs.
- Elisha raises a boy from the dead.
- An old woman out of child bearing years conceives and bares a son.
- A widows oil vessels are filled to pay off her husband's debts and prevents her sons from being put in bondage.
- Elisha heals food in a pot poisoned by a blight on the crops.
Read Elder Hallstrom's definition of a miracle again. With this in mind, what miracles--big or small--have we seen in our lives? Miracles don't have to be huge, like parting the Red Sea, or raising someone from the dead. They can be something simple, yet helpful in a way that only divine help could have accomplished. Why are their so many stories about miracles in the scriptures? Why do you think it's important the we talk about miracles?
Elder Hallstrom also went on in his talk to quote Elder Bednar saying, "Similarly, Elder David A. Bednar once asked a young man who had requested a priesthood blessing, “If it is the will of our Heavenly Father that you are transferred by death in your youth to the spirit world to continue your ministry, do you have the faith to submit to His will and not be healed?”8 Do we have the faith “not [to] be healed” from our earthly afflictions so we might be healed eternally?"
"Miracles turn our hearts to the Lord and teach us spiritual lessons" (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families 2022, pg. 122). Miracles cannot be a foundation for our testimonies, The Book of Mormon, teaches us that, but miracles can strengthen our faith. What's more, as we look for miracles in our lives, especially the small ones, we are able to remember the Lord and show gratitude for all He has done for us.
Bear your testimony.
Closing Song: "I am a child of God" (Children's Songbook, 2)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Miracle whip chocolate cake recipe here
