How to Make Scripture Study More Meaningful: 7 Simple Ideas
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How to Make Scripture Study More Meaningful: 7 Simple Ideas
Have you ever finished reading a chapter of scripture only to realize you barely remember what you just read?
You're not alone.
Meaningful scripture study isn't necessarily about reading more. Often, it's about slowing down, asking better questions, and creating space to hear what God may be teaching you.
Whether you have five minutes or an hour, here are seven simple ways to make your scripture study more meaningful.
1. Begin With Prayer
Before you open your scriptures, take a moment to pray.
Ask Heavenly Father to help you understand what you're reading and recognize what He wants you to learn.
You might simply ask:
What do You want me to notice today?
Beginning with prayer turns scripture study from something on your checklist into a conversation with God.
2. Study With a Question
Instead of always beginning with a chapter, sometimes begin with a question.
Maybe you're wondering:
How can I have more faith?
How do I forgive someone?
How can I feel closer to Jesus Christ?
What should I do when I don't know what comes next?
Then look for scriptures that speak to that question.
You may not receive an immediate answer, but studying with a purpose can help you recognize principles you might otherwise overlook.
3. Write Down What Stands Out
Keep a journal or notebook nearby.
When a verse catches your attention, write it down along with a few thoughts about why it matters to you right now.
You don't need pages of notes. Sometimes one sentence is enough.
Over time, those small impressions create a personal record of what God has been teaching you, and what He wants YOU to know.
4. Look for Jesus Christ
One of my favorite ways to study the scriptures is simply to ask:
What does this teach me about Jesus Christ?
Look for His character, His promises, His teachings, and the ways He interacts with people.
Even stories that don't directly mention Christ can teach us about faith, repentance, mercy, covenant, sacrifice, and God's plan for His children.
The more we intentionally look for the Savior in scripture, the more we begin to recognize Him in our own lives.
5. Mark Less—but Make It Meaningful
It's tempting to highlight everything that sounds important.
Instead, try slowing down and marking only the words or phrases that genuinely stand out to you.
You might even create a simple system:
- One color for promises
- One for teachings about Jesus Christ
- One for personal revelation or impressions
- One for verses you want to remember
The goal isn't beautifully marked scriptures. The goal is to help you notice, remember, and return to what you've learned. Notice why God is SO Good.
6. Use Helpful Study Tools
Sometimes a few simple tools make studying easier and more enjoyable.
A journal, scripture-safe highlighters, bookmarks, tabs, or a comfortable book stand can help create a space where you actually want to sit down and study.
But remember: the tools support the study—they aren't the study.
Start with what you already have and add things that genuinely help you focus and learn.
7. Finish With One Thing You'll Do
Before closing your scriptures, ask:
What will I do differently because of what I studied today?
Maybe it's forgiving someone.
Sending a text.
Praying about something.
Being more patient.
Remembering a particular verse when you're worried.
Scripture study becomes especially powerful when what we learn begins to change how we live.
Keep It Simple
You don't need the perfect journal, an elaborate study system, or an hour of uninterrupted time to have meaningful scripture study.
Start where you are.
Open your scriptures. Pray. Read a little more slowly. Write down what stands out. Look for Jesus Christ.
Some days you'll have powerful insights. Other days you may simply read a few verses.
Both matter.
The important thing is continuing to make space in your life for God to teach you.
Looking for more scripture study inspiration?
Explore Joyful Jane's scripture study resources, Come, Follow Me helps, monthly inspiration, and favorite study tools designed to help make time in the scriptures simple and meaningful.