Guide to the Friend

Have each family member think of examples from the scriptures of prophets praying (for example, Enos praying for forgiveness, the brother of Jared praying for light in the barges). How did the Lord answer their prayers? Then read President James E. Faust’s “The Lifeline of Prayer” (pages 2–3). Discuss great and small ways the Lord answers each of our prayers.

Read President Boyd K. Packer’s “The Shield of Faith” (page 39). He says that making a shield of faith happens “in the family circle.” Have one member of the family draw the shape of a shield on a piece of paper, then cut it into pieces for each family member. On the pieces of paper, have each person write his or her testimony or draw a picture of an experience, such as prayer, that strengthened his or her testimony. Tape the pieces back together to form a shield again. Discuss how each family member’s faith can strengthen the faith of the other family members. Finish by completing the crossword puzzle “Bible People with Great Faith” (page 23).

After reading “Summer Serenade” (pages 30–33), discuss times others helped you when you were in need. Choose a member or a family in your ward you would like to visit, and go “serenading”—bake a treat and deliver it with a song.

Read about the experiences of the children in “Trying to Be Like Jesus” (pages 44–45). Discuss how remembering the examples of these children can help you make good choices. Then create your family’s own “Trying to Be Like Jesus” section by writing about or drawing a picture of something Christlike you saw a family member do during the past week.

List some of your favorite possessions. Then imagine how you would feel if you were prompted to give them away. Read “Ben’s Gift” (pages 46–48) and discuss Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s statement. To help you remember the unselfishness of the pioneers, complete the “Pioneer Children Woven Picture” (pages 20–21) and display it.