The scriptures are more than just ancient words on a page or inspirational quotes to brighten our day. They are a divine invitation—a way to develop a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Through their pages, we find not just instruction, but connection, comfort, and personal revelation.
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how scripture study has shaped my relationship with God. It’s not about checking off a spiritual to-do list or following a rigid set of rules. Instead, it’s about creating space in our lives for heavenly conversations.
President Nelson taught, “There is something powerful that happens when a child of God seeks to know more about Him and His Beloved Son.” This power isn’t found in following a specific routine or method—it comes from the sincere desire to draw closer to God.
As a parent juggling work and family responsibilities, I’ve learned that meaningful scripture study can happen in unexpected moments throughout the day. Sometimes it’s a quick verse during a break that provides exactly the guidance I need, or a spiritual insight that comes while pondering a familiar story in a new way.
The beauty of scripture study lies in its flexibility to adapt to our individual circumstances and needs. Some find peace in early morning study, others in stolen moments throughout the day. Some prefer writing insights in journals, while others find meaning in quiet contemplation or discussing verses with family members. What matters isn’t the method, but the connection we forge with heaven through our study.
Nephi’s counsel to “liken all scriptures unto us” (1 Nephi 19:23) invites us to make scripture study deeply personal. When we approach the scriptures seeking not just knowledge but relationship, we begin to see God’s hand in our daily lives. The ancient words become modern-day revelation, tailored specifically to our needs and circumstances.
The time we spend in the scriptures is really time spent developing our relationship with Deity. Each verse can become a conversation, each chapter a chance to know God better. Whether we have long, uninterrupted study sessions or brief moments between responsibilities, what matters most is our intent to connect with heaven.
The peace that comes from scripture study isn’t just from the act of reading—it’s from the relationships we build with our Heavenly Father and Savior in the process.
Today, I invite you to think about your scripture study not as a task to complete, but as an opportunity to deepen your relationship with God. How might your study change if you approached it as a conversation rather than an obligation? Remember, He’s eager to speak with you through these sacred pages.
Elder Linder 