Ideas to Improve Your Personal Scripture Study

The purposes of your personal study of the scriptures are to help you learn and live the principles of the gospel, receive revelation to guide your life, and help you prepare to share what you are learning with others. Here are some simple ways to enhance your study of the word of God in the scriptures.

Look for Jesus Christ

The scriptures teach us that all things testify of Christ (see 2 Nephi 11:4; Alma 30:44; Moses 6:63), so look for Him in all things. As you read, consider noting or marking verses that teach about the Savior and are especially meaningful to you.

Look for inspiring words and phrases

As you read, you may find that certain words and phrases impress you strongly and seem to be written for you. They may feel important and inspire and motivate you.

Look for gospel truths

Sometimes gospel truths are stated directly and sometimes they are implied through an example or story. As you read, ask yourself, “What eternal truth is taught in these verses?”

Listen to the Spirit

As you study, pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, even if they are unrelated to what you are reading. Those impressions may be the very things God wants you to know.

Liken the scriptures to your life

As you read, consider how the stories and teachings apply in your life. For example, how could Nephi’s experience with building a ship help you when you are asked to do difficult things? (See 1 Nephi 17:7–18:4).

Ask questions as you study

As you study the scriptures, questions may come to mind. As you continue to read, ponder these questions and look for answers. You can also look for answers to personal questions that have been weighing on your mind.

Use scripture study helps

As you study the scriptures, use the footnotes, the Topical Guide, the Bible Dictionary, the Guide to the Scriptures, and other study helps to gain additional insights into the verses you read.

Record your thoughts and feelings

There are many ways to record your experiences. For example, you could mark a meaningful word or phrase and write thoughts in the margins of your scriptures. You could also keep a journal of the insights, feelings, and impressions you receive as you study.

Study the words of latter-day prophets and apostles

Read what latter-day prophets and apostles have taught about the principles you find in the scriptures.

Share insights

Discussing principles from your personal study is not only a good way to teach others; it also helps strengthen your own understanding.

President Thomas S. Monson said: “As we read and ponder the scriptures, we will experience the sweet whisperings of the Spirit to our souls. We can find answers to our questions. We learn of the blessings which come through keeping God’s commandments. We gain a sure testimony of our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of Their love for us. When scripture study is combined with our prayers, we can of a certainty know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. …

“As we remember prayer and take time to turn to the scriptures, our lives will be infinitely more blessed and our burdens will be made lighter” (“We Never Walk Alone,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 122).