Making and Keeping Sacred Covenants FHE Lesson

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Making and Keeping Sacred Covenants

FHE Lesson

by Alex Bates , Dig it ized and adapted by Lara Goold Materials needed/Preparation: Scriptures. Familiarize yourself with the story of Captain

Moroni (summary included) so you can retell it in your own words.

Purpose: The purpose of this lesson is to teach children to make and keep sacred covenants.

Scripture: “Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.” Alma 46:20

Opening song(s) and prayer: “Dare to Do Right,” Children’s Songbook, page 158 “Choose the Right Way,” Children’s Songbook, page 160

Lesson: Explain: that we must prepare to make covenants with Heavenly Father. We have made or are going to make a Baptismal Covenant, which we renew when we partake of the sacrament. We should also start preparing now to go to the temple and make covenants with the Lord. In order to be worthy we must keep very high standards. Not all of our friends will have these same standards. When Captain Moroni wanted to remind his army for what they were fighting for and the values and standards they held, he made a banner to show his army. Read or retell the story of Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty: summary and picture included Standard of Liberty Activity—Explain that we are going to make a “Standard of Liberty” to help remind us of the high standards Heavenly Father has asked us to keep. Display the Standard of Liberty. Allow the children to take turns picking one of the different illustrations demonstrating the high standards they will need to live in order to be worthy to make sacred covenants with the Lord. As you explain the covenants, attach the pieces to the banner until it is completed. Standards include: * Remember your baptismal covenant and listen to the Holy Ghost * Be honest with Heavenly Father, others, and yourself


* Seek good friends and be kind to others * Dress modestly to show respect for Heavenly Father and yourself * Read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father. * Listen to good music * Use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus reverently. Do not swear or use crude words. * Keep your mind and body sacred and pure. Do not partake of things that are harmful to you. * Feel close to Heavenly Father on the Sabbath. * Make correct choices and repent when mistakes are made. * Live so that you can go to the temple and serve a mission. Follow Heavenly Father’s plan. * Keep the Word of Wisdom, so your body can be healthy. Ask the children if they have any questions.

Bear your testimony about the importance of making and keeping sacred covenants. If possible, share a story about how your life has been blessed by keeping a covenant.

Closing song: “The Still Small Voice,” Children’s Songbook, page 106 “Nephi’s Courage,” Children’s Songbook, page 120

Closing Prayer:

Refreshments: See below for a yummy recipe

Enrichment: Based on the ages and attention spans of your children, choose one or more of the following enrichment activities to enhance the message of the lesson. Enrichment activities do not necessarily need to be completed on the same night as the lesson. We often use them as reinforcement/reminders during the week.

Family Title of Liberty: Print another of the blank standard of Liberty’s included and make your own family Title of Liberty, including things that makes your family unique—special traditions or characteristics. Have each family member design and draw a part of it.


Title of Liberty “Turtle” Cupcakes From http://recipeshoebox.blogspot.com

1 pkg. (21.5-oz.) brownie mix plus ingredients to prepare mix 1/2 cup chopped pecans (we only had walnuts) 1 cup prepared or homemade chocolate frosting 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted (we used walnuts) 1 -2 Tbs. whipping cream Preheat oven to 350°. Line muffin pan cups with paper baking cups. Prepare brownie batter as directed on package. Stir in chopped pecans. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling 2/3 full. Bake 18 minutes or until toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes to racks; cool completely. Spread frosting over cooled cupcakes; top with toasted pecans. Combine caramels and 1 tbs. cream in small saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth. Add additional cream if necessary to thin mixture. Spoon caramel decoratively over cupcakes. Store at room temperature up to 24 hours or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Makes about 24 cupcakes (or 54 mini cupcakes). Top with mini flags to help you remember the high standards we keep. Enjoy!


Captain Moroni Summary

Amalickiah was a wicked man who wanted to be king of the Nephites. His promises and flattery persuaded many rich and power-hungry people to support him. Even many Church members were deceived into following Amalickiah. (See Alma 46:1–7.)

When Moroni, the chief commander of the Nephite armies, heard what Amalickiah was doing, he became angry. He tore his coat to make a flag. On it he wrote: “In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children” (Alma 46:12; see also Alma 46:11). He fastened the flag to a pole and called it the title of liberty. Then, dressed in his battle armor, he prayed to God, asking Him to allow the people to keep the freedom they had. (See Alma 46:12–13.)

When Moroni finished praying, he went among the people, waving the title of liberty in the air. He cried out, “Whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them” (Alma 46:20; see also Alma 46:19).

The people came running, dressed in their armor and tearing their cloaks as a symbol of the covenant they were making to obey the Lord. They gathered around Captain Moroni, ready to defend their freedom. (See Alma 46:21, 28.)

When Amalickiah saw that Moroni’s army was larger than his, he was afraid. He and his followers left to join the Lamanites. Moroni tried to stop them because he did not want them to stir up the Lamanites to battle. Amalickiah and a few of his men escaped, but Captain Moroni captured the others and took them back to Zarahemla. (See Alma 46:29–33.) Most of Amalickiah’s captured followers were willing to covenant with Captain Moroni’s people to defend freedom, and they were set free. Moroni placed a title of liberty on every tower in the Nephite land, and the Nephites again had peace. (See Alma 46:35–37.)





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Making and Keeping Sacred Covenants FHE Lesson