Primary 4 Lesson 37 Jesus Christ Teaches the Nephites to Pray

LESSON 37 JESUS CHRIST TEACHES THE NEPHITES TO PRAY

1. OPENING ACTIVITY (BELOW)

Pretzel story

hand out pretzels in bags or cups

2. PINEGAR STORY READING (BELOW)

President Spencer W. Kimball taught this concept when he said: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.”
→ what are your thoughts

3. LESSON  3 Nephi 18:15–25; 19; 20:1.

→ go through questions

4. ALPHABET

Alphabet gratitude printout (alphabet with lines next to each letter) with a pen

Write 1-2 things you're grateful for that starts with each letter

5. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES (BELOW)

6. MEMORIZE Alma 13:28 (part of): “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit.”

Elder Rex D Pinegar, October 1991 Conference
One morning several years ago I was driving with my family [on a vacation]. Our four young daughters were excited as we approached the turnoff to [a] famous park. The laughter and happy chatter stopped suddenly, however, as our rented station wagon sputtered and chugged to an unexpected stop on the exit ramp. Many cars sped by us in the rush-hour traffic as I tried to get the car running again. Finally, realizing there was nothing more we could do, we got out of the stalled car and huddled together off the road for a word of prayer.

“As we looked up from our prayer, we saw a smiling, handsome man and his son maneuver their … car through the lanes of traffic and pull off the road beside us. For the remainder of the morning and into the afternoon these men cared for our needs in many kind and helpful ways. They took us and our belongings to the park. They helped me locate a tow truck for the stranded car; they drove me to the rental agency to get a replacement vehicle. … They bought refreshments for my family and waited with them until I returned several hours later.

“We felt that these men were truly an answer to our prayer, and we told them so as we said good-bye and tried to thank them. The father responded. ‘Every morning I tell the good Lord that if there is anyone in need of help today, please guide me to them’”

PRETZELS Though the exact origins of the pretzel remain mysterious, legend has it that the story began around A.D. 610, when Italian monks presented their young students with treats of baked dough twisted in the shape of crossed arms. At the time, crossing one’s arms was the traditional posture for prayer. As the custom spread through medieval Europe, the pretzel’s three holes came to represent the Holy Trinity—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and the twisty baked good became associated with good luck, long life and prosperity.

Lent is a period of fasting, self-denial and prayer, in imitation of our Lord's fasting, forty days and forty nights, and in preparation for the feast of Easter. It comprises forty days, not including Sundays, from Ash Wednesday to the end of Holy Saturday.

The pretzel has a deep spiritual meaning for Lent. In the old Roman Empire, the faithful kept a very strict fast all through Lent: no milk, no butter, no cheese, no eggs, no cream and no meat. They made small breads of water, flour and salt, to remind themselves that Lent was a time of prayer. They shaped these breads in the form of crossed arms for in those days they crossed their arms over the breast while praying. Some say they were originally called “bracellae,” the Latin term for “little arms,” from which Germans later derived the word “bretzel.”

According to others, the earliest pretzels were dubbed “pretiolas,” meaning “little rewards,” and handed out by the monks when their young pupils recited their prayers correctly.

LESSON

Why does Jesus want us to pray always? (3 Nephi 18:15, 18.)

To whom do we pray? In whose name do we pray? (3 Nephi 18:19; 3 Nephi 19:6–8.)
As we pray in faith for what is best for us, what promise do we have? (3 Nephi 18:20.) Help the children understand that Heavenly Father always knows what is best for us. Sometimes this is different from what we want.

Why is family prayer important? (3 Nephi 18:21.) How can you help your family have regular family prayer?

What did Jesus Christ say we should do for those who are not members of the Church? (3 Nephi 18:22–23.)

What does it mean to “hold up your light that it may shine unto the world”? (3 Nephi 18:24.) How can we help others understand the importance of prayer?

As the disciples prayed, what did they desire the most? (3 Nephi 19:9.) How was this gift given to them? (3 Nephi 19:13–14.)

What did Jesus say when he prayed to Heavenly Father? (3 Nephi 19:20, 28.) Why do you think expressing thanks is such an important part of our prayers? What are some things you are thankful for?

How can we pray unceasingly? (3 Nephi 20:1.) Why should we always have a prayer in our hearts? (3 Nephi 18:15, 18.) How can prayer help us avoid temptation?

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Write the following scripture references on pieces of paper

Give them to the children either individually or in small groups.

Have the children read the scriptures, looking for the things Jesus Christ taught about the blessings that come to us through prayer.

Report what’s learned.

• 3 Nephi 18:15 (We will be able to avoid temptation.)
• 3 Nephi 18:18 (We will be able to avoid temptation.)
• 3 Nephi 18:20 (Our righteous desires will be granted.)
• 3 Nephi 18:24 (We will be examples to others.)
• 3 Nephi 27:30 (Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will be pleased with us)