Scripture Study with Your Spouse

Having scripture study together as husband and wife is very important for a strong relationship with each other and with God. There is no one way to do it—find the method that works best for you. The important thing is to just do it.

Aim for daily scripture study together in a quiet place for at least fifteen minutes. Begin and end with prayer. Take turns reading aloud, with the other spouse following along, and share your insights.
Study by topic or create a reading schedule to take away pressure and time in finding a passage to study. A schedule also helps you keep track of progress and work toward a goal.
When you have a question about something you read, search together for the answer. Find other scriptures, consult religious books, or search online. Make it a team effort to learn.
Listen to each other. Never criticize or make fun of anything your spouse shares during scripture study. If you disagree about something, find common ground and move on. If you think it is a major misinterpretation, seek clarification from a church leader or an authoritative religious book.
If having the “ideal” scripture study is difficult, don’t give up. Have a short but sweet morning or night devotional. Pray together, read aloud a scripture verse or passage, and briefly share your feelings or a story. Take turns every night so the responsibility is shared.
If you cannot study together due to time conflicts or distance, create a reading schedule for both of you follow. Keep a journal to write your insights and feelings and let your spouse read it and respond. For those separated by distance, write emails or blog instead.
Another idea is to leave a note, write an email, or send a text of your favorite scripture verse to each other each day. Any sort of scripture study is better than none at all.

Note: Having scripture study together is also great for unmarried couples to strengthen their relationship and to get into the habit before marriage.

Challenge: Start having scripture study with your spouse.

Comments

Unknown said…

These are great ideas, and the post was very inspired. Lately I have been thinking of ways to improve scripture study. Thanks!

September 4, 2011 at 10:52 PM

Anonymous said…

we need to do this - we have had little or no scripture study as husband and wife over 27 yrs- DAD

September 18, 2011 at 8:01 PM

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