Family Home Evening Ideas

This issue contains articles and activities that could be used for family home evening. The following are some examples.

Illustration by J. Beth Jepson

“When Doubts and Questions Arise,” page 36: After reading the article, consider discussing as a family the difference between questions and doubts. Read accounts of people in the scriptures who had questions and what they did about them (for example, 1 Nephi 11; Ether 2:19–3:16; Joseph Smith—History 1:10–19; or the references under endnote 1 in the article). You could ask family members to identify a few questions they have. Then use the scriptures, lds.org/topics, or personal experiences to find answers. Cultivating an atmosphere of openness and honesty in the home will help family members feel comfortable voicing questions as they arise.

“Put On the Armour of Light,” page 70: You might begin the lesson by darkening the room and then turning on a flashlight or lighting a small candle. Read John 8:12 and then Matthew 5:14–16. Ask family members why they think Jesus, the Light of the World, asks us to be the light of the world. Consider reading and discussing the section of the article called “Reflect the Savior’s Light.” Ask: In what ways can we reflect the Savior’s light to bless the lives of others? Invite family members to think of one thing they can do during the week to better reflect the Savior’s light. You may want to conclude by singing “Lead, Kindly Light” (Hymns, no. 97). Sing it occasionally during the week as a reminder of the lesson.

Did You Know?

Your children are more likely to develop strong testimonies if you read the scriptures together, if you pray together, if you have family home evening, and if you as parents attend the temple. Families who engage in these activities see more youth going on missions and being married in the temple than those who don’t. And the results are the same whether you are first-generation Latter-day Saints or you have ancestry back to the earliest days of the Church. In next month’s Ensign, watch for an expansive article listing the specific promises from the scriptures and our Church leaders that are linked to each of these family activities.