The Visiting Teaching Message in the April 2009 Ensign is entitled Search the Scriptures Diligently. How do you study the scriptures? Do you read in the morning or evening? Do you study chronologically, or by subject? What works (or has worked) for you?
I usually study before bed, and usually study topically. I love cross-referencing across the standard works.
I try to stay current on the Sunday School reading, but am not always so good with that. But I do read every day in spite of the fact I’m usually behind on the lessons.
However, I have had some amazing experiences whn I start the Book of Mormon over with one particular question/concern in mind. I have been amazed how often I find answers, and how much I find.
When Pres. Hinckley invited us to read the Book of Mormon by a certain date, I had colored pencils in hand, and had designated some topics I wanted to capture throughout the book. I am still enjoying the fruits of that effort.
Lastly, I have, on occasion, purchased an inexpensive paperback Book of Mormon and really dug in on a topic. I did that last fall and it was great.
I usually read in the afternoon or evening, that being when I’m awake enough for it to do any good. My husband works swing shift, and I’m biologically a night owl anyway, so we live on an odd clock around our home.
I have a combination approach on organizing: I’m reading a chapter of the Book of Mormon and a section of the Doctrine and Covenants each day, with plans to keep cycling through the Book of Mormon and to do the D&C at least once more this year (next year I’ll switch to the Old Testament to stick with the Gospel Doctrine curriculum). I’m also doing a topical study (right now, it’s the “Doctrines of the Gospel” Institute manual). Fortunately for me, I’m a fast reader. 🙂 I’ve also used the Gospel Fundamentals and Gospel Principles manuals for my topical study, and am trying to decide between “Preach My Gospel” or a book called “21 Days Closer to Christ” as my next topical study.
I’m not very good about reading my scriptures as I should be…however, when I am reading the Book of Mormon, I am able to read from start to finish and learn a lot but it seems harder for me with the D&C. I’ve not studied the bible as much – other than the four gospels- – and this is something I would like to work on.
Amanda, I can relate to that. One thing that helps me with the Book of Mormon and the gospels is that there’s a story being told and a plotline. The D&C is more a set of instructions. Very valuable instructions, but can be harder to stick with and absorb (there are parts of the Old Testament, such as Leviticus and Numbers, that really bog me down as well. No storyline to hold interest and the info isn’t terribly useful or relevant to our time).
I have found that studying topics rather than reading straight through keeps me interested longer, I learn more, and I feel more inspired. Sometimes it is hard to find a topic, but if I’m in tune, Heavenly Father will tell me what I need to know and learn. It is important to read everything through at least once so you know what’s there, but after that, I have found studying topics to be best.
In January, it was six years ago, I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 24. May 2003 I was [baptized] as a member Church. My husband and children are not yet members. I am thankful for the Father of heaven, that gave me the opportunity to become a member of the Church of Jesus and move to the right path. I am grateful for Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. For six years I have learned many things. I know why I am here on earth and what I challenge. I feel happiness and love for that I can be an example of my husband, their children, grandchildren and I pray to see my relatives believed to be angry when people called him to me that paying tithes, turned to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ I have in my heart and I still desire to learn. Still attending the institute where I teach CVC. Responsibly with the every morning I preparing for Sunday’s primary, where I was President, and each week I teach children. I teach with the missionaries a new candidates. Before studying fonts pray. I pray also for the study of written thank you Heavenly Father and that helps me understand the gospel. My favorite verses are Alma 29:1-3. These verses, which I love because it expressed my desire to become missionary. I am grateful for the gospel and I re grateful for Joseph Smith, prophet, through whom the gospel was re. And I am grateful to Thomas S. Monson, living prophet.
Sorry, I don´t understand. I still learning English.
I have found that because I can never “find” the time to read I have to “make” time to read them or they never get read and then another day goes by without being uplifted, edified and protected. I have tried many things, sitting and reading, listening, listening & following along. But what I found works for me is if I read them out loud and usually to my little baby. They say we should read to them anyways and I’m with him 24/7 so that’s what I’ve been doing and I get so much more out of it because I am actually paying attention while I read aloud. Plus, I also love it when my baby chimes in and tries to talk to me about what I’m reading, it makes for some special moments. I track my progress with a printed reading chart and online with ReadTheScriptures.com because then I can see the progress my friends are making and it motivates me to read more when I know my friends are watching me too.
What a great idea to read the scriptures aloud to your baby. I’ll have to try that next go around, somehow novels always found their way next to my rocking chair. I’ll be more diligent to get the scriptures there as well.
One way I get extra scripture study time in is to have them downloaded onto my phone. That way, when I wait outside the school for school to let out or girl scouts or whatever I always have the scriptures handy for personal study.