Lesson Prepration Guide for "Seeking Answers to Spiritual Questions"

In her insightful talk, Sister Tracy Y. Browning, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, draws a parallel between the pursuit of scientific knowledge and the quest for spiritual understanding. As she reflects on the historical reclassification of Pluto, she emphasizes the importance of seeking answers to spiritual questions and how our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can guide us through the uncertainties of life. Sister Browning encourages us to embrace our spiritual journey with faith, obedience, and trust, ensuring that our efforts align with divine principles and the teachings of modern-day prophets.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin the lesson by sharing a personal experience of a time when you sought answers to a spiritual question. Ask the class to think about a question they have had in their spiritual journey.
Show a picture of the solar system and ask the class what they remember learning about Pluto when they were younger. Relate this to how our understanding of spiritual matters can change and grow.
Invite a class member to read the story of Naaman from the Old Testament and discuss how trust and obedience played a role in his healing.
Start with a brief meditation or moment of silence, encouraging class members to ponder a spiritual question they have and invite the Spirit to guide them in seeking answers.
Share a quote from President Russell M. Nelson about seeking revelation and discuss how it applies to our personal spiritual questions.

Topics

Embrace the Journey of Spiritual Growth

Sister Browning drew parallels between scientific exploration and the pursuit of spiritual understanding. She emphasized that asking questions and seeking answers is a natural part of our spiritual journey, and that growth often occurs in the space between our current understanding and new insights.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has taught that “asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness,” but rather “it’s a precursor of growth.”

How have your spiritual questions led to growth in your life?
Why is it important to embrace the process of seeking spiritual answers?
What role does patience play in waiting for spiritual understanding?
How can we support others in their spiritual journey?
In what ways can we prepare ourselves for personal revelation?

Practice Obedience for Greater Spiritual Insight

Sister Browning discussed how obedience to God's commandments, even without complete understanding, prepares us to receive spiritual knowledge. She shared the example of Adam's obedience preceding his understanding of the Atonement.

Adam’s obedience preceded his understanding and prepared him to receive the sacred knowledge that he was participating in a sacred symbol of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

What experiences have you had where obedience led to greater understanding?
Why is obedience essential in our spiritual journey?
How can we cultivate a willing heart to obey God's commandments?
What challenges do you face in being obedient without full understanding?
How does obedience strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ?

Trust in God's Plan and Timing

Sister Browning highlighted the story of Naaman to illustrate the importance of trusting in God and His prophets. She emphasized that trust in God involves obeying His commandments without always knowing the outcome.

To trust means to obey willingly without knowing the end from the beginning (see Prov. 3:5–7).

How can we develop deeper trust in God's plan for us?
What are some examples of trusting God's timing in your life?
How does trusting in God differ from relying solely on our own understanding?
What lessons can we learn from Naaman's story about trust and obedience?
How can we increase our faith in God's wisdom and timing?

Seek Personal Revelation Through the Holy Spirit

Sister Browning explained that God imparts wisdom through the Holy Spirit and invites us to seek truth through scripture study, prayer, and temple worship. She emphasized the importance of centering Jesus Christ in our lives.

God the Father and His Son’s way of imparting Their wisdom to us prioritizes inviting the power of the Holy Ghost to be our personal teacher.

How can we invite the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily lives?
What practices help you center Jesus Christ in your spiritual seeking?
How does scripture study enhance our ability to receive revelation?
What role does the temple play in seeking personal revelation?
How can we recognize the promptings of the Holy Spirit?

Align with Divine Principles for Spiritual Growth

Sister Browning emphasized the importance of aligning our lives with divine principles and growing spiritually through our covenant relationship with God. She noted that our spiritual growth requires effort and commitment.

Our covenant relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ signals our prevailing citizenship in God’s kingdom.

What does it mean to align our lives with divine principles?
How do our covenants help us grow spiritually?
What efforts are necessary for continued spiritual growth?
How can we strengthen our commitment to living gospel principles?
What blessings have you experienced from aligning your life with God's teachings?

Additional Discussion Questions

What parallels can you draw between scientific exploration and spiritual seeking?
How does the concept of 'line upon line' apply to your personal spiritual journey?
Why is it important to ask questions with real intent?
In what ways can we 'wait upon the Lord' during times of uncertainty?
How can we better use our agency to choose Christ in our daily lives?
What are some ways to demonstrate obedience to God's commandments in small daily actions?
How can we find peace in trusting God's plan when answers are not immediate?
What role do modern-day prophets play in guiding us through spiritual questions?
How can we ensure our personal efforts are aligned with seeking divine truth?
What experiences have strengthened your testimony of God's timing and wisdom?