“The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

Gabe Hawkes (American, born 1996)
The Prophet Joseph (2004)
Ribbed paper, pastel crayons, white craft glue, plastic laminate; 14 x 11 inches
Private collection
Used with permission

Section 2 of the Doctrine and Covenants is only three verses long. At the center of it is an echo of verses in Malachi, “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers…” (Malachi 4:6). Section 2’s imagery is different, however; it reads, “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” (Doctrine & Covenants 2:2). As we study the scriptures, we learn of the promises God has made with his children. Further, as we immerse ourselves in the lives of ancestors and figures in history—imagining how they lived and what they thought and felt—our hearts are turned to them.

The act of creativity such as drawing can accomplish similar aims. A child, teen, or adult making a portrait has to imagine what that person was like and what their life was like. Therefore, making a drawing of a scriptural scene or person can be a contemplative way to examine the holy scriptures.

Discussion Questions

From 1823 to 1829, Moroni visited Joseph a total of 22 times. [H. Donl Peterson, "Moroni - Joseph Smith's Tutor," January 1992 Liahona/Ensign.] Joseph's mother wrote: “Joseph continued to receive instructions from the Lord, and we continued to get the children together every evening for the purpose of listening while he gave us a relation of the same. … During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be imagined. He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent, their dress, mode of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their cities, their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship. This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had spent his whole life among them” (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, pp. 82–83). Why is it important in a family or with friends to have time and space to share experiences and feelings? How can you do this better in your family or with others?
In less than 24 hours, Moroni repeated the same thing to Joseph four different times "without the least variation" (JS-History 1:47). As you read through the Doctrine & Covenants, you will see verses and phrases repeated many, many times. Why is repetition of gospel principles important? ["Repetition ingrains gospel principles in our minds and hearts." Susan W. Tanner, "Glad Tidings from Cumorah," April 2005 General Conference.]
Joseph’s mother, Lucy Mack Smith, was a deeply religious woman. Joseph may have gone to a grove of trees to pray because he saw his mother do the same. “One day, experiencing discord in her family regarding the subject of religion, Lucy said she ‘retired to a grove of handsome wild cherry trees not far distant and prayed to the Lord.’” (Mary L. Cook, “Be An Example of the Believers,” October 2010 General Conference.) What behaviors of your parents have you tried to follow in your life and how have these behaviors blessed you? If possible, write a note to your parent telling him/her how his/her example has blessed your life in this very specific way.

For Children & Youth

Hi. 8-year old Gabe created the portrait of Joseph Smith above at home many years ago. It was made with pastel crayons on ribbed paper and then outlined with glue. Once the glue dried, the picture was laminated to seal and protect it from smearing.

When you set out to create something based on history, there are a couple of different ways to approach your project. You can find a picture or photograph that already exists and base your image on it, or you can simply imagine it. Both approaches work just fine to get you started.

Here’s our challenge to you: Make a drawing of something you and your family are reading about and discussing in the scriptures. When you finish, be sure to put it somewhere in your home where everyone can see it throughout the week, and whenever you look at it, try to imagine that you are there with the people in your picture. What were their lives like?