Purpose
To help each child want to do things on the Sabbath day to honor and remember Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.
Preparation
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Prayerfully study John 5:2–16, Matthew 12:1–13, Luke 13:11–17, 14:1–6, Joseph Smith Translation, Mark 2:26–27, Genesis 2:1–3, Exodus 20:8–11, and Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–14. Then study the lesson and decide how you want to teach the children the scripture accounts (see “Preparing Your Lessons,” p. vi, and “Teaching from the Scriptures,” p. vii).
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Additional reading: Mark 2:23–28, 3:1–6, and Luke 6:1–11.
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Select the discussion questions and enrichment activities that will involve the children and best help them achieve the purpose of the lesson.
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Materials needed: A Bible or a New Testament for each child.
Suggested Lesson Development
Invite a child to give the opening prayer.
Invite those children who would like to to tell how they showed love and served others during the week. Have them talk about their experiences.
Enrichment Activities
You may use one or more of the following activities any time during the lesson or as a review, summary, or challenge.
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Have the children study Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–23 and list some of the activities the Lord has commanded us to do on the Sabbath and the blessings he has promised us for keeping those commandments.
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Have the children name several activities they have seen people do on the Sabbath. Decide if these activities would be appropriate for the Sabbath by asking the following questions:
Does it help me honor Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
Is it in keeping with the commandments Heavenly Father has given us for the Sabbath?
Is it restful?
Is it of service to anyone?
Challenge the children to make plans for keeping the Sabbath day holy.
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Discuss this statement from the First Presidency: “We urge all Latter-day Saints to set this holy day apart from activities of the world and consecrate themselves by entering into a spirit of worship, thanksgiving, service, and family-centered activities appropriate to the Sabbath. As Church members endeavor to make their Sabbath activities compatible with the intent and Spirit of the Lord, their lives will be filled with joy and peace” (Ensign, Jan. 1993, p. 80).
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Have the children write the words I will keep the Sabbath day holy on a piece of paper and decorate it with crayons or markers.
Conclusion
Invite a child to give the closing prayer.