Psalms 49–51; 61–66; 69–72; 77–78; 85–86

You could begin by discussing the following statement by President Dallin H. Oaks:

Even today some who profess Christianity are more attracted to the things of the world—the things that sustain life on earth but give no nourishment toward eternal life. (“Teachings of Jesus,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 92)

• Why can it sometimes be easy to focus more on “the things of the world” than on eternal things?

Invite students to consider their own efforts to put God first in their lives. Encourage them as they study today to look for truths that can help them put God first.

For this learning activity, consider giving students time to prepare a three-to-five-minute lesson about putting the Lord first in their lives. This is a way they can practice the skill “Sharing Gospel Truths Simply and Clearly” from Scripture Study Skills.

Invite students to consider how they could include the following in their lesson. (You could have them use the “Sample Lesson-Planning Outline” in Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 36.)

• Verses from Psalm 49, Psalm 62, or both.

• Truths these verses teach about Jesus Christ.

• Related scripture passages or statements from Church leaders.

• Questions to ask.

• Relevant personal experiences.

After students have had sufficient time to prepare, you could have them share their lesson with a partner or small group. Or you could invite a few willing students to share their lessons with the class.

If enough time remains, you could discuss what students learned from their study. Examples of questions you might ask include the following:

• What were some of your favorite verses or statements from your study? Why were these meaningful to you?

• What truths did you learn about prioritizing eternal things? (Examples of truths students could identify include these: Because redemption comes only through Jesus Christ, we should put our trust in Him and As we trust in God above anything else, He will be our rock, our defense, and our refuge.)

• What helps you put your trust in Jesus Christ above anything else?

You could conclude by sharing the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson:

While the world insists that power, possessions, popularity, and pleasures of the flesh bring happiness, they do not! They cannot! …

The truth is that it is much more exhausting to seek happiness where you can never find it! However, when you yoke yourself to Jesus Christ and do the spiritual work required to overcome the world, He, and He alone, does have the power to lift you above the pull of this world. (“Overcome the World and Find Rest,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 97)

Encourage students to prayerfully consider actions they have felt prompted to take or adjustments they might make to their priorities.

Return to “Learning Activity Options.”

Ask students to imagine that a close friend has committed a serious sin and feels very guilty.

• What questions or concerns might this person have? (Consider writing students’ answers on the board.)

Invite students to think of questions or concerns their friend might have related to repentance. Encourage them as they study today to seek inspiration from the Holy Ghost that might help them answer questions about repentance.

Explain that in Psalm 51, David expressed feelings of remorse following his sin with Bathsheba (see 2 Samuel 11–12). David’s humility and heartfelt desire to be forgiven demonstrate the attitude of one who is truly seeking to repent.

Invite students to read Psalm 51, looking for what they can learn about God and about repentance from David’s words. You could also invite them to study the entries for Psalm 51 in Scripture Helps: Old Testament. Then consider asking questions like the following to help them share their insights:

• What words or phrases stood out most to you? Why?

• How would you describe David’s approach to seeking forgiveness?

• What did these verses teach you about the Lord? (Students could identify several truths, including these: The Lord is merciful to those who sincerely repent of their sins (see Psalm 51:1–2, 7, 9). As we repent, the Lord can help us change, feel joy, and have the Holy Ghost with us (see Psalm 51:10–12).

Remind students of the scenario from the beginning of this activity. Encourage them to write a response that could help their friend feel the hope that comes through Jesus Christ. You could suggest that they include scriptures or statements from Church leaders in their response.

After sufficient time, you could have a few willing students share their responses with the class.

You might conclude by sharing the following statement by President Jeffrey R. Holland:

Brothers and sisters, as we repent of our sins and come boldly to the “throne of grace” [Hebrews 4:16], leaving before Him there our alms and our heartfelt supplications, we will find mercy and compassion and forgiveness at the benevolent hands of our Eternal Father and His obedient, perfectly pure Son. Then … we will behold a world “too wonderful” [Job 42:3] to understand. (“Motions of a Hidden Fire,” Liahona, May 2024, 9)

Encourage students to ponder how they might apply the truths they have studied today. You could give them time to write down their thoughts and spiritual impressions. Testify of the truths you have discussed today.

Return to “Learning Activity Options.”

Consider displaying the following statements on the board:

• Prayer is easy.

• Prayer is hard.

Invite students to discuss reasons why prayer can be easy or hard. You could write their answers on the board.

You might also invite students to silently evaluate themselves on the following items, using a scale from 1 (not true) to 5 (very true):

1. I make daily prayer a priority.

2. My prayers are sincere and meaningful.

3. I recognize the value of prayer.

4. Prayer helps me strengthen my relationship with Heavenly Father.

Explain that many of the psalms are heartfelt prayers that provide examples of approaching Heavenly Father in humble faith. Encourage students as they study today to look for truths that can help them communicate more meaningfully with Heavenly Father through prayer.

Display the following scripture passages and questions on the board. Invite students to choose a few of the passages to read and think about how each answers one or more of the questions.

• Psalm 55:16–17

• Psalm 61:1–3

• Psalm 63:1–7

• Psalm 69:13–18

• Psalm 86:3–12

• When can I pray to Heavenly Father?

• How can I be more intentional and focused when I pray?

• What should my attitude be when I approach Heavenly Father in prayer?

Invite students to share what they discovered. As part of the discussion, you could write the following incomplete statement on the board:

• Our prayers to Heavenly Father can become more meaningful as we …

Ask students to complete the statement with what they learned about prayer from the psalms they read. Some examples of what students might share include:

• pray at any time of the day (see Psalm 55:16–17)

• pray when we feel overwhelmed (see Psalm 61:2)

• pray for deliverance (see Psalm 69:13–18)

• pray for mercy (see Psalm 86:3–5)

• pray with an attitude of love, reverence, and praise (see Psalm 63:4–6; 86:8–13)

Consider giving students a few minutes to study more about prayer. They could study the entries for “Prayer” in Guide to the Scriptures, the Bible Dictionary, or Topics and Questions. They could also study scriptures or general conference talks about prayer.

After sufficient time, invite students to share what they learned with a partner or small group. You might also discuss questions like the following as a class:

• What has helped make your prayers more meaningful?

• What experiences have you had when Heavenly Father heard and answered your prayers? (As part of this discussion, you could show the video “The Hope of God’s Light” [6:46].)

  

  6:46

If time permits, you could sing or listen to a hymn about prayer, such as “Sweet Hour of Prayer” (Hymns, no. 142). Students could then share words or phrases that stood out to them. You could also show the video “Family Discovery Day Live Session | RootsTech 2025” from time code 1:11:34 to 1:14:19 and have students look for what President Jeffrey R. Holland taught about prayer.

97:36

Give students time to determine ways they could communicate more meaningfully with Heavenly Father through prayer. You might invite them to make a copy of the following diagram and then write answers to the questions in each section.

Return to “Learning Activity Options.”