Seminary
Studying the Scriptures: Hold Fast to the Word of God

“Studying the Scriptures: Hold Fast to the Word of God,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“Studying the Scriptures,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

Introductory Materials

Studying the Scriptures

Hold Fast to the Word of God

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Young woman studying scriptures

The scriptures are unique in their ability to deepen faith in and love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Consistent and meaningful study invites faith and strengthens our daily lives. The purpose of this lesson is to increase your desire and ability to study the scriptures daily and receive promised blessings that accompany scripture study.

Daily scripture study

If a person wanted to get stronger by doing push-ups, what would he or she have to do? How long might it take to see a noticeable increase in strength? What challenges might a person have to overcome?

  • How might this relate to studying the scriptures?

Read the following statements by President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) and Julie B. Beck, then First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, and review what they teach about scripture study:

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President Thomas S. Monson

Spending time each day in scripture study will, without doubt, strengthen our foundations of faith and our testimonies of truth. (Thomas S. Monson, “How Firm a Foundation,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 68)

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President Julie B. Beck

Though I do not consider myself to be an expert, … I am grateful I started the lifetime habit of reading [the scriptures]. It would be impossible to learn the lessons the scriptures contain by reading them only one time through or studying selected verses in a class. (Julie B. Beck, “My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 107)

  • What did you find?

Consider how you feel about your study of the scriptures.

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  1. In your study journal, complete the following:

Scripture Study Evaluation

Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)—“Studying the Scriptures”

Rate yourself on the following statements on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being low and 5 being high):

  • Studying the scriptures every day is a priority for me.

  • I am aware of and use scripture study skills (prayer, pondering, footnotes, notes, and so forth) that help me better understand the scriptures.

  • I understand what I read in the scriptures.

  • Studying the scriptures helps me feel closer to Jesus Christ.

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Blessings for studying the scriptures

Regardless of how you ranked in the previous evaluation, you can grow in your desire and ability to receive the blessings of the scriptures. Understanding the blessings associated with meaningful scripture study can help motivate that growth.

Read the following verses, looking for blessings that come from studying the scriptures.

  • What truths associated with scripture study can you identify from these verses?

  • Which of these truths or blessings have you experienced?

For additional blessings that come from scripture study, see “Optional: Want to Learn More?”

How can I get more from my scripture study?

  • What could help a person get more out of his or her scripture study?

Read the following statement by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and look for additional skills that could help scripture study be more impactful.

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Elder D. Todd Christofferson

It is a good thing sometimes to read a book of scripture within a set period of time to get an overall sense of its message, but for conversion, you should care more about the amount of time you spend in the scriptures than about the amount you read in that time. I see you sometimes reading a few verses, stopping to ponder them, carefully reading the verses again, and as you think about what they mean, praying for understanding, asking questions in your mind, waiting for spiritual impressions, and writing down the impressions and insights that come so you can remember and learn more. Studying in this way, you may not read a lot of chapters or verses in a half hour, but you will be giving place in your heart for the word of God, and He will be speaking to you. (D. Todd Christofferson, “When Thou Art Converted,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 11)

  • What do you see in these ideas that could bless your scripture study experience?

Take the next 5 or 10 minutes to try using the suggestions given by Elder Christofferson. Take time to ponder, reread, pray, ask questions, and write impressions. Here are some possible scripture passages you might use (feel free to select different Book of Mormon passages).

Mosiah 3; Alma 32; 3 Nephi 11

  • What was your experience studying the scriptures in this way?

  • How would studying in this way influence your personal scripture study?

Make a scripture study goal

One of the purposes of seminary is to help you draw closer to Jesus Christ through daily study of the scriptures. To help you, there is a seminary credit requirement to read the current year’s book of scripture at least 75 percent of the semester calendar days.

Seek inspiration through the Holy Ghost to set a personal study goal. To help, begin by offering a prayer to seek inspiration from Heavenly Father. Think about the following questions as you set a goal:

  • When and where could I study my scriptures daily?

  • How much time each day will I study?

  • What can I do to invite the Holy Ghost more fully into my scripture study experience?

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  1. Record your scripture study goal and plan for accomplishing it.