For some, reading the scriptures might feel easy. Perhaps they have taken literature classes and are used to wading through new verbiage. Or maybe they have read the scriptures for years and years, and as a result they are quite familiar with scriptural languages.
But for others, reading the scriptures is new territory. They are not used to the words, the phrases, nor are they familiar with the people or customs within these ancient accounts. If this is you, don’t worry. This blog and many of the blogs here at
I have to tell you that on any day that I’m feeling low or discouraged or especially sad, the scriptures pick me up. I first discovered a love for them during my high school years. I would find a private place and settle in to read the stories in both the Bible and in the Book of Mormon. Those stories of people who lived long ago instructed me in ways during my high school years that perhaps adults couldn’t (remember, I was a teen!).
And one of the most effective scripture study techniques I learned back then was to insert my name in the scripture stories. (The teen study guide for the Doctrine & Covenants suggests this also in the “Studying the Scriptures” section.)
So for example, look at these verses in Doctrine and Covenants 30:1-2:
“1 Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.
2 But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.”
Now imagine how the verse transforms by simply inserting my name in it:
“1 Behold, I say unto you, Cindy, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.
2 But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.”
The verses comes so quickly to life! This technique can easily work for you too. Simply click here to study the scriptures. Remember to insert your name as you read. It may not always apply, but I dare say that by using this scripture study technique, the scriptures will come to life for you in new ways!
