Mormon Messages: Continue in Patience

Seminary: A Day in the Life

It occurred to me that many people hear that LDS teenagers attend seminary, but probably have no idea what seminary includes. I thought maybe I would give a sample of what a day in seminary is like. I should first explain that in parts of Utah and Idaho, teenagers are given "release time" from school to attend seminary during one school period of the day. I never had this privilege as a youth, but my understanding is that usually there is a seminary building close to campus where they can attend their seminary class. In California, because we do not have this opportunity, we hold seminary early in the morning at our church before school.

6:30 a.m.
--Opening hymn. This is one of the hymns from our hymn book
--Scriptural thought: The students take turns giving a thought. This year we are encouraging them to give their thought from their reading of the book of Doctrine and Covenants, since that is our course of study this year. We usually spend one year studying the Old Testament, one year on the New Testament, one year on the Book of Mormon, and one year on Doctrine and Covenants.
--Opening prayer. Also given by a student.
--Scripture Mastery: Each year we focus on 25 "key" scriptures from the book of scripture we are studying. We spend a few minutes either learning about a new one, or having a "scripture chase" where the teacher gives a clue, and the students race to see who can find the scripture first."
6:40 am
--Lesson: The teacher gives a lesson outlined in the seminary manual. The lesson might include reading directly from the scriptures, discussing gospel principles found in the scriptures being studied that day, learning about the historical background etc. Sometimes the teacher gives a question to direct the students' reading such as, "Turn to 1 Corinthians chapter 12. Look at the first 10 verses and see if you can find some of the "gifts of the spirit". Each student has their own set of scriptures, plus a student manual.
Sometimes students may share personal experiences about a subject when asked a question such as, "How have you seen prayers answered in your life?" Occasionally the lesson is supplemented with a church produced video about the subject being studied. I as a teacher try to focus on bearing testimony to the students about gospel principles.
7:20 am
--Closing prayer: Given by a student.
FRIDAYS
On Friday we try to have a "fun day" where we focus on scripture mastery by playing games to help review the key scripture mastery scriptures.

Some people might question why teenagers would get up early to come to the church at 6:30 in the morning. But the students I have talked to have said that it gives them a nice start to the day, and helps them to have a good spirit with them throughout their school day. Many of the students are planning on serving a full time mission for the church, and look at seminary as an important part of their preparation. To me, the most important reason for seminary attendance is that in seminary, the youth of the church really learn the doctrine of the gospel, the content of the scriptures, and gain a deep testimony of the truths of the gospel. They may not enjoy getting up early, but I think thtey would all admit that what they gain is worth the sacrifice!

Quote of the Day: Gordon B. Hinckley

President Gordon B. Hinckley:

“Who among us can say that he or she has not felt fear? . . . We suffer from the fear of ridicule, the fear of failure, the fear of loneliness, the fear of ignorance. Some fear the present, some the future. Some carry the burden of sin and would give almost anything to unshackle themselves from those burdens but fear to change their lives. Let us recognize that fear comes not of God, but rather that this gnawing, destructive element comes from the adversary of truth and righteousness. Fear is the antithesis of faith. It is corrosive in its effects, even deadly” ( “God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear,” Ensign, Oct. 1984, 2 ).

Prayer and Revelation

Elder Rex D. Pinegar:
“The peace God speaks to our minds will let us know when decisions we have made are right, when our course is true. It can come as personal inspiration and guidance to assist us in our daily life—in our homes, in our work. It can provide us with courage and hope to meet the challenges of life. The miracle of prayer, to me, is that in the private, quiet chambers of our minds and hearts, God both hears and answers prayers” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, 82; or Ensign, May 1993, 66–67 ).

Elder Gene R. Cook:

“Over the years the prophets have taught that at least twice a day, morning and evening, we should find a private place, kneel down, and pour out our hearts to our Father in Heaven. Then, throughout the day, we can do our best to keep a prayer in our hearts. As we do, if our hearts are right, we will find that our prayers have increased power and focus, and we’ll discover that we’re in a better position to receive answers” ( Receiving Answers to Our Prayers [1996], 46; see also Alma 37:37 ).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie:

“Every devoted, obedient, and righteous person on earth has and does receive revelation from God. Revelation is the natural inheritance of all the faithful. ‘No man can receive the Holy Ghost,’ the Prophet [Joseph Smith] said, ‘without receiving revelations. The Holy Ghost is a revelator’ [ Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 328]” ( Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 644).

President Boyd K. Packer:

“Prayer is so essential a part of revelation that without it the veil may remain closed to you. Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 76; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 59 ; see also D&C 8:1, 9–11 ; 9:7–8 ).

Mormon Messages: The Missing Piece

Quote of the Day: Elder Marion G. Romney

Elder Marion G. Romney:

“Satan is evil: totally and always. He ever seeks to defeat the gospel plan and ‘destroy the souls of men.’ ( D&C 10:27 .) . . .

“Satan is irrevocably committed to countering and overcoming the influence of the Spirit of Christ. . . .

“Satan’s methods are various, devious, and countless.

“‘. . . by every possible means he seeks to darken the minds of men and then offers them falsehood and deception in the guise of truth. Satan is a skillful imitator. . . .’ (Joseph F. Smith in Daniel H. Ludlow, Latter-day Prophets Speak [Bookcraft, 1948], pp. 20–21.)

“At the opening of every dispensation he has made a frontal attack against the advent of truth” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1971, 24; or Ensign, June 1971, 36 ).

Quote of the Day: Ezra Taft Benson

President Ezra Taft Benson said:

"When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1988, 3; or Ensign, May 1988, 4 ).