Skip to main content

3 Ways to Encourage Pondering After Personal Scripture Study

There's a difference between reading and studying the scriptures, and we're advised to do the latter. There are several resources available to help us search and understand the scriptures. Some of these are seminary and Institute manuals, the Church magazines, general conference talks, other LDS books, and even the dictionary.

Yet, there is a second step we're supposed to take after studying the scriptures, and that is to ponder. This means to think about what we've read in order to make connections, discover personal application, and receive revelation. Here are three things you can do to take the time to ponder after reading.

1. Listen to Heavenly Music

my favorite album

Maintain the Spirit you've invited through scripture study by listening to uplifting music, such as that from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It will aid in keeping away distractions, both externally and internally, so you can focus on the words you've read and what they mean. If you enjoy doing so, sing, hum, or play an instrument instead to create your own music.

2. Color or Craft


If you're like me and need to keep your hands busy, try an adult coloring book. I found one with Bible verses and floral designs that appeal to me. The simple activity helps me avoid reaching for my phone or any other distraction that can drive away the Spirit, make me forget what I'm pondering, or make me want to move on to something else. It also helps me stay calm and relaxed so I'm more receptive to spiritual promptings. 

If you don't like to color, other options include:
  • knitting or crocheting
  • needlepoint
  • drawing or painting
  • writing or blogging (about your study)
  • whittling or carving
  • sculpting
  • flower arranging
  • origami
If you're not artsy or crafty, you can wash dishes or fold laundry. Choose anything you can do on autopilot so your mind is free to dwell on spiritual matters, though make sure it doesn't detract from the Spirit.

3. Move Your Body

photo by Michael Lorenzo

Going out for a leisurely walk, run, hike, or bike ride allows you to see God's glorious work all around you as you exercise your body, mind, and spirit. The fresh air and sunshine can elevate your mood and keep the Spirit close by. Meditative yoga or graceful dancing also can invite peace and revelation after scripture study. Combining an enjoyable physical activity with a mental and spiritual one connects and opens up your whole soul.

For a more enriching experience, do all of these tips. For example, you could study and then go for a walk while listening to inspiring tunes. Try different combinations to find out what allows for the best pondering. Be sure to write down what you learn so you can remember and reference it in the future.

Sharing Time: What do you do to help you take time to ponder the scriptures?
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pray Always

Last week I shared powerful scriptures to remember when faced with temptation. However, the devil is very powerful as well. We need a lot more tools than just a scripture to defeat him. The most powerful tool available to us is prayer. Brigham Young said, “Prayer keeps a man from sin. Sin keeps a man from prayer.” Prayer keeps a man from sin The Lord admonishes throughout the scriptures to pray always to avoid sin: “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38) “Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work” (D&C 10:5) “Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation” (D&C 20:33) “Pray always, lest ye enter into temptation and lose your reward” (D&C 31:12) “Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in lif...
3 comments
Read more

See No Evil

I love watching movies! At home on the couch, at the theater, with friends, with family, in sickness or in health--it's all fun! But risky as well. Risky, that is, to my spirituality if I am not careful with what I choose to view. During high school, I used my best friend and a newspaper column as movie screeners. Then a former seminary teacher introduced me to a great Web site and a friend showed me another one. Both are free with a list of movies from about 15 years ago to current releases. [Click on the name for the link to the site.] Screenit : This Web site gives a short and full summary of the movie plot and the content, divided into categories. I like this site because it is very explicit: I know what language is in the movie and how many times it occurs. Note: In order to review movies before the release date, you must become a member. Kids in Mind : This site is similar to screenit, but somewhat less extensive (especially in the movie summary and language departmen...
2 comments
Read more

The Power of Service

I received this story from my father, who got it from his bishop. It has been edited for usage and clarity. Names have been changed for privacy: This is an amazing story, a miracle really, that happened right here in the loving Lake Elsinore Ward. There was a very less-active man married to a very active woman: the Smith family. They lived in Horse Thief and had three little children. Sister Smith held callings and juggled her kids and was as active and faithful as could be. What an example she was. Brother Smith was a good guy, but just didn't care much for the Church.  They asked us to help them move out when Brother Smith found his dream job across the country on the E ast Coast . As always, our sweet priesthood brethren and our Relief Society sisters jumped in without hesitation to assist in the move.  The Lord works in mysterious ways! Here's the rest of the story as written in a Facebook message from Brother...
1 comment
Read more