Lesson: How Can I Improve My Scripture Study?

Journal:

1. What have you been studying lately?

2. What is your daily plan for scripture study? Do you look up things by topic?  Do you read one chapter after another?  Do you keep a scripture journal?  How many pages/verses/chapters do you like to read per day?
3. How do you feel that you could improve your scripture study?

Scriptural Immersion Quote

Write on the board before class, "Immersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment." - Quentin L. Cook

What does it mean to immerse yourself in the scriptures?  What is the difference between that and just reading to meet a daily/weekly/yearly goal?

Matching Activity

I borrowed this idea from a post on Sugardoodle.  Kristy created a variation of Jeopardy with scripture references and questions that help us to understand the importance of personal scripture study.  I printed out the board on cardstock so I can use it again next year.  I also printed off an extra copy of the scriptures so that I can keep up with which column they go in.  To get her wonderful handout, visit the Sugardoodle.net page here.

Study Aids Activity (taken from Kar's Kith and Kin - I love this woman!)

Next week is Fast and Testimony meeting, so I thought it would be a great time to discuss what a testimony is and how we share it.  Before discussing the following, I will have the youth come up with what a testimony is and write it on the board.  Then I will tell them that we are going to study the scriptures about what is tells us a testimony is and how to share ours.  Each youth (I only have 3 so someone will need to double up) will take one of the following and start studying "testimony".  Once they've learned a little more, we will then revisit what was put on the board and add to it.  I am also going to challenge them to bear their testimonies next week during Sacrament meeting. 

Bible Dictionary: To appreciate the enrichment that the Bible Dictionary provides, look up the word grace (page 697). Study the definition carefully. Then read the scripture references provided. These verses of scripture have greater significance when you ponder the definition of grace. Pick your favorite of these scriptures and be prepared to share it with the class.

Footnotes: The most common type of footnote is a cross-reference to other scripture passages in the standard works. These additional passages often clarify or add insight to the passage you are reading. For example, look up Doctrine and Covenants 11:21. Read the verse, and then read the passages listed in footnote b. How do these passages increase your understanding of the verse? Write your answer here and be prepared to share it.

Topical Guide: Turn to the Topical Guide in your scriptures and look up the word abide.Note that the names of books of scripture appear in bold. Scripture passages from each book follow. Each scripture passage in the list contains the word abide, shown by the abbreviation a. Pick your favorite scripture and be prepared to share it with the class.

Chapter Headings: The major principles in the Word of Wisdom are described in the heading for Doctrine and Covenants 89. Read these principles in the heading and then highlight them in the scripture text. Be prepared to tell us which parts of which verses you highlighted.


Week of Studying

A few months back I challenged my class to read the entire Book of Mormon from cover to cover by the end of the year.  With that, once they had completed the Book of Mormon, I wanted them to sincerely ask in faith if what they read was true.  I accepted the challenge as well and told them I would be reading the same scriptures alongside them.  Collectively, we haven't been too good at keeping up with the challenge.  That's why I'm excited for this week's lesson!

I was on www.rockpaperscriptures.com and I saw a great printable for a week's worth of studying by topic.  It includes ideas for 7 days of studying starting with coming up with questions about the topic and ending with your testimony at the end of the week.  Next month we will be talking about the Priesthood, what better topic to renew our dedication to scripture study as a class?!

Here is a snapshot of what will be asked for each day.  The full printable can be reached at the original website here. 

We are going to start off slow, one week at a time.  If we can all study the priesthood every day for this next week, I will bring in a special treat for my class.  Then we will continue to read week by week until we can dedicate ourselves to completing the Book of Mormon challenge.