Ideas for Effective Scripture Study

By Lisa M. Grover

“I love our scriptures. I love these wonderful volumes, which set forth the word of the Lord—given personally or through prophets—for the guidance of our Father’s sons and daughters. I love to read the scriptures, and I try to do so consistently and repeatedly. I love to quote from them, for they give the voice of authority to that which I say. I do not claim distinction as a scholar of the scriptures. For me, the reading of the scriptures is not the pursuit of scholarship. Rather, it is a love affair with the word of the Lord and that of his prophets.

President Gordon B. Hinckley
( Tambuli, June 1986, page 2)

Scripture study blesses us with knowledge and faith. It opens our hearts and minds to the promptings of the Spirit. But sometimes, circumstances aren’t ideal for studying the scriptures. Here are some ideas that can help you make time for the scriptures—and even make that time the most enjoyable part of your day.

Getting Started

• Make a commitment to start studying the scriptures. Write your commitment on a piece of paper and post it someplace where you will see it often.

• If you don’t yet have your own copies of the scriptures, set a goal to get them. Maybe you could ask for them as a birthday or Christmas gift, or work to earn the money to buy them. In the meantime, borrow a set of the scriptures from your meetinghouse library or from a friend.

• Keep a pencil handy while you are studying. In the margins of your personal scriptures, or in a notebook, neatly write your observations about the verses you are reading.

• Try to find a quiet place where you can study at the same time every day. Your situation may not be ideal, but do what you can to make the best of it.

• If you have trouble reading consistently at first, don’t get discouraged and quit! Be patient. It gets easier to study every day, and soon you will have developed the habit.

• Start where you are. If you can study for only a few minutes, start with that and work toward a longer period of time.

• Study when it is best for you. Some people like to get up early and start with scripture reading; others prefer to do it before going to bed. The important thing is to find a time when you will be able to study EVERY DAY.

• Don’t compare yourself to others. People read at different speeds and in their own way.

For Better Understanding

• Pray for help.

• If you are old enough, participate in seminary. Make a goal to finish all four years.

• Read the chapter summary at the beginning of each chapter. It helps to stay focused on what you’re reading if you have a general idea of what’s going to happen.

• After you understand a difficult concept, teach it to someone else. That helps them learn, and it helps you remember.

• Read scripture stories with other members of the family.

• Participate in family home evening. You might even offer to help teach the lessons once in a while.

After You Have Mastered the Basics

• Keep a scripture journal. Write down thoughts and ideas you have on each chapter or set of chapters you read.

• Look for patterns in the scriptures. For instance, you might want to mark every reference to the Savior’s life or every reference about service.

• Focus on a specific topic and cross-reference verses on that topic. Look at how verses in the Bible relate to verses in the Book of Mormon.

• Read several passages on any given gospel principle. Read conference talks by General Authorities on the same principle and find similarities.

• Once you have gained a testimony of the scriptures, write your testimony in the front of a Book of Mormon and share it with a friend.

President Hinckley portrait by Jed Clark

Photograph by Jerry Garns