Monday, August 22, 2005

Scripture Study

Why is it so hard for me to read my scriptures? I know I am blessed when I do. But every time I pick them up and read them, it's the most tedious chore. I'm just so burnt out on them. I still read them. I clug through them, but it never gets better. I love to read practically anything else: books, magazines, cereal boxes, road signs. But my scriptures, man. I don't know what it is. My reading system is lurch, wander, and stray. I keep thinking if I keep doing it it'll click. But it doesn't. I try different ways of studying. I try reading straight through like a book, or stopping at each verse and following footnotes, or following up one topic. Anyway, I'm sure I'll get a flurry of "helpful" suggestions now. So bring it on, I guess. I could use the help.

6 comments:

Braden said...

"I love to read practically anything else: books, magazines, cereal boxes, road signs. But my scriptures, man. I don't know what it is."

Noooo joke.

Anonymous said...

The first time I really enjoyed reading the BOM was just last year (30 years after my baptism!) Now I love it. It will click...I promise. Just keep reading. I am taking the Hinkley challenge, and even though I still don't understand a dang thing in 2nd Nephi, I feel great about following the prophet. Remember that the BOM has a power of its own. It is not always about understanding or feeling excited about reading...it is a power that comes from obedience, and your willingness to do everything you can do. The Lord takes care of the rest. I love you! Mom

pinetree said...

Funny. I was going to write about this very same subject.

Gregory said...

To give some advice, cause I know you're dying to hear some, find something that is interesting to you. I particularly enjoy Mosiah where the rolls of God and Christ and the rolls of justice and mercy are expounded upon. Oh, and change it up a little too. Read the Ensign, some Talmadge (I'm not really a fan of his), or other standard works. Scriptures aren't just really old stuff, anything inspired by a prophet of God is scripute. Anyway, some days are better than others. Though I may not love reading my scriptures, I love the way my day goes when I do.

Robert Anthony Pierce said...

MMMMmmmm, sweet delicious buttery rolls of justice.

el veneno said...

I've been thinking about the same thing-- I think because of the prophet's invitation to read the entire Book of Mormon by the end of the year. Up until now my scripture reading usually consists of a token verse here or there with an occasional complete chapter. The repeated reminders to read the scriptures recently have kind of been nagging at me because I'm realizing how lazy I've been and that I for some reason have kind of pretended the prophet's invite didn't apply to me. Yesterday afternoon I realized that the invite does apply to me and that when a prophet invites I ought to obey, so I read 1 nephi 1 last night and 2 and 3 this morning. I'll need to pick up the pace to meet the goal, but I think I can do it, especially if I do it more like a novel.
Anyways, long post and no practical suggestions to help you but just wanted to let you know that the scripture reading vibe seems to be flowing from somewhere these days so good luck with it.