The Holy Ghost

Song: “The Holy Ghost” Children’s Songbook pg. 105
Scripture: 2 Nephi 32:5- “If ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.”

The Holy Ghost Came to Adam and Eve

After Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden, they had many children. And their children had children. Spirit children of our Heavenly Father began leaving His presence to come to earth. Just like us!

As they came to earth, the memory of their heavenly home was taken from them. But our Father did not shut them away from His influence. He knew that his children would need help, so he sent the Holy Ghost to comfort and help and guide all of His spirit children.

Attributes of the Holy Ghost

Who are the three members of the Godhead? (Review the First Article of Faith.)

Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are called the Godhead. They are unified in purpose. Each has an important assignment in the plan of salvation. Our Heavenly Father is our Father and ruler. Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Holy Ghost is the revealer and testifier of all truth.

The Holy Ghost is our Heavenly Father’s messenger and is a special gift to us.
When do we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost? (After we are baptized, when we are confirmed.)

Even children and people who are not members of the church can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost.

The Mission of the Holy Ghost

The mission of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness of the Father and the Son and of the truth of all things. This means that the Holy Ghost will help us to know the truth.

The Holy Ghost can guide us and help us to choose the right.

Activity:
Show the children a small item you will hide for this game. Invite one child to leave the group for a moment while you hide the item. Have the child return to the group, and tell him that he must listen to find the way to the hidden item. Use a quiet noise, such as lightly tapping a pencil, gently clapping your hands, or humming a song, to show the child which way to turn to look for the hidden object. Make sure that the noises you make are very soft and reverent. Gently tap when the child looks in the correct direction. Tap more quickly as the child moves closer to the hiding place, until he finds the item.

Emphasize to the children that they can be guided in their lives by listening to the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost is called the Comforter. He can give you peace and comfort when you are sad or lonely or worried. (wrap the children in a blanket/comforter, to help explain this.)

There are important things you must do so that the Holy Ghost will be with you. Heavenly Father gives the Holy Ghost to those who obey Him. You obey Him when you choose to be baptized. You obey Him when you pray each day and study His words in the scriptures. You obey Him when you obey your parents. You obey Him when you are kind, honest, patient, and loving toward others. You obey Him when you keep His commandments. You obey Him by remembering His Son, Jesus Christ, and trying to do what He would have you do. As you do these things, you will be worthy to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

President Ezra Taft Benson gave this important counsel: “Pray to Heavenly Father to bless you with His Spirit at all times. … The Holy Ghost is … a gift from Heavenly Father. … He whispers to you in a still, small voice to do right. When you do good, you feel good, and that is the Holy Ghost speaking to you. The Holy Ghost is a wonderful companion. He is always there to help you.” (Ensign, May 1989, page 82.)