May 22

How Can I Show My Gratitude to God?

Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. What did we discuss last time, and what invitations or assignments were made? What have we done to act on those invitations or assignments?

• Care for those in need. What can we do or say to reach out to those who might feel alone or distant from Heavenly Father?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. What are some ways we can help others feel the love of Jesus Christ?

• Unite families for eternity. What ideas can we share with each other to help strengthen our families?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind class or quorum members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

God is constantly watching over us and blessing us. But with all of the distractions and temptations we face, it is easy to forget about Him. This happened to the Israelites many times, including during the hard times they had wandering in the wilderness. But the Lord mercifully led them to the promised land—a place of greater comfort and many temptations, where they might be tempted to forget Him yet again. The Lord’s instructions in Deuteronomy 6 were meant to help the Israelites constantly remember Him and His words (see verses 6–9).

How do you keep the Lord and His words in your heart—“lest thou forget the Lord”? (Deuteronomy 6:12). How does remembering the Lord help us feel gratitude in all the circumstances of our lives? As you prepare to teach, consider reviewing Deuteronomy 12:6–9, 12 and Luke 17:11–19. You could also review President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s message “Grateful in Any Circumstances” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 70–77).

Remembering the Lord can help us feel gratitude in all life’s circumstances.

Learn Together

To begin a discussion about remembering the Lord, you could invite the youth to share experiences when they forgot something important. What were the results? What happens when we forget the great things the Lord has done for us? Invite your class or quorum to review Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 20–25. What do these verses teach about remembering the goodness of God in our lives? Choose one or more of the activities below to help those you teach learn how to feel more grateful for God’s goodness and express their gratitude to Him.

• Reading Luke 17:11–19 together can help the youth think about why it is important for us to show our gratitude to God. Consider asking questions that help them relate this story to their lives. For example, what are some possible reasons why nine of the ten lepers did not give thanks to the Savior? Why do we sometimes fail to express gratitude to God? Ask those you teach to think about times when they felt grateful, even when it was hard. What effect does expressing gratitude have on us? Why is it important to express our thanks to God? (See the scripture references in “Supporting Resources” for some answers.) What can we do to show our gratitude to God?

• There are many hymns of praise and thanksgiving, such as “How Great Thou Art” and “Count Your Blessings” (Hymns, nos. 86, 241). You could ask the youth to search the words of these hymns for things they feel grateful for. Invite them to share the things they found and explain why they are thankful for them. You could sing a few of these hymns together.

• President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s message “Grateful in Any Circumstances” helps us understand how to be more grateful. One way to help the youth learn from this message is to divide them into small groups and give each group one section of the message. Ask them to share a phrase or sentence that they feel summarizes what President Uchtdorf taught. Invite them to share something they learned about gratitude. They could also watch the video “President Russell M. Nelson on the Healing Power of Gratitude” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What can we do to become “grateful in any circumstances,” no matter what they are? What examples have we seen of people being grateful despite their difficult circumstances?

Act in Faith

Encourage class or quorum members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. If they would like, they could share their ideas. Invite them to think about how acting on their impressions will strengthen their relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Supporting Resources

• Mosiah 2:19–24 (We should praise and thank God )

• Alma 34:38; 37:37; Doctrine and Covenants 46:32; 59:7, 15–21 (We should give thanks in all things)

• Psalm 107:8–9; Philippians 4:6–7; Doctrine and Covenants 78:19 (Blessings of gratitude)

• Dale G. Renlund, “Consider the Goodness and Greatness of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 41–44

• “Gratitude,” in For the Strength of Youth (booklet, 2011), 18

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

The Savior knew His followers and who they could become. This knowledge influenced the way He taught them. How can you learn about the interests, needs, and challenges of those you teach so you can teach them more effectively?