Joseph Smith’s First Prayer

Otherwise, you can purchase Susan Fitch’s First Vision clip art from her Etsy shop HERE.  The First Vision set doesn’t contain the bees humming and and birds singing.  She drew those specifically for me so I could share them with you!  Those printables are available in my Resource Library. Instructions for accessing my Resource Library are found at the bottom of this post.

I suggest printing the pictures on card stock, laminating and attaching to a craft stick using tape.

Then wherever your primary may be, have them participate in a puppet show as they listen to and/or sing along to Joseph Smith’s First Prayer using:

• Sing-Along app or HERE
• Music found on churchofjesuschrist.org HERE
• Piano with words posted HERE

Virtual Puppet Show

Now, if you are doing a virtual singing time, I suggest a little prep: pass out (or email) one prop to all the children in your primary before singing time.  Then they can all participate when their visual is sung by showing it to the camera.

Here’s when each prop can be used during the song:

• Oh how lovely was the morning, radiant beamed the sun above:  Grove image (can stay up throughout)
• Bees were humming: bees humming
• Sweet birds singing: birds singing
• Music ringing through the grove: both birds and bees
• When within the shady woodland Joseph sought the God of love: Joseph praying
• Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer: Joseph praying
• When the pow’rs of sin assailing filled his soul with deep despair: black cloud
• But undaunted, still he trusted in his Heavenly father’s care: Joseph praying
• Suddenly a light descended brighter far than noonday sun: grove with beam of light (can stay up throughout – replace other grove)
• And a shining glorious pillar o’er him fell around him shone: Joseph praying
• While appeared two heavenly beings God the Father and the Son: Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ
• Entire 4th verse is Joseph praying & Heavenly Father & Jesus

Home Centered Puppet Show

If you have home centered singing time, families can create a video of their puppet show and share it with your ward somehow, their extended families or on their own social media platforms.

Definitions

I also suggest defining the uncommon words.  Joseph Smith’s First Prayer is full of large words we don’t regularly use.  Have the children listen closely for these words in the song that will help give clues as to their definition:

• Radiant: sending out light; shining or glowing brightly.
• Grove: a small wood, orchard, or group of trees.
• Sought: attempt to find (something).
• Appealing: (of an expression or tone of voice) that one wants help or sympathy.
• Uttered: make (a sound) with one’s voice.
• Assailing: make a concerted or violent attack on.
• Despair: the complete loss or absence of hope.
• Descended: move or fall downward.
• Pillar: a tall vertical structure.
• Beloved: dearly loved.
• Rapture: a feeling of intense pleasure or joy.
• Bosom: the human chest.

Repeat the puppet show using new puppeteers.

The First Vision Video

If a puppet show is too much, simply have your kids watch the video of the First Vision: