Stories & Quotes for Scripture Study
Lesson 27
Submitted by:
Ann
Quote 1
Parley P. Pratt, an early leader of the Church, relates his experience in reading the Book
of Mormon:
"I opened it with eagerness, and read its title page. I then read the testimony of
several witnesses in relation to the manner of its being found and translated. After this
I commenced its contents by course. I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire
for food; sleep was a burden when the night came, for I preferred reading to sleep.
"As I read, the spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I knew and comprehended that the
book was true, as plainly and manifestly as a man comprehends and knows that he exists. My
joy was now full, as it were, and I rejoiced sufficiently to more than pay me for all the
sorrows, sacrifices and toils of my life" (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt [Salt
Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938], p. 37).
Quote 2
"Pondering Isn't Preposterous." "I learned to a small degree how all
the holy men of God learn to know God and the gospel. It is not a gift to a select few,
rather a blessing predicated on the law of obedience, long hours, and study.
"As I read the scriptures . , I learned some of the basics of pondering and
searching.
"1. Pray always before you begin to read the scriptures. Slow your mind down and be
free from this world. Also, pray all the while you read-as certain
concepts of the gospel illuminate your soul or as you have questions. Don't hesitate to
call upon your Father.
"2. Keep a paper and pencil handy while you read. This is a stimulating activity, and
often goals, exciting ideas, or original thoughts will creep into a stale mind.
"3. Go slowly! This study is not a race. No longer do you have to finish a prescribed
number of chapters before you go to bed. Spend several days with a single chapter or
verse. Memorize scripture and it will bloom with hidden meanings you hadn't been cognizant
of, meanings pertinent to your life today.
"4. Ask questions as you read the scriptures. . Question and then call upon the Lord.
As I questioned, the doors of my heart unfolded and left room for the Holy Ghost to dwell
in me.
"5. Stop many times during the day and ponder the single thought that you have
searched out in depth. For instance, consider the truth 'love your neighbor as yourself.'
Repeat the scripture, question your every action, and keep the thought with you on a small
card.
"All of this is a matter of making yourself take the time; it's a daily renewal.
You'll be gratified as it refreshes your viewpoint. There will be a new direction in your
life and even daily revelation.
"All this pondering leads to the true and deep understanding of the gospel, our
mission, and God's glory. Many times as you ponder you pave the way for
the sweet peace of the Holy Ghost to enter your heart and illuminate your entire being
with truth. .
"[President] Joseph Fielding Smith said, 'All my life I have studied and pondered the
principles of the gospel and sought to live the laws of the Lord. As a result there has
come into my heart a great love for him and for his work and for all those who seek to
further his purposes in the earth' (Conference Report, Oct. 1971, p. 6; italics added).
"Take the time to ponder. It is a key to unbelievable joy and knowledge here in
mortality.
"[The Savior said,] 'I leave these sayings with you to ponder in your hearts, with
this commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near- "
'Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you' (D&C 88:62-63.)" (Susan Hill,
"Pondering Isn't Preposterous," New Era, May 1976, pp. 49-50).
Quote 3
"Each of us, at some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for
ourselves-and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and
again" (Spencer W. Kimball, "How Rare a Possession-the Scriptures!" Ensign,
Sept. 1976, p. 4).
Quote 4
President Ezra Taft Benson said, "There is a book we need to study daily, both as
individuals and as families, namely the Book of Mormon" (in Conference Report, Apr.
1986, pp. 99-100; or Ensign, May 1986, p. 78).
Quote 5
"We need to read daily from [its] pages [and it] will get [us] 'nearer to God by
abiding by its precepts, than by any other book' (History of the Church, 4:461)" (in
Conference Report, Oct. 1988, p. 3; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, p. 4).
M1L27 Index
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