Resolution: Study Scriptures

It seems like I often make goals to improve my scripture study. Whether it's making it more meaningful, more frequent, or improving our family study, there is always some aspect that needs work. Here are some things I've found helpful as I, once again, examine my own scripture study efforts.

Frequency- Establishing Daily Study
In a 2005 Ensign Q&A, Henry B. Eyring said, "The only way you can be sure that a busy schedule doesn't crowd out scripture study is to establish a regular time to study the scriptures." This corresponds with the old adage "when you fail to plan, you plan to fail." It seems like a no-brainer, but I think back on how many times I have determined to read the scriptures, only to leave it until I crawl into bed at the very end of the day- physically and mentally exhausted and not prepared for study. If we want to establish a real habit, we have to carve out the time and be consistent.

Making Scripture Study More Meaningful-
If my scripture study has been off course and I am trying to get back to it, sometimes it feels difficult to have meaningful study right away. The introduction to the Institute manuals have some tips on improving the quality of our reading. Among other things, it suggests not being afraid to stop in your reading- delving deeper until you understand what your are reading, asking questions as you read to further understand, and writing down impressions as you study. I've heard Elder Scott mention the importance of writing down spiritual impressions more than once, promising that if we do, not only will we have access to that knowledge in the future, but that we will open ourselves for more impressions.

We are often reminded that scripture study becomes more meaningful the more we do it. This feels especially true to me. As the words and language become more comfortable, I come to enjoy reading and am far more likely to learn and feel the Spirit.

Family Study-
With different families come different practices that work best for scripture study. We have tried a few different things with our young family and I suspect we will try plenty more things as our children grow and change. As with personal study, I suspect that consistency is key. Elder Eyring says "For me...family scripture study works well only if your children know that you love the scriptures and they also know as individuals that you love them. Then whatever pattern you have will work. If scripture study is forced for either them or you, it doesn't have as much power."

No matter how difficult the path to better scripture study may be, we are promised it will be well worth it. President Hinkley said, "As you read, your minds will be enlightened and your Spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine."

A few resources from the tips page that may help in our scripture study goals:

http://scriptures.lds.org/
http://www.readthescriptures.com/
http://scriptures4kids.com/
http://sistersatthewell.org

And how could I forget! Our Relief Society has a scripture study group that meets every other week to share insight on an assigned set of readings. See the tab at the top of this page for the dates and reading!