Are you benefiting from your scripture study? Or are you simply plugging along? Do you ever wish that you could study the scriptures more deeply? Do you skip over words that you do not know? Do you ever read a page only to realize that you don’t remember a single thing you have read? Here are five easy tips to help you delve a little deeper into the scriptures.
1) Create a time and place for studying. If you set aside time when you can study every day this will help you have a set time to study. You should create an environment that is conducive to learning. It can be a clear space on your desk or on the couch. You may want to have quiet music playing or complete quiet. You may need to study before your children wake up or after they go to bed.
2) Use the tools that you have available to you to help you understand the scriptures. You can use the topical guide, the Bible dictionary and a normal dictionary to help you study. You can also use Sunday school manuals and student guides, as well as the Seminary lesson books to help you. You can get these materials through the distribution center. You can also use General Conference talks.
3) Be sure to take notes and mark your scriptures. An easy way to increase your retention is to summarize what the passage is about. Marking your scriptures can make it easier to find a certain passage later on. I also like to write definitions in the margins if there is a word that I am not sure of.
4) You should begin and end your scripture study with prayer. This will help you bring the spirit into your study and open your heart so that you can be taught. You should also actively be seeking learning from the scriptures. Try to apply the chapters you have read to your own life and see what you can take away.
5) Treat your scripture study the same way you would study for a class in college. Take the time to read and really digest the words. Make sure you understand what each chapter is saying. Apply the principles you are studying and pray that you can gain a testimony of the principles. The concepts of the gospel are the most important things that we can learn in this life.
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