Ready for my top 3 scripture study tips?!
Doctrine & Covenants 26:1 says, “Let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures.”
On this account for the past 2+ years, I have literally lived and breathed studying the scriptures.
But… it hasn’t always been easy or come naturally to me.
It’s been a culmination of years of trying new approaches, and letting go of some of the “rules” that I realized weren’t helping me.
Since the Lord asked Joseph, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer to study the scriptures in Section 26, I wanted to share my 3 favorite scripture study tips today!
1) Pray with a purpose!
I’ve always heard to start my scripture study with a prayer, but for years I just bowed my head and asked for the Spirit to be with me.
This is totally fine, but my study completely transformed when I started being real with Heavenly Father before I read.
My prayers started sounding like: “Dear Heavenly Father, I feel really alone. Please help me feel comforted as I read.”
Praying with a purpose has set the scene for Heavenly Father to answer my authentic prayers in the scriptures.
2) Never read without a pen!
I used to wonder what people were actually writing in their scriptures.
I eventually realized— I should be seeking after super strong spiritual experiences EVERY TIME I read the scriptures!
Instead of reading and waiting for something to hit me super hard before I go and get something to write with, I now ALWAYS read with a pen in my hand, showing the Spirit that I am ready the moment that personal revelation strikes.
3) Leave time to ponder afterward!
Most of my communication with God comes from just sitting still.
It is so easy to just finish my reading for the day, close the book and move on.
Instead, intentionally leaving 5 minutes or so at the end of scripture study time for my mind to wander on what I’ve just read has made all the difference.
Those are my three tips! They are simple, but they have completely transformed my relationship with the written word of God.
What other study tips would you add to this list that have helped you?
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
8 Responses
Looking up the meaning of words o think I know like meek, grace. So many words that give the scriptures more depth.
Thank you
Ooo that’s a great one! Really pondering on what all of those words mean. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing these tips with us. They are very good and I plan to incorporate them into my scripture studies.
I’m so glad they are helpful! They are some of my favorites 🙂
I have found when I read the scriptures with a question in mind I get a lot more out of them .eg how did the righteous people get protected by the Lord.
Love that! Having a question in mind is a great tip!
When you pray at night, express gratitude for inspiration you felt from the day’s scripture study. Ask further questions you might have had pop into your mind since then. Let Heavenly Father know that your willingness to be tutored further doesn’t end with the day’s scripture reading.
Such a great addition to my study tips. Thank you!