Improving Scripture Study for Latter-day Saints
Six Ideas for Getting More Out of Reading the Standard Works
Jun 25, 2009
With the wealth of scripture available to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it can be hard to know where to begin a good scripture study program. How can Latter-day Saints use them to most effectively "feast upon the words of Christ" [2 Ne. 32:3]?
Bible Study for Specified Time
Before beginning a study of the scriptures, decide on a study plan. Rather than just reading a set amount per day, try settling on a time (15 to 30 minutes) each day for devoting to the standard works.
Knowing that the next 15 minutes are going to be focused on scripture study helps people to focus, eliminating the temptation to quickly skim over the prescribed chapter or set number of pages in order to be done for the day.
Look for Answers to Prayers in the Scriptures
As the popular saying in LDS culture goes, "If we want to talk to the Lord, we pray. If we want the Lord to speak to us, we read the scriptures." The words of living Latter-day Saint prophets, in addition to the standard works of the church, often contain direct and powerful answers to prayer. But only those who are carefully studying with their prayers in mind will catch the answers.
Start a Scripture Journal
Starting a scripture journal allows a person to freely record their thoughts or feelings about a verse, their favorite cross-references, their testimony of what they are studying, and specific inspirations they receive.
Some like to write in two colors; one for thoughts pertaining to the verse at hand and one for personal promptings that come as they read. An LDS scripture journal is helpful for studying a single topic over a period of time, preparing for a talk or lesson, and handing down to posterity.
Study a Gospel Topic
People can learn a lot by picking a gospel topic and studying it over several days or weeks, instead of always reading chronologically through a book of scripture. Latter-day Saints have a wealth of study helps available to them for topical study. They can use the cross references in the LDS edition of the standard works or use the search option at lds.org to find relevant talks from General Authorities.
Studying topically requires more work, but that is what meaningful scripture study is all about.
Use the Seminary and Institute Manuals
Reading the LDS standard works chronologically with relevant CES materials in hand adds insight to scriptures on a wide variety of topics. The seminary and institute manuals add depth to scripture verses by pointing out the significance of verses, highlighting relevant historical information, and clarifying the meaning of confusing scriptural passages. It also provides a nice schedule for reading through a book of scriptures.
Look for Something Specific in the Scriptures
Missionaries are often encouraged to read the Book of Mormon three times through: once just to get the sequence of events, once looking for information about Jesus Christ, and once reading for examples of obedience causing prosperity and wickedness causing disconnection from God. Reading scriptures with a specific focus in mind allows people to see things in a verse that they failed to notice in the past.
Having all the LDS standard works plus modern revelations and the study helps made available by the church sometimes overwhelms Latter-day Saints, especially those who have gotten out of the habit of regular scripture study. But by incorporating these tips into daily study and prayer, scripture study can become more than just an obligation.
Other resources for Latter-day Saints by Jenny Evans include "Entertaining Young Children in Church," along with "Beginning Food Storage," and "Planning a Church History Trip to Kirtland."
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