Scripture Reading Habits

Last Monday during Family Home Evening Ben and I decided that we wanted to change our family scripture study. Prior to this decision we always read scriptures together right before we said our nightly prayers and hopped into bed. We were generally pretty consistent with our reading unless we fell asleep on the couch before bedtime and woke up at 3 am or if some other random fiasco occurred. However, we both felt like this didn’t allow us to get very much from the scriptures since we would quickly read and then fall asleep just a few minutes later. 

* So how did we change our scripture study?

Well we moved our scripture study to bright and early in the morning at the lovely time of 5:30 am.  It may seem obscenely early to some, but we chose 5:30 because it’s the best time for us. Since Ben generally leaves for work by 6:30 and it allows us time to read, study and eat breakfast together before he has to rush out the door  (and thankfully it still leaves time for me to fall back asleep for another hour or two.)     ;)

* Have we been successful in our new schedule?

Yes, we have gotten up every morning (so far) and spent about a half hour studying, which to be honest has really surprised me. (Go us!!)

* Do I think we’re getting more out of our scripture study?

I most certainly think that we do! Obviously were still sleepy and groggy at the start of our study just like we were when we studied  at night, but it’s a different kind of tired that seems to fade a lot faster.

Another bonus I have noticed is that since were reading early in the day that I can think about and ponder the things I read as I go throughout my day.  This is something I was never able to do before because when we read at night we would read, pray and then fall asleep within about 15 minutes or so and then the following morning wouldn’t be able to recall a thing I read. Now I actually find myself thinking about the stories and trying to figure out how that story is applicable to life today and then apply them to myself, which I think is the whole purpose of studying the scriptures in the first place.

*Would I recommend early morning scripture study to others?

Yes!! I have heard this recommended thousands of times throughout my life and tried it out on and off, but I never really liked it, so I get that it’s not for everyone; but I really hope that is something Ben and I  keep doing because I do think it helps to bring and extra measure of the spirit to my day.

 I also  think one reason this change has worked so well this time is because I have a companion to wake up with and motivate me to get out of bed…. so you can try it on your own, but when you have someone else to help you, I think it makes all the difference.

- Lauri