"Nourished by the Good Word of God"

"That they might be . . . nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way" (Moroni 6:4).

OBJECTIVE: To help Young Women leaders teach young women in a manner that allows the Holy Ghost to testify of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, the Young Women general presidency and board have written seven guiding questions:

1. What is the gospel principle to be taught? (See D&C 88:77.)

How to find the principle: read the lesson objective; read the section headings.

“Those who are entrusted to speak and teach in our meetings need to do so with doctrinal power that will be both heard and felt. . . . That is what the Holy Ghost can confirm in the hearts of God’s children” (M. Russell Ballard, “Pure Testimony,” Ensign, Nov. 2004, 41).

2. What are the needs of my young women in regard to this principle? (See D&C 12:8.)

Questions to guide your thinking: What is the level of understanding of this principle in your young women? What challenges are your young women facing in their personal lives? How can you become better acquainted with your young women?

3. What resources should I study to prepare? (See D&C 11:22.)

Approved resources: Young Women Handbook, scriptures, Young Women Resource Guides (May and November Ensign), Sunday Lesson Helps (New Era), hymns, Personal Progress, True to the Faith, For the Strength of Youth, Gospel Library (lds.org).

“Our study and use of the scriptures is an invitation to receive revelation and be tutored by the Holy Ghost” (David A. Bednar, Church News, Nov. 20, 2004).

4. What will I do to prepare spiritually? (See D&C 42:14.)

Questions to guide your thinking: How are your prayers? Do you need to fast for a specific purpose? Do you need to mend a relationship? Do you need to repent for something specific in order to have the Spirit with you? Will attending the temple help you prepare to teach this principle?

“As teachers and parents of youth, we must live the gospel in such a way that we will have the Spirit to ever be with us. If we live worthily, the Spirit will always be with us. We can then teach by the Spirit. When we teach by the Spirit, youth will be able to feel it and to receive the Spirit” (Robert D. Hales, “Teaching by Faith,” Ensign, Sept. 2003, 20).

5. How will I engage the young women in the learning? (See D&C 50:22.)

Questions to guide your thinking: What questions will you ask? What teaching methods will you use? What personal experience can you share? (See Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 88–95.)

“The methods you use to teach gospel truths will help develop learners’ sensitivity toward sacred things” (Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 91).

6. What will my young women do as a result of this lesson? (See Mosiah 4:10.)

Questions to guide your thinking: What assignment could I give to the young women to apply this principle? Would a journal entry help them remember this principle? Is there a Personal Progress experience or project that would help them practice this principle? Is there a topic in For the Strength of Youth that would help them practice this principle?

“Our aim must be for them to become truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ while they are young” (Henry B. Eyring, “We Must Raise Our Sights,” Ensign, Sept. 2004, 16).

7. What is my personal testimony of this principle that I can share? (See 2 Nephi 25:26.)

“Let us never make our faith difficult to detect” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “A Teacher Come from God,” Ensign, May 1998, 27).

“Keep the fire of your testimony of the restored gospel and your witness of our Redeemer burning so brightly that our children can warm their hands by the fire of your faith” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Golden Years,” Ensign, May 2003, 84).

CONCLUSION: “Your sacred callings give you the divine right to inspiration. Confidently seek it” (Richard G. Scott, Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, January 2004, 8).

Access the Young Women Teaching Guide that is based on these seven questions:

• LDS.org/Serving in the Church/Young Women/Sunday Lessons or feature page.
• Each question is accompanied by quotations and helps.
• Fill in questions at the computer and print, or print questions and work offline.
• Questions may be used to teach in any setting (family home evening, devotionals, or talks).
• Questions may be used to plan any Young Women activity (camp, youth conference, Mutual).