With the conditions in the world being what they are, the scriptures become more and more a tired or discouraged or sad, the scriptures will restore my soul.
I’m so grateful for the peace they bring! And beyond the peace they offer, the scriptures also bring insight and wisdom for those who spend enough time within them. And here is one technique that helps me greatly during scripture study: Look for Connecting Words.
I learned of this technique when I read one of the study guides for studying scriptures published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons). The study guide in particular I refer to is published for high school kids who are taking seminary classes during their high school years.
These seminary classes are without charge – and any fourteen to eighteen year old may attend. Sometimes the classes are offered as a released-time class during the high school day; other seminary classes (depending on the area) are offered in the early hours of the morning before high school starts for the day.
These seminary manuals are actually available for anyone to study online! Isn’t that great? Not only does each manual explore a book of scripture in depth (New Testament, Old Testament, etc.), but the manuals also contain additional resources to help you in scripture study.
One of those great resources is a long series of suggestions on how to get more out of your personal scripture study. This is where I learned about the great study skill: Look for Connecting Words.
Here is what the seminary manual for the Doctrine and Covenants, for example, says on page 4:
“Connecting words include AND, BUT, BECAUSE, THEREFORE, AND NEVERTHELESS. As you read these words, notice what they help you understand about two or more ideas. Sometimes they show how two or more things are similar or different.”
The manual then suggests reading two verses from the Doctrine and Covenants 84:54-55, noting an important fact simply by noticing the word “because” and how it is used. Go ahead and try it!
Here is another example that the manual suggests exploring to learn more of how this technique can help you. Read Doctrine and Covenants 45:30-32 and look for the word “but”. Noting this word and the contrast it speaks to can help bring peace to a troubled soul during these final moments before the second coming of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Yes, absolutely, I love to study the scriptures. With the conditions in the world being what they are, the scriptures have very much become a beacon of peace for me. And with simple study techniques like looking for connecting words, the study comes alive and strengthens me tremendously.
If you would like to read more scriptures, visit the online scriptures and enjoy the experience!
