2006
Am I expected to read each book of scripture daily?
August 2006


“Am I expected to read each book of scripture daily?” New Era, Aug. 2006, 31

“How do I read the Book of Mormon every day and still make the other scriptures a part of my life? Am I expected to read each book of scripture daily?”

You don’t have to read each day from all the standard works, but you will want to read every day from the Book of Mormon. This book of scripture is unique because it was written for us. The prophets who wrote it saw our day and were inspired to write what we need to know, be, and do.

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) asked members to study the Book of Mormon daily: “The Book of Mormon is studied in our Sunday School and seminary classes every fourth year. This four-year pattern, however, must not be followed by Church members in their personal and family study. We need to read daily from the pages of the [Book of Mormon]” (“Flooding the Earth with the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Nov. 1988, 4).

During your daily scripture study, you could read from both the Book of Mormon and the book of scripture you are studying in seminary or Sunday School. Furthermore, if you are studying by topic, you might end up reading from all the standard works. For instance, if you look up faith in the Topical Guide or in True to the Faith, you can read about it throughout the scriptures.

Sometimes studying a few verses carefully can be better than reading several pages quickly. The important thing is to study the word of God every day so you can feel the Spirit, learn the gospel, and draw closer to Heavenly Father.