Lesson Prepration Guide for "The Plan of Mercy"

In his talk "The Plan of Mercy," Elder James R. Rasband of the Seventy reflects on the profound teachings of the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants section 109. He shares insights gained from a prophetic invitation to study this prayer, emphasizing the merciful nature of God's plan of salvation. Elder Rasband explores how the temple serves as a place of empowerment, mercy, and revelation, offering blessings that extend beyond its walls to influence our daily lives and spiritual growth.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin by asking the class to share their experiences of feeling God's mercy in their lives. This can set the tone for discussing the theme of mercy throughout the lesson.
Share a brief story or testimony about a time when you felt the mercy of the Lord in a significant way, and invite others to do the same.
Start with a group reading of Doctrine and Covenants section 109, focusing on the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, and discuss initial impressions or insights.
Play a short video or audio clip of President Russell M. Nelson's invitation to study the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer to provide context for the lesson.
Pose a reflective question: "How has the temple been a source of mercy in your life?" and allow a few minutes for silent reflection before opening up for discussion.

Topics

Study the Kirtland Temple Dedicatory Prayer

Elder Rasband shared insights from studying the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer, highlighting how it teaches about the temple's spiritual empowerment and the Lord's mercy. The prayer includes pleas for the softening of hearts and the empowerment of missionaries.

The dedicatory prayer, said President Nelson, "is a tutorial about how the temple spiritually empowers you and me to meet the challenges of life in these last days."

What insights did you gain from studying the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer?
How does the dedicatory prayer teach us about the power of the temple?
Why do you think President Nelson emphasized studying this particular prayer?
In what ways can the temple help us meet the challenges of these last days?
How can we apply the teachings of the dedicatory prayer in our daily lives?

Empowerment of Missionaries Through the Temple

Elder Rasband explained how newly called missionaries are encouraged to receive their temple endowment and how the temple empowers them spiritually. The dedicatory prayer includes promises of softened hearts and gaining favor with others.

In the dedicatory prayer, given by revelation, the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed that "when thy servants shall go out from thy house … to bear testimony of thy name," the "hearts" of "all people" would "be softened."

How does the temple empower newly called missionaries?
What promises are given to missionaries in the dedicatory prayer?
Why is it important for missionaries to attend the temple before their service?
How can time in the temple soften our hearts?
What experiences have you had with the temple that have prepared you for service?

Joseph Smith's Plea for Mercy

Elder Rasband highlighted Joseph Smith's repeated pleas for mercy in the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer and how the Savior's appearance in the temple was a manifestation of mercy. This promise of mercy extends to all dedicated temples.

This promise of mercy must have had special meaning to Joseph. And as President Nelson taught last April, this promise also "applies to every dedicated temple today."

What does Joseph Smith's plea for mercy teach us about prayer?
How does the Savior's appearance in the Kirtland Temple demonstrate mercy?
In what ways have you seen the Lord's mercy manifest in your life?
Why is mercy an important aspect of the temple experience?
How can we seek the Lord's mercy in our own prayers?

Finding Mercy in the House of the Lord

Elder Rasband discussed the various ways we find mercy in the temple, including through covenants, eternal families, and understanding the plan of salvation. The temple highlights the merciful nature of God's plan.

In the temple, we find mercy in the covenants we make. Those covenants, in addition to the baptismal covenant, bind us to the Father and the Son and give us increased access to what President Nelson has taught is "a special kind of love and mercy … called hesed" in Hebrew.

How do temple covenants help us experience God's mercy?
What role does the temple play in the plan of salvation?
How does understanding God's mercy change our perspective on life's challenges?
What is the significance of the "mercy seat" in the temple?
How can we better recognize and appreciate the mercy we receive in the temple?

Pondering God's Mercy and the Book of Mormon

Elder Rasband emphasized the importance of pondering God's mercy as taught in the Book of Mormon. This pondering prepares us to receive a testimony of the book's truthfulness and the merciful plan of salvation it teaches.

Moroni urges us not only to read these things—the records he was about to seal up—but also to ponder in our hearts what the Book of Mormon reveals about "how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men."

How does pondering God's mercy prepare us to receive a testimony of the Book of Mormon?
What teachings in the Book of Mormon highlight God's mercy?
How can we apply Moroni's counsel to ponder God's mercy in our study?
What role does mercy play in the plan of salvation as taught in the Book of Mormon?
How has pondering God's mercy impacted your testimony of the Book of Mormon?

Additional Discussion Questions

What does it mean to you that the plan of salvation is a plan of mercy?
How can we better extend mercy to those around us, following the Savior's example?
In what ways can we seek the Lord's mercy in our daily lives?
How does understanding God's mercy influence our relationships with others?
What experiences have you had where you felt the power of the temple in your life?
How can we help others recognize the mercy of God in their lives?
Why is it important to remember and ponder God's mercy as we study the scriptures?
How can the teachings of this talk influence our prayers and supplications?
What role does mercy play in our personal conversion and spiritual growth?
How can we ensure that our actions reflect the mercy we have received from the Lord?