About five years ago, I decided to start reading the Book of Mormon in a different way each year. I had previously read it just beginning to end over and over again. I didn’t seem to be getting anything new out of it. I remember telling my mom that I had a desire to read the entire standard works. She chuckled and said maybe I should save that for when I don’t have small children to take care of. I nodded in agreement but then came across a reading chart showing me I could do it in less than a year. And I did! And it wasn’t even hard. Ever since, I have wanted to change up my scripture reading each time. Here are several ways that have worked for me, and some that I can’t wait to try!
Standard Works Reading Chart
As I mentioned, this took less than a year. I really enjoyed it and learned a ton! It only takes about 20 minutes (7 pages) a day, and takes you through the entire Standard Works chronologically. Here’s a free printable of the schedule I used.
Read With a Missionary
Shortly after I finished reading the Standard Works, my nephew who was serving a mission in Sweden invited me to read the Book of Mormon along with him. We read one chapter a day and e-mailed our thoughts, promptings, inspiration, or anything else we learned to each other every week. I learned so much from his perspective. It even strengthened our relationship. If you don’t know a missionary out in the field, ask one serving where you live. Or simply invite a friend to read it with you. The key is to share what you’ve learned with each other.
Principles of the Gospel – Color Coded
There are a dozen different ways to color code your scriptures. One way that really stood out to me was by the 4 principles of the gospel: Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost, and I even added Enduring to the End in there as well. For example, any time it talks about Faith I highlight it in pink. It’s been a great way to focus on the most important parts of the gospel.
Study Guides
There are many study guides to choose from out there. Where do you even begin? A couple years ago, I used the seminary teacher’s manual to study the Book of Mormon. It was full of great questions, quotes from apostles, and lots of cross-referencing.
Another study guide that I believe came out pretty recently is My Book of Mormon Study Guide by Shannon Foster. I haven’t used it yet, but am excited to once I finish my current method. It’s designed to really be able to personalize it to your way of studying while providing great prompts. I can’t wait to dive in.
Prepare a Talk
There are a couple ways to do this, but the idea has always intrigued me. One way is by picking any topic and write a talk (click here for some tips on writing a talk), like you are going to speak on it. Try to only use the Book of Mormon as your source. Once you’ve written that talk, pick another topic and write a talk on that.
The other way is to read the Book of Mormon from start to finish, and as you finish a few chapters, write a talk on what you’ve read. It doesn’t have to be long because you won’t really be speaking…or maybe you will! But hey- you’ll be prepared!
Page Headings
Many many moons ago, when I was a senior in high school, I took an early institute class. As we went through the New Testament, our teacher provided us with a few words to write on the top of each page, mostly as a quick reference as to what was happening. I have loved having that information so easily found. As I’ve read the Book of Mormon, I have started to jot down page headings here and there. And I can’t wait until every page is full like it is in my New Testament.
Two Words
I recently came across this idea and I love how unique it is. All you do is highlight 2 words in every verse. It forces you to really ponder the words and focus on the meanings. Why did you pick that certain word? What other meanings could be in that verse? I think this is a great way to let the Spirit speak to you.
Different Language
Don’t quote me on this, but I heard somewhere that reading the Book of Mormon in a different language is one of the best ways to learn that language. And even if it’s not, I love the idea of reading with a real desire to feel the Spirit, whether you understand the words or not.
Speed Read
Maybe you won’t get as much out of the Book of Mormon as when you really study, but there is something amazing that happens when you speed read. I have felt a stronger spirit in my life and a greater protection from the world when I have done this. And you just might get more out of it than you expected.
And now for an updated BONUS way to study the Book of Mormon…
Elder Rasband’s Invitation
In the October 2022 General Conference, Elder Rasband invited us to read an unmarked copy of the Book of Mormon at least two times. The first reading is to mark or underline everything that points to or testifies of Jesus Christ. The second is to highlight principles and doctrine of the gospel. I’m especially excited to accept this invitation as my husband has testified of its power when he was invited to do it over 20 years ago by his mission president, President Rasband.
Which ever way you decide to study the Book of Mormon isn’t as important as committing yourself to just do it. Fast, slow, beginning to end, out of order, whatever! If you want to get more out of your scripture study, be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Studying the Scriptures. This guide includes even more unique methods to studying your scriptures, bookmarks, charts, and schedules, and inspiration for creating a scripture study routine and motivation for actually getting it done!
Hopefully these ideas will give you a little variety and maybe some new perspective. Happy reading!
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6 Responses
I just finished the book of mormon and wanted to read it this time in a different way. I found your post and wanted to read it in order, but everytime I click on it takes me to an unknown site. Where can I get a copy of the standard works chronologically?
I’ll work in fixing that. In the mean time, I can email it to you. What’s your email?
Thank you for writing this! I just finished the Book of Mormon today. I wanted to start it over again, but needed a new plan on how to carry out my studying.
You are very welcome! I’m glad you found it!
My favorite study method has been revolutionary for me. It is best when used through the gospel library app.. It’s reading the standard works simultaneously as well as the conference talks.
How it works:
Read Day 1,
Genesis 1, Matthew 1, 1 Nephi 1, D&C 1, Most recent Conference Women’s Session 1st Speaker, and the Topical Guide Jesus Christ sections.
Day 2
Genesis 2, Matthew 2, 1 Nephi 2, D&C 2, speaker 2, Next few versus in Jesus Christ sections.
You can see the patterns. I read the Pearl of Great Price when I am finished with D&C and then I start the scriptures over again. I am currently on 2 Chronicles and hoping to finish by the end of 2018. I have a testimony of the continuity of God’s voice through the scriptures and how powerfully they all seem to correlate on the same topics. I’ve also learned each conference talk is teeming with scriptural references and have grown a deeper love for our leaders and more personal revelations from the talks. Gospel library app helps me make footnotes and topics of my favorite scriptures that are instrumental in engaging me in my Sunday school and Relief society meeting discussions. I spend about 30 min- an hour every morning studying and it lifts my soul in unexpected ways daily. My kids can tangibly see the difference if my study has to come in the evening versus first thing in the morning. Thanks for sharing so many different methods because we all learn in our own unique ways.
I love this! I am definitely going to add it to my list to do someday! Thank you!