Scripture Power


tools
Need More Scripture Power? Try using the following tools and quotes from prophets to help you get get it.  Click on the topic to jump to the section 

 Scripture Study Methods and Skills


Name substitution: To help you relate doctrines and principles from the scriptures to your life, substitute your name for a name in the scriptures. Try using this scripture study skill with Peter’s name in Matthew 16:15–17.

Cause and effect: To help you identify gospel principles in the scriptures, look for “if–then” and “because–therefore” relationships. Try using this skill with Matthew 6:14–15.

Scripture lists: The scriptures often contain lists of things such as instructions or warnings. When you find lists, consider numbering each element. Try using this skill with Galatians 5:22–23.

Contrasts: The scriptures often contrast ideas, events, and people. These contrasts emphasize gospel principles. Look for contrasts in single verses, in chapters, and across chapters and books. Try this skill with Matthew 5:14–16.

Visualization: Look for descriptive details that can help you create a mental picture as you read. Imagine being present at certain events. This can strengthen your testimony of the reality of what you read in the scriptures. Try this skill with Matthew 8:23–27.

Symbolism: Words such as like, as, or likened unto can help you identify symbols. Look beyond a symbol by exploring its nature and pondering its attributes. Scripture study aids such as footnotes, the Bible Dictionary, and the Topical Guide or Guide to the Scriptures can help you interpret some symbols. Try using this study skill with Matthew 13:24–30.

Cross-references: Often, one scripture passage can explain or clarify a phrase or concept found in a different passage. Link scripture passages to each other by using the footnotes, the index, or the Topical Guide or Guide to the Scriptures to help unlock the meaning of a scripture passage. Practice this skill by reading John 10:16 and then following the cross-reference in footnote a to 3 Nephi 15:21. How does reading 3 Nephi 15:21 help you better understand the meaning of John 10:16?

Pondering: Pondering includes thinking, meditating, asking questions, and evaluating what you know and what you have learned. Pondering often helps us understand what we need to do to apply gospel principles. Ponder how you might apply the truths in Hebrews 12:9.

Applying: As you identify and understand doctrines and principles found in the scriptures, you can gain deeper knowledge by acting on the truths you have discovered. Jesus Christ said that “if any man will do [Heavenly Father’s] will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). Look for opportunities to apply what you learn as you study the scriptures on your own.

ADVICE FROM PROPHETS ABOUT HOW TO GET MORE OUT OF THE SCRIPTURES:

  1. DIG IN--“One must prospect through and dig into the scriptures like a miner searching for precious metal. Scattered here and there are nuggets, some pure, some alloyed with other doctrines. Occasionally one strikes a rich vein which will yield all that one is willing to earn, for the scriptures do not explain nor interpret themselves.” (Boyd K. Packer, Things of the Soul, p.169)
  2. PAY THE PRICE--It has been my experience in life that most of my gospel teachers didn’t prepare me quite for the effort that the prize takes…I have tasted sweetness in the scriptures, but it never came easily. I know that the price of getting that sweet taste of the scriptures is tremendous effort. You better teach me that it takes effort.” Henry B. Eyring, “Improving Teaching”, March 1983
  3. CONCENTRATED DAILY STUDY-- “Those who delve into the scriptural library, however, find that to understand requires more than casual reading or perusal–there must be concentrated study. It is certain that one who studies the scriptures every day accomplishes far more than one who devotes considerable time one day and then lets days go by before continuing. Not only should we study each day, but there should be a regular time set aside when we can concentrate without interference…Many find that the best time to study is in the morning after a nights rest has cleared the mind of the many cares that interrupt thought. Others prefer to study in the quiet hours after the work and worries of the day are over and brushed aside, thus ending the day with a peace and tranquility that comes by communion with the scriptures. Perhaps what is more important than the hour of the day is that a regular time be set aside for study. It would be ideal if an hour could be spent each day; but if that much cannot be had, a half hour on a regular basis would result in substantial accomplishment. A quarter of an hour is little time, but it is surprising how much enlightenment and knowledge can be acquired in a subject so meaningful. The important thing is to allow nothing else to ever interfere with our study. We should not be haphazard in our reading but rather develop a systematic plan for study. There are some who read to a schedule of a number of pages or a set number of chapters each day or week. This may be perfectly justifiable and may be enjoyable if one is reading for pleasure, but it does not constitute meaningful study. It is better to have a set amount of time to give scriptural study each day than to have a set amount of chapters to read. Sometimes we find that the study of a single verse will occupy the whole time.” (Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, November 1979, pp. 64-65)
  4. GREAT EXERTION--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. Richard G. Scott, Ensign, November 1993, p.86
  5. PONDER--“The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out.” (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3:295.)
  6. PLAN AND HOLD SCRIPTURE TIME SACRED--I fear that many of us rush about from day to day taking for granted the holy scriptures. We scramble to honor appointments with physicians, lawyers, and businessmen. Yet we think nothing of postponing interviews with Deity - postponing scripture study. Little wonder we develop “anemic souls” and lose our direction in living. How much better it would be if we planned and held sacred fifteen or twenty minutes a day for reading the scriptures. Such interviews with Deity would help us recognize His voice and enable us to receive guidance in all of our affairs. We must look to God through the scriptures. (Carlos E. Asay, Ensign, November 1978, p. 53, 54)
  7. WALK WITH GREAT PEOPLE--"As we continually study the scriptures, what an opportunity it is not only to walk with great people, even to walk with the Lord Himself, but also to read and savor the majestic language of the prophets of old as that language was translated into words and phrases that are beautiful and powerful and moving" (Gordon B. Hinckley, Four Simple Things to Help Our Families and Our Nations. Ensign, September 1996, pgs. 8).
  8. GO WITH A QUESTION--Henry B. Eyring, “A Discussion on Scripture Study,” Ensign, July 2005, 22 "Throughout my life, the scriptures have been a way for God to reveal things to me that are personal and helpful. When I was a little boy, I was given a small Bible. If I remember correctly, it was only the New Testament. For some reason, I was drawn to 1 Corinthians 13, which is about charity. Somehow, even in my childhood, I knew that for me that chapter was about the family I would have someday. Years later, before I was married, I received a patriarchal blessing. In that blessing, the patriarch described the feeling that would be in the home I would someday have. He described exactly what I had felt years before when I read 1 Corinthians 13. The scriptures were one of the ways God spoke to me–even when I was a child–about my needs, my situation, and my life. They still are. Since our needs change over a lifetime, God has different things to tell us at different times. Sometimes I go to the scriptures for doctrine. Sometimes I go to the scriptures for instruction. I go with a question, and the question usually is “What would God have me do?” or “What would He have me feel?” Invariably I find new ideas, thoughts I have never had before, and I receive inspiration and instruction and answers to my questions.
  9. SEEK INSPIRATION THEN WRITE IT DOWN-- “While reading and studying the scriptures, ask for and seek revelation. Then when impressions, insights, and understanding come, all of which is revelation, write it.” (Jay E. Jensen, Treasure Up the Word, p. 122)
  10. CAN'T BE CASUAL--“There are those who have made a casual, even an insincere effort to test the scriptures and have come away having received nothing, which is precisely what they have earned and what they deserve. If you think it will yield to a casual inquiry, to idle curiosity, or even to well-intentioned but temporary searching, you are mistaken. It likewise will not yield to the overzealous or to the fanatic.” (Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 1974 p. 95)
  11. MAKE A RECORD--“As you read the scriptures, make a note of the ideas, feelings, impressions, and understandings you receive. I always read with a pad of paper or a Dictaphone nearby. When I find a great truth, I either take the time to write it down or I dictate my thoughts and feelings onto a tape. That way I can show the Lord that I esteem his words, and I can be sure not to lose what I have been given.” (Gene R. Cook, Searching the Scriptures, p. 112)
  12. CAN'T BE CASUAL OR INFREQUENT--“A casual, infrequent exposure to the scriptures will generally not open the door to the whisperings of the Spirit or provide insights into the Savior's life and character.” (Merrill J. Bateman, Ensign, November 1992, p. 27)
  13.  CAN'T BE POURED FROM ONE MIND TO ANOTHER--“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.” (Richard G. Scott, Ensign, November 1993, p. 87)
  14. IT TAKES EFFORT TO OBTAIN THE PRIZE--“It has been my experience in life that most of my gospel teachers didn't prepare me quite for the effort that the prize takes… I have tasted sweetness in the scriptures, but it never came easily. I know that the price of getting that sweet taste of the scriptures is tremendous effort. You better teach me that it takes effort.” (Henry B. Eyring, “Improving Teaching”, March 1983, an address to religious educators)
  15. SIX SUGGESTIONS FOR MORE EFFECTIVE, POWERFUL SCRIPTURE STUDY - Here are some practical suggestions that I hope will help you derive greater power from your study of the scriptures: 1) If possible, set a consistent time and place to study when you can be alone and undisturbed 2) Always have a marking pencil ready as you study. Make notations in the margins. Write cross-references. Make the scriptures yours by marking them. 3) Commit yourself to study for a set amount of time rather than to just read a chapter or a certain number of pages. 4) Study topically as well as chronologically. Both approaches have merit, but we need to go to the Topical Guide or the index from time to time and read all that the Lord has said on repentance, faith, or some other principle. 5) Take time to ponder, reflect, meditate, and pray about what you read. Ask yourselves questions such as “What can I learn from this passage that will help me come unto Christ and be more like Him?” 6) Let us then go to the Lord in prayer, pleading for help or answers, and those answers will come as we open the scriptures and begin to study them. (M.Russell Ballard, Ensign, July 2004, 8)
  16. CONVERT TELEVISION HABIT TO SCRIPTURE STUDY - "If you have a twenty-hour-a-week television habit [over 2 1/2 hours a day average], and would repent and convert it into a gospel-study habit, in one year you could read: 1) The Book of Mormon, 2) The Doctrine & Covenants, 3) The Pearl of Great Price, 4) The entire Bible 5) Jesus the Christ, 6) The Articles of Faith, 7) Gospel Principles 8) basic priesthood manual, 9) basic relief society manual, 10)basic children's manual, 11) all 3 volumes of Doctrines of Salvation, 12) The Miracle of Forgiveness, 13) The Promised Messiah, 14) Essentials in Church History, 15) re-read The Book of Mormon, 16) re-read the Doctrine & Covenants, 17) re-read the Pearl of Great Price, 18) re-read the entire Bible, 19) the Ensign magazine each month, 20) the New Era magazine each month, 21) the Friend magazine each month, 22) Church News magazine each week. This is based on your ability to read only ten pages an hour. The average person can read twenty pages or more an hour.  If you are "average", this would leave you with ten [more] hours a week to govern yourself in other kingdom building activities, such a keeping a personal journal, genealogy and temple work, improved home teaching, welfare services, civic and patriotic involvement to protect our freedom, and much more." (William R. Bradford, Ensign, November 1979, pp. 37-38)
  17.  QUALITY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN QUANTITY IN SCRIPTURE STUDY - When I say “study”, I mean something more than reading. It is a good thing sometimes to read a book of scripture within a set period of time to get an overall sense of its message, but for conversion, you should care more about the amount of time you spend in the scriptures than about the amount you read in that time. I see you sometimes reading a few verses, stopping to ponder them, carefully reading the verses again, and as you think about what they mean, praying for understanding, asking questions in your mind, waiting for spiritual impressions, and writing down the impressions and insights that come so you can remember and learn more. Studying in this way, you may not read a lot of chapters or verses in a half hour, but you will be giving place in your heart for the word of God, and He will be speaking to you. (D. Todd Christofferson, Ensign, May 2004, 11)
  18.  PONDERING THE SCRIPTURES IS MORE NOURISHING - The Holy Ghost will guide what we say if we study and ponder the scriptures every day. The words of the scriptures invite the Holy Spirit…. We treasure the word of God not only by reading the words of the scriptures, but by studying them. We may be nourished more by pondering a few words, allowing the Holy Ghost to make them treasures to us, than to pass quickly and superficially over whole chapters of scripture. (Henry B. Eyring, “Feed My Lambs”, Ensign, Nov. 1997, starts on p. 82)
  19.  GAINING SPIRITUAL EDUCATION REQUIRES MUCH TIME AND EFFORT - “Those who make their conclusions entirely according to their own ingenuity, their own brains, could make some very terrible and costly mistakes. Someone said, 'Many people are willing to plod along for 16 to 20 years, from grade one to a Ph.D., to learn medicine or engineering or psychology or mathematics or sociology or biology–to study, research, attend classes, pay tuitions, accept help from teachers and professors– and yet to learn about God, the maker of all, the author of it all, in a few intermittent prayers and some very limited hours of research, they feel they can find the truths about God.' That's why the Lord strictly sent us to the scriptures….” (Spencer W. Kimball, “The Cause Is Just and Worthy,” Ensign, May 1974, 119)
  20.  MORNING SCRIPTURE STUDY MAKES US RECEPTIVE TO THE SPIRIT - “Divine guidance is so crucial…that we need to go out of our way to put ourselves in a situation in which such special help an be given. President David O. McKay spoke of how the morning hours, before we are cluttered with the cares of day, are especially conducive to inspiration. Others have felt that solitude and reading the scriptures can create an atmosphere conducive to the Spirit…. After all, to read the words of Christ already before us is a good thing to do before asking for more.” (Neal A. Maxwell, Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.,  1977], 121.)
  21. THE GOSPEL SHOULD BE STUDIED MORE INTENSIVELY THAN COLLEGE SUBJECTS - It is a paradox [“something almost absurd which contradicts or goes against common sense, but yet is true”] that men will gladly devote time every day for many years to learn a science or art, and yet will expect to win a knowledge of the gospel, which comprehends all sciences and arts, through perfunctory [“routine, half-hearted, or superficial”] glances at books or occasional listening to sermons. The gospel should be studied more intensively than any school or college subject. They who pass opinion upon the gospel without having given it intimate and careful study are not lovers of the truth, and their opinions are worthless. (Elder John A. Widstoe, Improvement Era, May 1943, 289)
  22.  INDIVIDUAL SCRIPTURE READING IS IMPORTANT, BUT FAMILY SCRIPTURE READING IS VITAL. Reading the Book of Mormon together as a family will especially bring increased spirituality into your home and will give both parents and children the power to resist temptation and to have the Holy Ghost as their constant companion. I promise you that the Book of Mormon will change the lives of your family. (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.517) Ezra Taft Benson

Prophetic quotes that explain WHY we should study the scriptures

  1. THE SCRIPTURES ARE A RESERVOIR OF LIVING WATER
    Elder Bednar “The scriptures contain the words of Christ and are a reservoir of living water to which we have ready access and from which we can drink deeply and long. …
    “Through normal activity each day, you and I lose a substantial amount of the water that constitutes so much of our physical bodies. Thirst is a demand by the cells of the body for water, and the water in our bodies must be replenished daily. It frankly does not make sense to occasionally ‘fill up’ with water, with long periods of dehydration in between. The same thing is true spiritually. Spiritual thirst is a need for living water. A constant flow of living water is far superior to sporadic sipping” (“A Reservoir of Living Water” [Church Educational System fireside, Feb. 4, 2007], 1, 7, broadcast.lds.org).
  2. BECOME A HEARER AND A DOER OF THE WORD
    Spencer W. Kimball, “How Rare a Possession–The Scriptures,” Ensign, July 1985, 3
    Only the faithful will receive the promised reward, which is eternal life. For one cannot receive eternal life without becoming a “doer of the word” (see James 1:22) and being valiant in obedience to the Lord's commandments. And one cannot become a “doer of the word” without first becoming a “hearer.” And to become a “hearer” is not simply to stand idly by and wait for chance bits of information; it is to seek out and study and pray and comprehend. Therefore the Lord said, “Whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me.” (D&C 84:52)
    Besides the almost constant encouragement and promptings which we receive from our present-day leaders, the prophets of old seem to cry out to us in almost every page of the scriptures, urging us to study the word of the Lord, the holy scriptures, “which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:15)
  3. STUDY TO FIND ANSWERS
    Harold B. Lee, “Find the Answers in the Scriptures,” Ensign, Dec 1972, 2
    We need to teach our people to find their answers in the scriptures. … But the unfortunate thing is that so many of us are not reading the scriptures. We do not know what is in them, and therefore we speculate about the things that we ought to have found in the scriptures themselves. I think that therein is one of our biggest dangers of today.
  4. DON'T NEGLECT
    “One would not forgo partaking of the sacrament because he is trying to lose weight, yet some neglect the scriptures because they are too busy minding the pressing cares of the world.”
    (Neal A. Maxwell, The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book, p. 300)
  5. FOOTBALL ANALOGY COMPARED TO SCRIPTURE STUDY; WE MUST KNOW THE BASICS - While I was in high school in Oakley, Idaho, the school board was finally able to raise enough money to buy us football uniforms. Our coach was the chemistry teacher. He had seen a game one time, and so he taught us how to tackle and run a few simple plays. The rest of us had never seen an actual team play. Our first game was against Twin Falls, Idaho, the previous year's state high school champs. Well, as you can imagine, the game was interesting. We tried a couple of plays and didn't go anywhere, so we kicked the ball to get rid of it. Each time we got the ball, we kicked, and each time they got the ball, they scored. Near the end of the game, when we were battered and beaten, Twin Falls started to get a little reckless. Clifford Lee, who was playing halfback with me, had one of their wild passes land right in his arms. He wondered what to do with it. He saw them coming after him, so he started to run for his life. He scored a touchdown. We didn't try an extra point because we didn't have anyone who could kick one. The final score was 106 to 6. Our team lost so badly because we had not mastered the basics of football. In life when there is something to be done, we have to learn the basics. They are taught in the scriptures. None of them has changed. We have to learn to obey the simple, basic rules of the gospel that are necessary for us to advance. (David B. Haight, “The Basics Have Not Changed,” Friend, Sept. 1998, inside front cover, adapted from April 1997 conference address. See Ensign, May 1997, p. 37-39)
  6. PRES. HINCKLEY'S DESCRIBES HIS “LOVE AFFAIR” WITH THE SCRIPTURES: I love to read the scriptures, and try to do so consistently and repeatedly….For me, the reading of the scriptures is…a love affair with the word of the Lord….I love the King James Version of the Bible….I delight in the spirit and the language of the Book of Mormon. I love the words of modern revelation…. I urge our people everywhere to read the scriptures more – to study all of them together for a harmony of understanding in order to bring their precepts into our lives. (Gordon B. Hinckley, New Era, December 1985, 9-10)
  7. SCRIPTURE STUDY COMPARED TO A CELESTIAL COMPASS - When was the last time we checked our 'celestial compass' to see if we are still on course?…. When we fail to search the scriptures, we may find ourselves going the wrong way on a one-way highway…. Schedule a time to search the scriptures daily. Scripture study is such an essential part of our 'spiritual nourishment' that we must take time and make it a priority in our daily schedule. Our spirits should never be deprived of the much-needed 'spiritual nourishment' which comes from scripture study. Without this 'spiritual food', our spirits become starved and weakened to temptation. (L. Lionel Kendrick, Conf. Report, April 1993, p. 13,15)
  8. IF WE DO NOT HAVE A DAILY HABIT OF SCRIPTURE STUDY, OUR TESTIMONIES ARE GROWING THINNER - Are you brethren continually increasing your testimony by diligent study of the scriptures? Do you have a daily habit of reading the scriptures? If we are not reading the scriptures daily, our testimonies are growing thinner, and our spirituality is not increasing in depth. We, ourselves, must be studying the scriptures and have a daily habit. (Pres. Harold B. Lee, Regional Representatives Seminar, 12 Dec. 1970, 10)
  9. SCRIPTURES ARE PRIZED POSSESSIONS, FOR YOU AND OLD, MALE AND FEMALE - “The words of truth and inspiration found in our four standard works are prized possessions to me. I never tire of reading them. I am lifted spiritually whenever I search the scriptures…. The holy scriptures are for children, to fill their eager minds with sacred truth. They are for youth, to prepare them for the challenges of our fast-moving world. They are for sisters, remembering Pres. Spencer W. Kimball's advice: 'We want our sisters to be scholars of the scriptures as well as our men.' They are for the brethren…that they may [become] 'men of a sound understanding [who have] searched the scriptures diligently'. I know these sacred books of scripture are the word of God. With all my soul, as a special witness, I testify that they are true.” (Thomas S. Monson, New Era, Dec.1985, 10-11)
  10. SCRIPTURES ARE THE BETTER PART OF THE WORLD'S LITERATURE: “The Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price do not contain the wisdom of men alone, but of God. . . . What mattereth it though we understand Homer and Shakespeare and Milton (and I might enumerate all the great writers of the world), if we have failed to read the scriptures, we have missed the better part of this world's literature.” (George Albert Smith, Conference Report, October 1917, 43.)
  11. SCRIPTURE STUDY HELPS US TEACH AND SHARE LIKE JESUS DID – FROM THE SCRIPTURES: Do we truly know the scriptures and, therefore, the power of God? Or do we err by trusting in man's wisdom? It is imperative that we…make scripture study an integral part of our daily life. Nephi counseled us wisely to 'feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do' (2 Ne. 32:3). Not only will such study strengthen us spiritually and help us to draw closer to the Lord, but it will also make it possible for us to teach as Jesus taught: from the scriptures…. Similarly, we too should be prepared to share with others the treasures we find through our study of the scriptures…. (Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Sept. 1995, 32)
  12. DON'T STUNT GROWTH--President Gordon B. Hinckley
    “Drink deeply from this ever-springing well of wisdom and human experience. If you should stop now, you will only stunt your intellectual and spiritual growth. Keep everlastingly at it. Read. Read. Read. Read the word of God in sacred books of scripture. Read from the great literature of the ages. Read what is being said in our day and time and what will be said in the future” (Brigham Young University Commencement, Apr. 27, 1995, 4–5).
  13. GO ASTRAY WITHOUT--Do not wonder at your sons and daughters going astray and losing the faith, when they do not read the word of God. (CR, Oct 1897, p.40) George Q. Cannon
  14. READ MORE SCRIPTURES--I admonish you, O Israel, search the scriptures; read them in your homes; teach your families what the Lord has said, and let us spend less of our time reading the unimportant and often harmful literature of the day, and go to the fountain of truth and read the word of the Lord. (CR, Oct, 1917, p.41.) George Albert Smith
  15. CASUAL SCRIPTURE STUDY-CASUAL PRAYERS
    If we become casual in our study of the scriptures we will become casual in our prayers. We may not cease to pray, but our prayers will become more repetitive, more mechanical, lacking real intent. Our hearts cannot be drawn out to a God we do not know, and the scriptures and the words of the living prophets help us know Him. As we know Him better, we love Him more. (Ensign, Nov. 2001, p.17) Elder Henry B. Eyring
  16. LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE WORD OF GOD
    Gordon B. Hinckley, “Feasting upon the Scriptures,” Ensign, Dec. 1985, 42
    I love our scriptures. I love these wonderful volumes, which set forth the word of the Lord–given personally or through prophets–for the guidance of our Father's sons and daughters. I love to read the scriptures, and I try to do so consistently and repeatedly. I like to quote from them, for they give the voice of authority to that which I say. I do not claim distinction as a scholar of the scriptures. For me, the reading of the scriptures is not the pursuit of scholarship. Rather, it is a love affair with the word of the Lord and that of his prophets. They contain so much for each of us.
    “I am grateful for emphasis on reading the scriptures. I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that 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.”
    (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1995, p. 99)

Promises Prophets Have Made About Reading the Scriptures.  Which one do you need today?

  1. RECEIVE REVELATION
    Elder Gene R. Cook, Raising up a Family to the Lord, p. 109
    One of the most important things learned in reading the scriptures is how to hear the voice of the Lord to us. Instruction comes not only from reading the words; when we prayerfully ponder them, the Lord can speak "between the lines" to us. In other words, he can speak to us about our current problems while we are reading the content of the scriptures. In fact, the very act of reading them (it almost doesn't matter where) seems to open the door to direction from the Lord if we approach our reading humbly. The scriptures are one of the greatest tools we have for communicating with the Lord. Elder Bruce R. McConkie once told me he had received more revelation while reading the scriptures than in any other way. I bear testimony that the same is true for me.
  2. INCREASES FAITH AND INSPIRATION
    “I think that people who study the scriptures get a dimension to their life that nobody else gets and that can't be gained in any way except by studying the scriptures. There's an increase in faith and a desire to do what's right and a feeling of inspiration and understanding that comes to people who study the gospel–meaning particularly the standard works–and who ponder the principles, that can't come in any other way.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Church News, 24 Jan. 1976, p. 4)
  3. THE HOLY GHOST WILL GUIDE US
    “The years have taught me that if we energetically pursue this worthy personal goal [of scripture study] in a determined and conscientious manner, we shall experience the Holy Ghost broadening our understanding, find new insights, witness an unfolding pattern of all scripture; and the doctrines of the Lord shall come to have more meaning to us than we ever thought possible. As a consequence, we shall have greater wisdom with which to guide ourselves and our families so that we may serve as a light and source of strength to our nonmember friends with whom we have an obligation to share the gospel.” (Spencer W. Kimball, Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 135)
  4. INCREASE OUR LOVE FOR GOD AND HIS CHURCH
    “I find that all I need to do to increase my love for my Maker and the gospel and the Church and my brethren is to read the scriptures. I have spent many hours in the scriptures during the last few days. I prescribe that for people who are in trouble. I cannot see how anyone can read the scriptures and not develop a testimony of their divinity and of the divinity of the work of the Lord, who is the spokesman in the scriptures.” (Spencer W. Kimball, Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 135)
  5. RECEIVE OWN WITNESS
    “Search the scriptures–search the revelations which we publish and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to magnify the truth unto you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on men for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.”  (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet JS, pp. 11-12)
  6. ANSWERS ALL QUESTIONS
    “If your students are acquainted with the revelations, there is no question–personal or social or political or occupational–that need go unanswered. Therein we find principles of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilemma that will face the human family or any individual in it.” (Boyd K. Packer, Teach the Scriptures, Address to Religious Educators, Oct. 13, 1977, p. 5)
  7. POWER IN CALLINGS
    “Let us not treat lightly the great things we have received from the hand of the Lord! His word is one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings.” 
    (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1986, p. 2)
  8. TESTIMONIES WILL INCREASE
    “Bend your efforts and your activities to stimulating meaningful scripture study among the members of the Church. Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes. We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of our young men on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1986, p. 81)
  9. PERSONAL URIM AND THUMMIM
    The idea that scripture reading can lead to inspiration and revelation opens the door to the truth that a scripture is not limited to what it meant when it was written but may also include what that scripture means to a reader today. Even more, scripture reading may also lead to current revelation on whatever else the Lord wishes to communicate to the reader at that time. We do not overstate the point when we say that the scriptures can be a Urim and Thummim to assist each of us to receive personal revelation.
    Because we believe that scripture reading can help us receive revelation, we are encouraged to read the scriptures again and again. By this means, we obtain access to what our Heavenly Father would have us know and do in our personal lives today. That is one reason Latter-day Saints believe in daily scripture study.”
    (Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Jan. 1995, 8)
  10. DISTANCE TO GOD NARROWS
    “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. I find myself loving more intensely those whom I must love with all my heart and mind and strength, and loving them more, I find it easier to abide their counsel.” (Spencer W. Kimball, Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 135)
  11. SCRIPTURE STUDY HELPS US DEVELOP A TESTIMONY OF THE SAVIOR: “I have a great love for the scriptures. I love reading about the mortal life of Jesus Christ. There is so much in His life that can lift and inspire and strengthen us in our times of need… In the choices we make in life, we need to know the Savior. His simple admonition 'Come … follow me' could transform human existence if we would let it. He has the power to make our burdens light if we will turn to Him. As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I have the opportunity to bear testimony as a sacred witness of the Savior. My greatest desire is that my testimony might penetrate the hearts of those who hear it.” (Elder Robert D. Hales, “Special Witnesses of Christ”, Ensign, Apr. 2001, starts on p. 4)
  12. SCRIPTURE STUDY HELPS DEVELOP A “SPIRITUAL MEMORY” IN THOSE WHO READ - “The holy scriptures represent mankind's spiritual memory. And when man's connection with scripture is severed, mortals are tragically deprived of an awareness of spiritual history, blinding the eyes of faith. Thereby shorn of true identity, mortals keep their legs intact, but each walks in his own way. Their arms are acquisitive, but do not reach out in an understanding embrace of life. Their ears function, but they no longer hear the word of the Lord. Though created in God's image, those thus severed soon forget their Maker.” (Neal A. Maxwell, “God Will Yet Reveal,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 52)
  13. SCRIPTURE STUDY ENABLES US TO HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD – There are certain blessings that attend the study of the scriptures which are denied those whose studies and interests are in different fields. It is the study of the scriptures that enables men to receive revelations for themselves…. There is [a] way to hear the voice of the Lord, and, almost universally, it should be our first approach in seeking revelation…. If the Spirit bears witness to us of the truth of the scriptures, then we are receiving the doctrines in them as though they had come to us directly. Thus, we can testify that we have heard His voice and know His words. Let us now highly resolve that we will search the scriptures and make them a part of all that we do. (Bruce R. McConkie, New Era, Dec. 1985, 12-13)
  14. WE STAND ON HOLY GROUND WHEN WE READ THE SCRIPTURES - I, too, have a strong testimony of the divinity of the scriptures. I pray that the Lord will grant us entrance into them and that, when we enter therein, we will know that we stand on holy ground. (Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, April 1988, 75)
  15. SCRIPTURES HAVE ANSWERS BECAUSE READING THEM INCREASES OUR RECEPTIVITY TO THE SPIRIT - The scriptures can also help us obtain answers to highly specific personal questions. It is obvious, of course, that the scriptures do not contain a comprehensive list of specific answers to every question we could ask about a particular subject…. [But they do have answers to all of our questions]…. Even though [at times] the scriptures [may not contain] words to answer our specific personal question, a prayerful study of the scriptures will help us obtain such answers. This is because scripture study will make us susceptible to the inspiration of the Holy Ghost…by whose power we can 'know the truth of all things'. (Dallin H. Oaks, Studying the Scriptures, BYU-Hawaii Campus Devotional, 14 March 1986, 17-19)
  16. ANSWERS TO ALL OF LIFE'S CHALLENGES, PROBLEMS, AND QUESTIONS ARE FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURES - If your students are acquainted with the revelations [in the scriptures], there is no question–personal or social or political or occupational–that need go unanswered… Therein we find principles of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilemma that will face the human family or any individual in it. (Boyd K. Packer, “Teach the Scriptures”, address to C.E.S., 14 Oct. 1977, p. 5)
  17. SCRIPTURE STUDY PROVIDES A CALMING INFLUENCE AMIDST THE TURMOILS OF LIFE - Deep spiritual impressions come to us as we read the scriptures. Those impressions come long before we have read them all. The reading of the scriptures, whether from beginning to end, or following a subject from book to book, brings a tempering, soothing feeling to us, even in the midst of the turmoils of life. (Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, December 1985, p. 53
  18. SCRIPTURE STUDY IS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST BEING DECEIVED - Who is it that is deceived in this Church? Not the man who has been faithful in the discharge of duty; not the man who has made himself acquainted with the word of the Lord; not the man who has practiced the commandments given in these revelations; but the man who is not acquainted with the truth, the man who is in spiritual darkness, the man who does not comprehend and understand the principles of the gospel. Such a man will be deceived, and when these false spirits come among us, he may not understand or be able to distinguish between light and darkness. (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3 vols., edited by Bruce R. McConkie [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-1956], 1:286.)
  19. BRINGS UNDERSTANDING AND WARMTH
    I promise you that if you will read the words of that writing which we call scripture, there will come into your heart an understanding and a warmth that will be pleasing to experience. 'Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.' (John 5:39) read… the Gospel of John… Let the Lord speak for himself to you, and his words will come with a quiet conviction that will make the words of his critics meaningless. Read also the testament of the New World, the Book of Mormon, brought forth as a witness 'that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations. (Book of Mormon Title Page) (CR, Apr. 1966, 87) Gordon B. Hinckley
  20. FORTIFY THE SAINTS
    "This is an answer to the great challenge of our time. The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life" ("The Power of the Word," Ensign, May 1986, 80). Pres. Ezra Taft Benson