Choosing the Right through Study and Prayer

“Sharing Time: Choosing the Right through Study and Prayer,” Friend, Jun 1997, 4

Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God ( Alma 37:37).

You will make many important choices in your life. You will be able to choose to keep the commandments. You can choose to obey your parents. You will choose your friends and the activities you participate in. It will be your choice to accept a call to go on a mission. You decide how to treat others, and whether or not to obey the law. All these choices are important, and you are accountable for them.

Heavenly Father loves you and wants you to make right choices because they will bless your life and help you be happy. He wants to help, but He will never choose for you or force you to make a choice. He has given you the precious gift of agency, which is the power to make your own choices.

When you have an important choice to make, you can study it out in your mind. (See D&C 9:8.) Think carefully about your options. You might ask your parents and other leaders for their help and guidance. Find out what Heavenly Father has already told you about this choice in the scriptures. Study what the prophets have said about it. Imagine what the consequences of each option might be and make a list of all the good and bad consequences.

When you feel that you understand what the best choice is, pray to Heavenly Father. Explain to Him why this choice is important to you. Tell Him the feelings of your heart and the reasons for your choice. Ask Him to help you understand if your choice is a good one for you.

After sincerely praying, think about how you feel. You may have a warm peaceful feeling come into your heart. You may feel as though you should go forward with your choice. If you feel confused or uneasy about it, you should consider your choice again. These kinds of feelings come to you from your Father in Heaven. (See D&C 9:8–9.)

Instructions

In the starting box of the maze on the following page, write a choice you have to make. Follow the instructions as you go through the maze. Then, in the finish box, write the choice you have made.