Ideas to Improve Your Family Scripture Study

Daily family scripture study is a powerful way to teach your family the gospel. How much and how long you read as a family is not as important as being consistent in your efforts. As you make the study of the Book of Mormon an important part of your family life, you will help your family members to come closer to Jesus Christ and to build their testimonies on the foundation of His word. Consider the following:

• How can you encourage family members to study the Book of Mormon on their own?

• What can you do to encourage family members to share what they are learning?

• How can you emphasize the principles you are learning in the Book of Mormon in everyday teaching moments?

• How is teaching the Book of Mormon in your home different from how it might be taught in a class at church?

Use some of the following ideas to enhance your family scripture study:

Share meaningful scriptures

Give family members time to share scripture passages they have found from their personal study.

Use your own words

As you read scripture passages, invite family members to summarize in their own words what they learn.

Apply the scriptures to your life

After reading a scripture passage, ask family members to share different ways the passage applies to their lives.

Ask a question

Invite family members to ask a gospel question, and then spend time looking for verses that can help answer the question.

Display a scripture

Select a verse you find meaningful, and display it where family members will see it often. Invite other family members to take turns selecting a scripture to display.

Weekly scripture list

As a family, choose several verses you would like to discuss during the coming week.

Memorize scriptures

Select a scripture passage that has meaning to your family, and invite family members to memorize it.

Share object lessons

Find objects that relate to scriptures you are reading as a family. Invite family members to talk about how each object relates to the teachings in the scriptures.

Pick a topic

Let family members take turns choosing a topic (or a chapter) that the family will study together. Use the Topical Guide or Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.lds.org) to find scripture passages about the topic.

Draw a picture

As a family, read a few verses and then allow time for family members to draw something that relates to what you read. Spend time discussing each other’s drawings.

Act out a story

After reading a story, invite family members to act it out. Afterward, talk about how the story applies to the things you are experiencing individually and as a family.

Elder David A. Bednar taught: “Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results” (“More Diligent and Concerned at Home,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 19–20).