How to Stay Consistent With Scripture Study When Life Gets Busy
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We all have good intentions when it comes to scripture study.
We want to study every day. We want quiet time to think, pray, journal, and really understand what we're reading.
And then real life happens.
Mornings get rushed. Kids need something. Work gets busy. Someone is sick. We're tired. Our schedules change.
Before long, missing one day can turn into several—and sometimes we start feeling like we've failed.
But meaningful scripture study doesn't have to be long or perfect to make a difference.
Sometimes the best way to become more consistent is simply to make scripture study easier to return to.
1. Let Go of the “Perfect” Scripture Study
It's easy to imagine that good scripture study requires thirty quiet minutes, a journal, several colored pens, and absolutely no interruptions.
Those things can be wonderful.
But they aren't required.
Some days, meaningful scripture study might be an entire chapter and a page of notes.
Other days, it might be three verses that you really think about.
Both count.
The goal isn't to create the perfect study routine.
The goal is to keep coming back to the word of God.
2. Choose a Time That Fits Your Real Life
Think about your actual day—not your ideal day.
When could scripture study naturally fit?
Maybe it's first thing in the morning.
Maybe it's while you eat breakfast.
During a lunch break.
In the carpool line.
After the kids leave for school.
Or just before bed.
There isn't one correct time to study the scriptures.
Choose the time you're most likely to actually use.
3. Make Your Scriptures Easy to Reach
Remove as many barriers as possible.
Leave your scriptures somewhere visible.
Keep a journal and pen beside them.
Bookmark where you stopped.
Keep the Gospel Library app somewhere easy to find on your phone.
When scripture study requires almost no preparation, you're much more likely to begin.
4. Have a “Five-Minute Version”
Create a simple scripture study routine for the busiest days.
For example:
Read one verse.
Ask one question.
Write down one thought.
That's it.
If you have more time, keep going.
If you don't, you've still created a moment to turn your heart toward God.
Five intentional minutes can matter.
5. Know What You're Going to Study Next
One reason we sometimes skip scripture study is surprisingly simple:
We don't know where to start.
Having a plan removes that decision.
You might follow Come, Follow Me, study a specific book of scripture, work through General Conference talks, study the life of Jesus Christ, or choose a gospel topic you'd like to understand better.
When you sit down, you already know where you're going.
6. Pair Scripture Study With Something You Already Do
Habits become easier when they're connected to something already part of your routine.
For example:
After I make breakfast → I read my scriptures.
After I drop the kids off → I study for ten minutes.
Before I check social media → I read one scripture.
When I get into bed → I read a few verses.
Instead of trying to create an entirely new part of your day, attach scripture study to something that already happens.
7. Don't Let a Missed Day Become a Missed Week
You will miss days.
That's normal.
The important part is what you do next.
Don't tell yourself:
“I'll start again Monday.”
Just start again today.
You don't need to catch up.
You don't need to read twice as much.
You don't need to feel guilty.
Open your scriptures and begin where you are.
8. Remember Why You're Studying
Scripture study isn't another item to check off a list.
We're opening the scriptures because we want to know God.
We want to recognize His voice.
We want to understand Jesus Christ.
We want direction when life feels confusing and peace when life feels heavy.
When scripture study starts feeling like another obligation, return to the reason you wanted to study in the first place.
Consistency Doesn't Mean Perfection
Consistent scripture study isn't about never missing a day.
It's about developing the habit of returning.
Again and again.
Five minutes today.
Twenty minutes tomorrow.
One verse on the crazy morning.
A whole chapter on the quiet one.
Over time, those small moments add up.
And gradually, opening the scriptures can become less like something you have to remember to do—and more like somewhere you naturally want to return.
Make Scripture Study Easier to Return To
Explore simple scripture study resources, Come, Follow Me tools, and Christ-centered inspiration created to help you build meaningful gospel study into everyday life.