Reading the Scriptures Aloud

By Perry and Jana Brätt

When our first child was young, we made a particular effort to read to him directly from the Book of Mormon. We have continued this tradition with each of our five children. Every night we read an interesting scripture story as a family. Some of our favorites are Nephi and the brass plates, Enos’s prayer in the forest, Abinadi’s testimony and death by fire, Alma the Younger’s conversion, and Jesus’ visit to the Nephites.

As we read these stories over and over again, our children grow familiar with the language of the scriptures. Sometimes we pause during our reading to explain a word or passage. Other times we read straight through the story so the children will feel the flow and feeling of the verses.

But even more than an increased understanding of the language of the Book of Mormon, our children are learning to feel the Spirit. After scripture study one night, our son Spencer whispered, “Mom, I feel good inside.”

“Why do you feel good?” I asked.

“Because I feel the Holy Ghost,” he replied.

In a general conference address in April 1986, President Ezra Taft Benson quoted Elder Marion G. Romney, who gave this beautiful promise:

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, … the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart … Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Ensign, May 1986, page 6).

We have been greatly blessed by reading the Book of Mormon as a family. Because of our reading, we have seen many of the promises made by the prophets fulfilled in our own lives.

Photograph by Steve Bunderson; electronic photo enhancement by Neil Brown