“I find that when I get casual in my relationship with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.” (Teachings, p.135)
I have decided to start a blog to help me in studying the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I want to dive into the scriptures more deeply and decided that this would work just as good as a journal. My Stake President has challenged our stake to set a goal each month that will help us draw closer to the Savior. It is almost April and I decided that I was going to focus on studying the scriptures as well as certain gospel topics.
I came across a blog today with lots of tips on how to study the scriptures. Her blog is www.theredheadedhostess.com. She has a bookmark that I printed and laminated with tips for studying. I also made one for my Visiting Teaching partner and the ladies that I visit teach. This bookmark lists 5 steps we should take while studying the scriptures. The are: Ask, Search, Ponder, Write, and Thank.
1 - Ask
- Pray before you begin to study
- 2 Nephi 32:4
- President Boyd K. Packer “No message appears in scripture more times, in more ways than "Ask and Ye Shall Receive.‟” (Ensign, November 1991, p.21)
- Pray for what or where to study
- Pray for further understanding and insight about what you are reading
- Pray with specific questions
- D&C 42:61
- If the scriptures were written by revelation – they must be received by revelation
- Elder David A. Bednar “I believe it will be essential for all of us to increase our capacity to seek learning by faith. In our personal lives, in our families, and in the church, we can and will receive the blessings of spiritual strength, direction, and protection as we seek by faith to obtain and apply spiritual knowledge.” (“Seek Learning By Faith”, Address to CES Religious Educators, February 3, 2006)
- Approach your scriptures in a careful study rather than a casual one
- Alma 17:2
- Use the footnotes, Bible Dictionary and Index
- Search other sources for further understanding
- 2 Nephi 38:30
- It takes work to learn line upon line, precept upon precept
- Elder Richard G. Scott “Profound spiritual truth cannot simply be poured from one mind and heart to another. It takes faith and diligent effort. Precious truth comes a small piece at a time through faith with great exertion, and at times wrenching struggles. The Lord intends it be that way so that we can mature and progress.” (Ensign, November 1993, 86)
- President Henry B. Eyring “We can and must go often and carefully to the word of God. If we become casual in our study of the scriptures, we will become casual in our prayers.” (Ensign, November 2001, 17)
- Take time to pause and think about what you are studying. Allow the spirit to teach you.
- D&C 138:29
- Elder Robert D. Hales “The Spirit of God… will be as soft as a whisper coming as a thought to our minds or a feeling in our hearts…. Choose to put yourself in a position to have experiences with the Spirit of God through prayer, in scripture study, at church meetings, in your home, and through wholesome interactions with others.” (Ensign, May 2006, 7)
- Elder Neal A. Maxwell “Only with revelation can we do the Lord‟s work according to his will in his way and according to His timing.” (Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, January 2003, 5)
4- Write
- As you receive insights, record them in a scripture journal
- D&C 76:113
- Elder Gene R. Cook “I've found… that when you're trying to learn from the Lord and you feel an impression from the Spirit… its important to make a note so it will not be forgotten. The more you not only hear but abide by what you've been told, the more the Lord will give you. It will come more and more rapidly and you will begin to hear and feel those impressions of the Spirit more quickly than you have previously done.” (Address to Religious Educators, September 1, 1989)
- Elder Neal A. Maxwell “The prompting that goes unresponded to may not be repeated. Writing down what we have been prompted with is vital. A special thought can be lost later in the day through the rough and tumble of life. God should not, and may not, choose to repeat the prompting if we assign what is given such a low priority as to put it aside.” (Press Forward, 122)
5- Thank
- Continually recognize the revelation you are receiving and express gratitude to Heavenly Father, in prayer, for what you are learning.
- D&C 78:19
