Maybe some of you are better at your scripture reading than I am.  All I can say is I am grateful for my Gospel Doctrine calling, because I take an entire week to study scripture, cruise the Internet, and gather other reading materials that will enlighten me enough to enrich other’s lives.  If I’m not learning something new, I’m not prepared enough to teach.  Likewise, if I’m just reading through my scriptures, and not getting anything out of them, I’m not fulfilling the commandment to study my scriptures.

So, what are the best techniques to really dig into the words of the God that we worship, to really understand his gospel, to strengthen us when we are weak, and inspire us to shout Hallelujah! at His wonders?

Everyone will have to find their own way, but I offer these few ideas to get you thinking:

• Just DO it! – For years I have wanted to read through the Psalms and pull out all of the verses that shout praises to Jesus Christ.  I finally decided to just do it and I have gone on an awesome ride.  When I’m finished with the Psalms, I will continue through the other books.  When I’m done with that, I might collect verses that teach me about the Atonement, the Gathering of Israel, the blessings of Joseph.  I could go on and on with various subjects.
• Gather information – This is what inspires me to love my scriptures.  When I have a question, or want to learn something specific, I search and gather from everywhere: scriptures, Internet, Conference addresses, family, class manuals, notes from talks, classes, journals, etc.  Gaining a broad understanding and learning what others have learned satisfies me to no end.

Tip:  When you search on the Internet put “LDS”, along with your topic, in the search engine to find like-minded results.  Some topics are interesting to see what other religions teach, but don’t get caught up on those paths.

• Use class manuals to discover topics – If you just can’t pinpoint anything to study at first, read next week’s lesson.  You may not want to follow the outline given, but you don’t have to.  Find a subject and study it until you are comfortable with your knowledge in it.
• When you are reading and you see something new to you, stop and check the footnotes, the Topical Guide, or the Dictionary and see where it all takes you.  Sometimes the footnotes can be a little frustrating, so seek further and wider.  LDS.org is a great resource.  You can search a scriptural phrase and it will bring up everywhere that phrase is found in the scriptures.  You can also search magazines and find articles where that topic was discussed.
• When you really understand something well, turn around and teach it to someone: a class, a husband, a friend, a child, your journal, etc.  If you can relay all of that information into something understood by someone else you will see the light go on in their eyes.  Together you will feel the enlightening edification of the Lord.  The moment you feel this, you won’t ever be the same.

Tip:  Make sure your audience is mostly receptive to your thoughts.  Know you are walking into a positive experience.  Teaching truths that you understand will strengthen you, fill you with love, and build your testimony.  Don’t throw these moments away, but cherish them and let them grow within you.

My scriptures are well marked up and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.  There are those who suggest you get a new set of scriptures to start fresh occasionally.  I don’t know…

Whenever I take a religion class, I write my notes IN my scriptures, either along the margins, or on the front or end pages.  Because of the small space, I am forced to write only what is truly important for me to remember in that moment of revelation.  I have stuff written in my scriptures that I have forgotten, so as I come upon a page, with a note, I feel again that surge of revelation that I felt from before.

If I knew my scriptures as well as I’m supposed to, maybe I would consider getting a fresh set.  Nah…

I have discovered a power within the scriptures found nowhere else.  I feel better about myself.  I have hope.  I have faith.  I know who I am and what I am expected to do.  I know my Savior and understand many things He has done for me.  I am happier when I discover these truths.  I’m not afraid of the world and the horrible things that happen on it.  I know I am loved, I belong, and I am needed in the kingdom of God.

And even when I don’t do it perfectly, I can move forward and keep trying.