Family Home Evening Lesson #6: FAITH, PRAYER, REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS STRENGTHEN ME AND MY FAMILY

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing "Seek the Lord Early" Children's Songbook pg. 108

3. Read the following from "The Family Proclamation" paragraph 7: Successful … families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, [and] forgiveness.

4. Read the and discuss the following from "Foundation for Happines" in the June 2009 Friend

A foundation gives a sure, firm base upon which something can be built. Most buildings and homes are built on foundations.

When the Latter-day Saints began building the foundation of the Salt Lake Temple, they used layers of sandstone blocks. It took them five years to build the eight-foot-deep foundation. When they heard that soldiers were coming, the Saints covered the foundation with dirt to hide it. When the dirt was later cleared off, the foundation had cracked and shifted. The Saints knew the cracked foundation could not support the temple. So they removed the sandstone foundation and replaced it with large blocks of granite. When that strong foundation was in place, workers began building the walls of the temple.

Just as the temple needed a strong granite foundation, you and your family need a strong foundation to build on. The Lord said, “Build upon my rock, which is my gospel." (D&C 11:24). The gospel of Jesus Christ includes faith, prayer, repentance, and forgiveness. Building on these principles will give you a firm foundation to help you and your family stand strong.

Then read and discuss the following from Ezra Taft Benson:

Your most important friendships should be with your own brothers and sisters and with your father and mother. Love your family. Be loyal to them. Have a genuine concern for your brothers and sisters. Remember, the family is one of God’s greatest fortresses against the evils of our day. Help keep your family strong and close and worthy of our Father in Heaven’s blessings. As you do, you will receive faith and strength which will bless your lives forever.

5. Closing Prayer

Additional Resources: A Shield of Faith (Friend, Aug. 2004)
Love at Home (FHE Resource Book, Lesson 17)
Family Unity (FHE Resource Book, Lesson 21)
Gospel Art Picture Kit: Family Prayer