Seek the Lord Early

“Seek the Lord Early” (CS 108)
June 2009 gospel principle #2: Prayer strengthens me and my family

I decided to teach the children “Seek the Lord Early” using sign language. Here is a link to the official church music web site where you can find a video of the song signed. Also, here is a helpful link to an ASL (American Sign Language) Browser.

This lesson includes a treasure hunt. In a treasure hunt each clue leads to the next clue. For example, the clue might be a picture of a piano directing the children to find the next clue around the piano. At the piano they might find a picture of a chair directing them to find the next clue around a chair, etc.

You will need to make up your own clues to fit your Primary meeting room. Also, consider the age and abilities of the children finding the clues. For Junior Primary you could draw picture clues and for Senior Primary make the clues more complicated.

In this lesson each location is also a station for learning. You might want to have the clue taped up or in an envelope or something so the children don’t automatically go to the next location before you have had a chance to talk and sing.

Presidency Member: Explain that you’re taking them on a treasure hunt for spiritual treasure. Explain that you won’t tell them what the spiritual treasure is but the music leader will teach them a music clue each time they find a paper clue and they can try to guess. Present the first prepared paper clue.

First Clue:
Presidency Member: Ask

1. How do we pray?
2. What are the words we should use?
3. How do you get ready for prayer and how does that help us?

Music Leader: Teach the phrase, “I’ll seek the Lord early while in my youth,” both with singing and signing.

Second Clue:
Presidency Member: Ask How does the Lord answer our prayers? Use Moroni 10:3-5.

Music Leader: Teach the phrase, “and he will help me to know the truth,” both with singing and signing. Review.

Third Clue:
Presidency Member: Ask when we should pray? Include the answer of prayer when we read the scriptures as a family or by ourselves.

Music Leader: Teach the phrase, “I’ll search the scriptures and find him there then go to my father in fervent prayer,” both with singing and signing. Review.

Fourth Clue:
Presidency Member: Read or have a child read the following:

• “To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer.” President Thomas S. Monson, “Be Your Best Self,” Ensign, May 2009, 67–70

Tell the following true story from Primary 3:lesson 19 or share a personal experience with prayer blessing your family:

Mary was in bed asleep one night when she was awakened by a noise. As she listened, she discovered that it was her four-year-old brother crying and complaining that his stomach hurt. She could hear her mother tenderly comforting him, trying to help him feel better; but her brother kept crying. She lay there feeling sorry for him. She knew her mother was doing all she could for him, but still it troubled her to know that her brother was so sick. Finally she decided there was something she could do.
· • What do you think she did?
She quietly slipped out of bed and knelt to pray. She asked Heavenly Father to please make her little brother well so he could go back to sleep. In just a short time, her brother had fallen asleep. The next morning she asked her mother how he was, and she replied, “Just fine. He fell asleep last night and seems to be well now.”

You might want to follow up with some questions like the following:

1. Did Mary follow what President Monson said?
2. Was Mary's prayer answered?
3. How did her prayer bless her family?

Music Leader: Teach the phrases, “I’ll seek the Lord early and I’ll obey, His living prophets in all they say,” both with singing and signing. Review

Fifth Clue:
Presidency Member: Read and discuss 3 Nephi 18:14-21

Music Leader: Teach the phrase, “I’ll keep His commandments, his love will abound,” both with singing and signing. Review

Sixth Clue: This should be a picture of Jesus Christ (GAK # 240)
Presidency Member: Bear testimony

Music Leader: Teach the phrase, “I will see the Lord early and He will be found,” both with singing and signing. Review