Family Scripture Study

Last month I was asked to put together an exhibit focusing on ways to help encourage meaningful family scripture study at our annual Stake Relief Society event. The night was filled with moments of the spirit touching my heart, many chances to chat with ladies I haven't seen in a long time and even more that I didn't know (something like 400 hundred came...crazy packed), and was sprinkled with awkward moments here and there. Just what you expect of any stake activity. Anyways, I'm thankful for the chance to share my very elementary ideas and am even more thankful that it's over. 

Here are the ideas I shared to help increase the meaningfulness of family scripture study:

Study the scriptures together every day. Schedule a time that everyone can be together. This is often the hardest part about scripture study. Seek the guidance of the spirit to help determine what will work best for your circumstance.  Consider holding a Family Home Evening lesson on the subject of Family Scripture Study and devise a plan together.  Look up lesson Four (studying the scriptures together) in the Family Home Evening Resource Book for more help.

Set a specific amount of time that you will study as a family. For example; study for 30 minutes regardless of how many verses you get through. Or maybe you would rather set number of verses, chapters or pages instead. Prayerfully ponder what would be best for your family and invite your family to be part of the decision.

Be clear and realistic with your expectations. Be sure your children know what you expect from them and be sure that your expectations are appropriate. Expecting young children to read with you for 30 minutes may be unrealistic.

Read ahead and ponder ways to help your family understand.  Read ahead so that you can better answer questions as they arise. As you read ahead, be thinking of ways you could help your family understand and apply the reading. Maybe a simple demonstration or activity would help them learn the concept. Or perhaps acting the story out or drawing pictures would better fit what you are currently studying. At times reading by it’s self is perfectly adequate but at others your family may need something more.

Discuss things as you read. Ask your family questions. It will help them stay engaged. It will also help you get a feel for what they do, or do not, comprehend. Help them understand what it is you are reading by reviewing every so often.

Consider keeping a study journal. After studying, have your children record what they’ve learned.  For the pre-reader, you could have them draw a picture.

Begin with a prayer. It will help you to have the spirit with your family as you study together.

Know the needs of your family. No two families are alike, what works for my family may not work for yours. Don’t be afraid to try something new.

Teach with your heart. Unlike physics, mathematics, and other academic subjects, study of the gospel cannot be effective if only facts are involved. We must teach with our hearts. Our spirits must be in tune with our intellect if our children are to benefit from our efforts to teach them the value of gospel study.  "Family Scripture Study", Ensign, Sept. 1987, 42

Lastly, remember this promise from President Marion G. Romney:

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness”                                             

~President Marion G Romney Ensign, May 1980, 67­

I know that as we have made an effort to make studying the scriptures together a daily habit our testimonies have been strengthened. 

Correction: Turns out it was only last week. I've done a million things between last Thursday and now, it feels like it must have been further in the past. :)