The Hearts of the Children

D&C 2, Joseph Smith — History 1:27-65 | January 11-17

When Joseph Smith was 17 year old, he was visited by the angel Moroni. Moroni told Joseph Smith about an ancient record written on gold plates. The record contained the fullness of the gospel as delivered by the Savior to ancient inhabitants of the Americas. He also told Joseph that there were tools buried with the plates that were prepared to help him translate. Moroni also quoted scriptures and taught Joseph many things before he left. One of the scriptures Moroni quoted was from the book of Malachi, although Moroni quoted it slightly differently than it reads in our Bibles. The scripture said that Elijah the prophet would be sent to restore the priesthood and “plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers (Doctrine & Covenants 2:2).” The priesthood keys Elijah would restore are the sealing keys that allow us to be sealed with our families.

Watch

WATCH THE VIDEO >

Read and Discuss

Scripture

Doctrine & Covenants 2:2

“And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.”

What messages did Moroni deliver to Joseph Smith?
Why did Moroni repeat his message several times? What are some things we learn through repetition?
Who was Elijah?
Why was it important for Elijah to return?
How can we turn our hearts to our fathers (ancestors)?

Quote

“It is important to know why the Lord promised to send Elijah. Elijah was a great prophet with great power given him by God. He held the greatest power God gives to His children: he held the sealing power, the power to bind on earth and have it bound in heaven. God gave it to the Apostle Peter. And the Lord kept His promise to send Elijah. Elijah came to the Prophet Joseph Smith on April 3, 1836, just after the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, the first temple built after the Restoration of the gospel.” Henry B. Eyring

GET THE FULL LESSON >

View past lessons & resources on our website.

More Resources

Activity

Linking Family Members

Create a paper chain with heart shaped links and write the names of your immediate and extended family members on each link. Talk about how the sealing power of the priesthood can link us together.

Treat

Heavenly Hearts

These delicious heart treats will remind you to turn your hearts to your ancestors. Share prepared treats or the recipe with grandparents or extended family.