Effective Scripture Study

This outline is from a talk given by Elder Pope in our ward.  He said he received this list form his mother as he started his mission.
Scripture study:
1. Pray to seek the spirit.
2. Look at maps.  Maps can help set the stage.
3. Look for lists.  Write them out.  For example the list of what Charity is from Moroni.
4. Look for patterns and repetition.
5. Look for commandments and promised blessings.  It is good to look for things we are asked to do, and the consequences of our actions whether faithful or not.  Such as the word of wisdom, or the commandment to honor our parents.  Both immediately talk about the blessings for obedience.
6. Look for personal application.  Look to strengthen your testimony.  Look to better understand Jesus Christ.

Dec 6: Jesus Read the Scriptures and So Can You

I previously shared my favorite scriptures.  Please check them out.  The first is from Liberty Jail.  The second is found in both the Book of Mormon and the Bible--which makes it pretty important.  I strife for my life to exemplify these verses.  They are my compass.

The Triangle of the Gospel

I have hear this teaching a couple times in the past few months.  First was Simon McHenry in his homecoming talk, and then the youth speaker this week, Jeff Winn.  It is that in order to stay close to the church and keep your testimony strong three things are needed, prayer, scripture study and attending your church meetings.  It is really pretty simple.
Many years ago, Bishop Betts from Ballard taught the five-star points of the gospel, personal prayer, family prayer, personal scriptures, family scriptures, daily journal writing, and then a sixth for the center, weekly family home evening.  Bother pretty simple lessons, and basically suggesting the same thing.  How important it is to say our prayers regularly and read scriptures daily.  When I have struggled in my life, I am usually lacking one of these things.  I prayer regularly, but not a kneel -down kind of prayer which is often needed.  Scripture study is as needed for a lesson, or in relation to the current Ensign.