Teaching Tips for Sister Browning’s talk “Seeking Answers to Spiritual Questions”
Are you ready to teach and learn from the October 2024 General Conference talk “Seeking Answers to Spiritual Questions” by Sister Tracy Y. Browning? Sister Browning’s insights are powerful, plus we get to reminisce about Pluto. Anyone bringing in a solar system for a visual? Read on for some question and teaching ideas to help you discuss this great talk further.
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Discussion Questions
A few questions to help you get the discussion going on Sister Browning’s October 2024 General Conference talk.
What lessons can we learn from the scientists’ willingness to revisit their understanding of the solar system?
What are some ways we can respond when we find ourselves at the limits of our understanding?
How does Adam’s obedience, even without complete understanding, inspire you in your own life? How have you seen God helping you in your life even though your understanding is incomplete?
How have your questions helped you grow spiritually? What makes asking questions a sign of faith rather than doubt?
When we seek answers, we’re asked to act with real intent—even when the answers don’t match our hopes. How can we overcome the temptation to put conditions on our prayers? What lessons can we learn from the story of Naaman?
In what ways is spiritual learning different from secular learning? How can each teach us something about seeking answers?
How does the promise that the Lord will not give you a stone when you ask for bread shape your faith in seeking and receiving answers?
Sometimes we must wait before we recieve the next line of revelation. How have you used the space in between to prepare for additional light while practicing patience?
How do covenant promises anchor us when our understanding is incomplete?
What have you learned about God’s timing in answering prayers or providing direction? How has His timing blessed you in ways you didn’t expect?
What effort might be required of us as we seek answers and understanding?
How have God’s commandments been a “powerful gateway” for your revelation and education? Why do you think obedience helps us receive pure revelation?
How can we avoid being deceived by Satan as we seek further light?
What are some ways we can increase our trust in our all-knowing Savior?
How does holding on to our current spiritual knowledge empower us to receive more?
In what ways has God expanded your spiritual horizon, helping you see and understand more than you did before?
How can we help and support one another as we navigate our faith questions and seek answers together?
How do we invite the Holy Ghost to be our personal teacher and tutor?
Keep scrolling for more ideas!
Teaching Ideas
A few ideas to help springboard you to your own teaching plan.
Draw dots on the whiteboard that will make a picture when connected but not be totally obvious at first (a dot-to-dot without the numbers). Ask your class what they see. “Dots” is the answer we’re looking for. Then discuss or read some quotes from the section of Sister Browning’s talk, “Line upon Line.” Connect a few of the dots- no more than halfway. Then ask people what they see. Maybe they can recognize something, maybe not. But they do know it’s all connecting together. How can relying on our knowledge of what we do know at this point help us be patient and continue forward as we wait for the picture to be completed? What are some things we can do as we wait patiently on the Lord to reveal more to us? When you are ready to move on, finish connecting the dots for all to enjoy.
President Russell M. Nelson has continually encouraged us to strengthen our spiritual muscles to receive more personal revelation. Encourage your class to ponder and write down answers as you ask the following questions: 1) How do you hear the Lord? Is it always in the same way or does He speak to you in several different ways? 2)When do you hear God’s voice more often? 3) How can you give yourself grace in your imperfections while still striving for the ideal? 4) What daily spiritual activities do you want to participate in to build greater spiritual muscles? Then discuss how pondering these questions can help us on our journey to receive further light and knowledge. Pssttt… writing down our promptings helps us recognize His voice more. Try our Pocket Full of Personal Revelation notebook.
Discuss ways we can recognize the answers we are receiving are indeed from the Lord. In addition to Sister Browning’s words, Elder Dale G. Renlund gave some great guidelines in his October 2022 talk, “A Framework for Personal Revelation.” You may also want to reference “Deceive Me Not” by Elder Gary E. Stevenson (October 2019).
Teaching Kids?
For young and old, try these additional activities as you teach in the home.
“How can I receive an outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit?” (Young Women’s lesson with more ideas to teach and object lessons)
Heavenly Father Helps Us When We Pray (printables to talk about what things we might include in our prayers)
Prayers Are Answered in the Best Way (printable booklet with questions)
Our printable New Testament Bingo game includes 40 different Bingo boards, making it easy to play with a family, Primary class, youth group, Relief Society, or seminary class. Each board uses a different arrangement of 32 illustrated New Testament people, places, objects, and teachings, so players can learn familiar gospel symbols while they play.
Draw a calling card and simply name the picture, or use the included Scripture Reference Guide to read a related verse and let players figure out which square to cover. You can keep the game quick and simple or turn it into a New Testament review activity.
And because one way to play is never quite enough around here, we’ve also included additional game ideas that use the boards and calling cards.
Your instant download includes:
40 different printable New Testament Bingo boards
32 illustrated New Testament images
Printable calling cards
A Scripture Reference Guide
Instructions for traditional Bingo
Additional ways to use the game
Use it for:
Come, Follow Me study
Primary activities
Youth nights
Seminary
Relief Society activities
Family home evening
Church parties and New Testament review
Print the boards you need, grab a few markers, and you’re ready to play. Coins, buttons, dry cereal, or laminated boards with dry-erase markers all work well.
This is a digital product. No physical item will be mailed.