Book of Mormon Primary Lessons

“Lesson 7: Crossing the Sea,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 22

Following Jesus’ teachings helps us have the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives.

Read 1 Nephi 18, Gospel Principles chapter 7, the First Article of Faith and the Fourth Article of Faith.

Nephi was able to build a ship that could carry his family safely across the ocean, by receiving guidance and help from the Lord (1 Nephi 18:1–3).

Laman, Lemuel, the sons of Ishmael, and their wives "began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness" causing them to lose the guidance of the Lord threw the Liahona (1 Nephi 18:9–12). Similarly we can loose the guidance of the Holy Ghost if we forget the Lord in our lives.

The disobedience of Laman and Lemuel affect their parents and the rest of the family: They "suffered much grief . . . and much sorrow . . . And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also [Nephi's] wife with her tears and prayers, and also [his] children" (1 Nephi 18:12–19). How does our obedience or disobedience affect our family members?

Nephi's did not murmur because of being mistreated by his brothers, but "did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long" (1 Nephi 18:16). Why do you think Nephi praised the Lord instead of complaining while he was suffering?

In what ways would you like to be more like Nephi?

The inspiration of the Holy Ghost can come to us as a feeling of peace or comfort, a thought that inspires us to make a right choice, a quiet voice of instruction, a feeling that warns of danger, and so on.

What can we do to prepare ourselves so we can recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost? Nephi did this by praying often, and fearing and praising God (1 Nephi 18:3, 10, 16). What choices do you make daily that will help you be guided by the Holy Ghost?

How can the following affect our ability to have the Holy Ghost in our lives:
prayer, choice of friends, words we use, television shows, video programs, music, movies, obedience to parents, keeping the commandments, kindness to brothers and sisters, respect for other people, service.

Labels: Book of Mormon, Lesson 7, Liahona, Nephi, Promised Land, Sea, Ship