Old Testament 2022
June 12. How Do I Hear the Voice of the Lord? Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3

“June 12. How Do I Hear the Voice of the Lord? Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3,” Come, Follow Me—For Aaronic Priesthood Quorums and Young Women Classes: Doctrinal Topics 2022 (2021)

“June 12. How Do I Hear the Voice of the Lord?” Come, Follow Me—For Aaronic Priesthood Quorums and Young Women Classes: Doctrinal Topics 2022

family studying scriptures

June 12

How Do I Hear the Voice of the Lord?

Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3

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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 recent experiences have strengthened our testimonies?

  • Care for those in need. Who needs our help and prayers? What do we feel impressed to do to help them?

  • Invite all to receive the gospel. How can we be a light to family members or friends who don’t share our beliefs?

  • Unite families for eternity. How can we show more love and support for our families and make a positive difference in our homes?

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.

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Teach the Doctrine

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

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

Many members of your class or quorum may be able to relate to the boy Samuel. When the Lord spoke to him, Samuel didn’t yet have enough experience with revelation to recognize the Lord’s voice. Samuel’s mentor, Eli, was able to help Samuel learn to recognize this voice. Like Eli, you have the opportunity to testify to those you teach that the Lord wants to speak to them. You can help them learn to recognize the voice of the Lord, even as you are also learning to hear Him. Together, you can study what His prophets have taught about personal revelation. And you can learn to say to the Lord, as Samuel did, “Speak; for thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:10).

In addition to reading 1 Samuel 3 this week, you can prepare to teach by reading President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Hear Him” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 88–92).

young man studying scriptures

President Russell M. Nelson has asked us to “increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation.”

Learn Together

To prepare those you teach for the discussion today, consider asking them to review 1 Samuel 3:1–14. Invite them to share what they learn from this account about hearing the Lord’s voice. What are some additional ways the Lord communicates with us? The following activities can help the youth deepen their understanding of personal revelation.

  • Here is one way to help those you teach better understand how to receive revelation. You could write on the board the scripture references suggested in “Supporting Resources” (or others you know). Invite the youth to read each scripture. They could then write on the board next to each reference what that scripture teaches about receiving personal revelation. Invite them to share experiences they have had with seeking and receiving revelation. As appropriate, share your own experiences.

  • We receive great blessings when we learn to hear the Lord’s voice. You could start a discussion about this by asking the youth to share reasons they might need revelation. Then ask them to search President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Hear Him.” Invite them to look for counsel that helps them understand how to hear the Lord’s voice. You could also show one or more videos from the “Hear Him” collection (ChurchofJesusChrist.org/media). Why is it so important for us to learn to hear the Lord’s voice? Encourage the youth to record what they learn in their journals or on pieces of paper to display in their homes.

  • The youth you teach may have wondered how to know when the Holy Ghost is speaking to them. Consider showing the videos “How Can I Tell the Difference between the Holy Ghost and My Emotions?” and “How Can I Feel the Holy Ghost More Often?” from “Face to Face with President Eyring and Elder Holland” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn from these videos about discerning between the Spirit’s promptings and our thoughts? Class or quorum members could share how they would respond to a friend who has questions similar to those discussed in these videos.

    4:39
    4:12

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