“Skill: Asking someone in class to say the opening prayer in a devotional in a careful versus casual way,” Teacher Support and Training Resources (2024)
Classroom Management
Skill: Asking someone in class to say the opening prayer in a devotional in a careful versus casual way.
Introduction
“For most of us a devotional might include music, prayer, and a spiritual thought—often in that order” (Henry B. Eyring, “‘The Lord Will Multiply the Harvest’ An Evening with Elder Henry B. Eyring,” Feb. 6, 1998).
What is my initial understanding or ability? (Assessment)
Write down how you invite someone to say a prayer to begin the class.
What is it and why is it important? (Define):
Asking someone in class to pray is an invitation for a student to act in faith. President Henry B. Eyring said, “We could ask a student sometime before the class if he or she would be willing to give the opening prayer. If he knows what we will be teaching that day and how much we need help, he may ask God for some help for himself. When that happens, the prayer offered in the class will have more of pleading and more of thanks. And the student who prays and the students who hear the petition will feel enlightenment.”
Who or what provides a good illustration of this? (Model for prayer):
“Donika, it looks like you have the prayer for our devotional next time we meet. We will be discussing the gathering of Israel and how the Savior needs us all to help Him hasten His work. Would you be willing to ponder about that topic and what you can pray for so that we can be prepared to learn more about Jesus Christ and the gathering? President Nelson has shared with us that it is ‘the most important thing taking place on earth today.’ You may even pray to know what to pray for. Would that be, okay?”
How can I practice using this skill or applying this principle? (Practice)
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Write down how you would invite Christian to pray before a lesson on turning to Jesus Christ during times of trial.
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Write down how you would invite Juan to pray before a lesson on [the topic of your next lesson].
Ponder or discuss:
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What impact do you think it could have for the student giving the prayer to be asked in this way?
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What difference do you think it could make for the class?
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How might you adapt this for asking a student to offer the closing prayer?
How and when will I incorporate this?
Apply what you have learned the next time you invite a student to pray.
Decide how you will continue to incorporate this skill as you ask students to offer a prayer during the devotional.
What More?
Henry B. Eyring, “’The Lord Will Multiply the Harvest’ An Evening with Elder Henry B. Eyring,” 6 February 1998.
Classroom Management Micro-training: Ask the class or someone in the class to identify a hymn to sing in a devotional in a careful versus casual way.
Classroom Management Micro-training: Ask the class or someone in class to share a scripture thought in a devotional in a careful versus casual way.