Viewpoint: Call upon the Power of Scripture Every Day
Contributed By the Church News
A young man reads his scriptures. In recent general conference addresses, prophets and apostles have urged us to focus on consistent, daily scripture study.
Article Highlights
- We must set aside and honor time for study of the scriptures.
- Scriptures provide spiritual protection through the Holy Ghost.
- We can receive new inspiration and comfort each time we study the scriptures.
“Time for scripture study requires a schedule that will be honored. Otherwise, blessings that matter most will be at the mercy of things that matter least.” —President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
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As a new bride, Sister Julie B. Beck called her mother-in-law—a good cook—and asked her to teach her to how to make good dinner rolls.
“With a sparkle in her eye, she replied that it took 25 years to learn to make a good roll! Then she added, ‘You had better start making some,’” Sister Beck, former Relief Society General President, recounted (“My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures,” Apr. 2004 general conference).
Like her experience learning to make good dinner rolls, it took practice and consistent effort for Sister Beck to have meaningful daily scripture study.
“My early attempts at making rolls and scripture reading were not always successful, but over time it got easier,” Sister Beck said. “For both pursuits I needed to learn proper techniques and gain an understanding of the ingredients. The key was starting and doing it again and again.”
In his most recent general conference address, President Thomas S. Monson emphasized the importance of regular scripture study.
“As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives” (“The Power of the Book of Mormon,” Apr. 2017 general conference).
There are many ways to study and learn from the scriptures. President Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles suggested in his October 2000 general conference address that we shape the style of our study to fit us.
“One way is to read a book of scripture from the first page to the last. This method gives good overall perspective,” President Nelson said. “But other approaches also have merit. Attention to a particular topic or a specific theme, supplemented by use of cross-referencing footnotes and study guides, can help to switch on the light of doctrinal understanding.”
In his remarks, President Nelson also taught the importance of setting aside a specific time to study the scriptures each day.
“Time for scripture study requires a schedule that will be honored,” President Nelson said. “Otherwise, blessings that matter most will be at the mercy of things that matter least” (“Living by Scriptural Guidance”).
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said we should not yield to Satan’s lie that we don’t have time for scripture study. We must choose to make time for studying the scriptures.
“Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media,” Elder Scott taught. “You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God” (“Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority,” Oct. 2014 general conference).
President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught in his October 2013 general conference address that peace can be settled in the heart of each who turns to the scriptures and unlocks the promises of protection and redemption.
“We invite all to turn to the Savior Jesus Christ, to His teachings as found in the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price,” taught President Packer. “I bear certain witness of the scriptures as a key to our spiritual protection” (“The Key to Spiritual Protection,” Oct. 2013 general conference).
President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, taught that feasting on the word of God allows God to give us strength.
“Read and ponder the standard works of the Church and the words of living prophets. There is a promise of help from God that comes with that daily practice. Faithful study of scriptures brings the Holy Ghost to us. The promise is given in the Book of Mormon, but it applies as well to all the words of God that He has given and will give us through His prophets.
“‘Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
“‘And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
“‘And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things’ (Moroni 10:3–5).
“We should claim the promise not only once nor only for the Book of Mormon,” concluded President Eyring. “The promise is sure. The power of the Holy Ghost is real. It will come, again and again. And one overriding truth it will always testify to is that Jesus is the Christ” (“In the Strength of the Lord,” Apr. 2004 general conference).
Elder Scott further taught in another general conference address that studying the scriptures is like “filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world.”
“To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship,” Elder Scott remarked. “It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change” (“The Power of Scripture,” Oct. 2011 general conference).
In April 2008, President Monson asked members to participate in daily scripture study. “Crash courses are not nearly so effective as the day-to-day reading and application of the scriptures in our lives,” he said. “Become acquainted with the lessons the scriptures teach. … Study them as though they were speaking to you, for such is the truth” (“Be Your Best Self,” Apr. 2008 general conference).
