Daily scripture study is a worthwhile habit. It helps you focus on the things you value most and encourages your spiritual and moral development. But it’s hard.
How do you maintain the self-discipline and determination necessary to make yourself study the Bible, Book of Mormon, or other religious text every single day? Here are a few tips:
1. Listen in Your Car. If you have a daily drive (e.g., commute to work or drive children to school), try listening to the scriptures in your car. You can buy them on CD or audiotape, or you can listen in mp3 format on an mp3 player (iPod, Sony Reader, Archos Jukebox, or similar device). Individual chapters of the Bible (both Old and New Testament), Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price can be downloaded in mp3 format at scriptures.lds.org.
If you are in the car each day, it is easy to develop the habit of listening to scriptures while you drive, thus guaranteeing daily study. This type of study might not be as effective as sitting down with a book, but at least you know you will do it each day.
2. Read on Digital Device. If you are busy, chances are good that you carry some sort of pda or ebook reader (Palm Pilot, iPhone, Sony Reader, or other device). If you have a copy of the scriptures on your device, you will be guaranteed to always have your scriptures with you. Then, when you have free time (e.g., while waiting in line), you can pull out the device and do some quick reading.
3. Read at a Set Time. If scripture study on-the-go is not for you, then set a time for daily personal scripture study. Many people choose to read first-thing in the morning because scripture study can then set the tone for the rest of the day. Others study in the evening, with the idea that they will not go to bed until they have studied their scriptures. Lunch time is another good option.
4. Study with a Friend. Regardless of the approach you take to daily scripture study, you will be more likely to do it if you involve a friend (e.g., a spouse, family member, or roommate). If one of you starts to slack off, the other will provide the necessary motivation to keep your daily study going. Also, you can benefit from discussing scriptures together and sharing insights. The downside to this approach is that it requires you to coordinate two or more schedules.
5. Motivate Yourself with Rewards. Sheer will power might not be enough to guarantee that you study each day. Create an incentive for yourself. For example, you might decide to eat at a fancy restaurant after going 30 consecutive days without missing a day of scripture study.
Decide what steps you need to take to ensure that you read your scriptures each day, and then take them. You will be glad you did.
