Seeking Revelation Object Lesson for General Conference
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General Conference is an excellent time to teach your family about receiving revelation for themselves. We are encouraged often to come to Conference with questions and expect to receive answers. Is it really as simple as that? Open up the discussion as you play a fun game with sticky hands.
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Set Up
Scatter coins of various values in the center of a table. Then, place another small object with numbers on it throughout the area. We used Rummikub tiles , but playing cards or even pieces of paper with numbers written on them would work as well. Be sure to place the numbered objects face down. You want enough of these to make getting to the coins challenging but not overwhelming. We used about one-third as many numbered objects as coins.
Each player needs a sticky hand to start. Arrange everyone around the table with enough space between them to avoid accidentally hitting each other in the head with their sticky hands. We grabbed these large packs of sticky hands so we could play lots and share the fun.
How to Play
On "go," players use their sticky hands to collect as many coins as possible. For a coin to count, it must be successfully pulled back to the player (on the floor next to them counts too). The goal is to have the highest score, with each coin's value counting toward the total. However, if a player grabs a numbered object instead, they lose points equal to that object’s value.
We like to play at least 3 times for games like this that go fast. There are two more variations below to change it up a bit each time.
Gospel Tie-In
The different coin values represent the various ways we receive inspiration- sometimes we receive a lot at once, and sometimes just a little. The numbered objects represent distractions and sins that hinder our ability to receive revelation. The sticky hand symbolizes our efforts in seeking answers. Just as it might take several tries to collect certain coins, it often takes time, prayer, fasting, and persistence to receive the answers we seek.
To receive guidance and answers from General Conference, we must focus and put in the effort. We need to prepare ourselves to receive light and truth so that we can recognize them when they come. How can you prepare for General Conference?
Elder Dale G. Renlund also gave a great talk about learning to discern revelation back in October 2022 entitled, “A Framework for Personal Revelation.” This would be an excellent talk to review and discuss with your family as well.
D&C 77 is also a great example of seeking revelation. This section is full of questions and answers. Joseph Smith was already in the scriptures a great deal as he worked on the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. This led to his questions about the book of Revelation and him being open to receive further light.
Variation 1
For added difficulty, cut the sticky hands to various lengths before playing again. What might this represent? We like to think it symbolizes our preparation efforts, such as daily repentance, regular scripture study, and communicating with the Lord through prayer. What does it represent to you?
Variation 2
Add one extra sticky hand per person in the middle of the table with the coins. If you snag another sticky hand during play, you can use it to grab even more. What could these extra hands represent? We like the possibility of our increased spiritual capacity over time allows us to receive more. We also like the idea of how other people can help us as we search for answers such as our parents.
After you play few times, you will probably notice it gets a little easier each time because you have been practicing. As we continually practice receiving revelation, it gets easier too.
