Sunday Happenings

Lesson: Chapter 21 The Gift of the Holy Ghost
Instructor: Sister Ashby

Attention Getter: This was a great object lesson that Sister Ashby started out with to illustrate all that we receive through the Gift of the Holy Ghost. She had a gift box and passed out items to the sisters. Each sister had to bring her item to the front and talk about how it relates to the Holy Ghost and place it in the box. Go here for a paper version. You could play a matching game if you cut the cards apart, or you could use the pictures to talk about all the blessings that come with receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This could be used for FHE to teach about the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost:

• a member of the Godhead


• a personage of spirit


• influence can be everywhere at once


• bear witness of truth


• purifies our hearts

The Gift of the Holy Ghost:

What is the difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost?

"The gift of the Holy Ghost is the privilege—given to people who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, been baptized, and been confirmed as members of the Church—to receive continual guidance and inspiration from the Holy Ghost."

"A person may be temporarily guided by the Holy Ghost without receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (see D&C 130:23). However, this guidance will not be continuous unless the person is baptized and receives the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. We read in Acts 10 that the Roman soldier Cornelius received inspiration from the Holy Ghost so that he knew the gospel of Jesus Christ was true. But Cornelius did not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that if Cornelius had not received baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost would have left him (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 97)."

Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost:

What must we do to receive the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost?

• keep baptismal covenants


• act upon promptings


• invite daily through prayer

Recognizing the Influence of the Holy Ghost:

• communicates with us quietly, "a still small voice" (Hel. 5:30)


• President Packer said, "a voice you feel more than you hear", most will say "I had a feeling", "This voice speaks gently, prompting you what to do or what to say, or it may caution or warn you."


• happy


• comfort


• stupor of thought if what we want is not the right thing for us


• calm


• peaceful

One of God's Greatest Gifts:

"The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of God’s greatest gifts to us. Through the Holy Ghost we may know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that His Church has been restored to the earth. We may have the promptings of the Holy Ghost to show us all the things we should do (see 2 Nephi 32:5). The Holy Ghost sanctifies us to prepare us for God’s presence. We may enjoy the gifts of the Spirit (see chapter 22 in this book). This great gift from our Heavenly Father can also bring peace to our hearts and an understanding of the things of God (see 1 Corinthians 2:9–12)."

FHE Lessons:

This is a wonderful lesson to share for Family Home Evening. Here are a few others connected to the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Sharing Time: One of God's Greatest Gifts

Sharing Time: The Holy Ghost Can Help Me

Sharing Time: The Gift of the Holy Ghost

LDS Living: The Holy Ghost