Lesson 39

“The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

“Lesson 39: ‘The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers’” Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Class Member Study Guide (1999)


  • On 3 April 1836 in the Kirtland Temple, the prophet Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. What was Elijah’s purpose in visiting Joseph and Oliver? (See D&C 110:13–16; see also D&C 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:38–39.)

  • In 1894 President Wilford Woodruff received a revelation from the Lord about genealogical work (Our Heritage, 101). What does this revelation teach about families? How does the revelation help fulfill the prophecy about turning the hearts of the children to their fathers?

  • In October 1918, President Joseph F. Smith received a revelation about the redemption of the dead (see Doctrine and Covenants 138). What do you learn from this revelation?

  • In April 1998, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced a goal to have 100 temples in operation by the end of the century. How has this increase in temple construction affected you? How can having more temples affect those who have died without receiving the gospel?

Scripture Chain: Temple Work for the Dead

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