The most significant reason for studying the scriptures daily, in my opinion, is to simply invite a greater portion of the spirit into your day. In some ways, for me it is a symbolic gesture. Even if I don't gain a great deal from my time reading on a given day, I can feel good about making God a priority. I feel peace in knowing that I have done something that He is pleased with, and I have faith that as I persist in my studies, He will eventually enlighten my mind.
There are a few things that I have tried to work on in my scripture study.
1. Have a regular time for studying. For me, this time is first thing in the morning. I know that if I delay it, it rarely gets done. Morning is a quiet peaceful time when my mind is still open and free from all the worries and to do's of the day. In addition, as I stated before, I feel that I am symbolically showing God my willingness to put Him first in my life by putting scripture study first in my day.
2. Study for a set amount of time instead of number of pages or chapters. This allows me to be free to truly delve into the scriptures instead of just reading. I find myself racing against the clock if I plan to only read so many pages. When I know I have half an hour, I relax and think as I read. I ask and answer questions and I seek to better understand the little bits that I read. I can end up spending the whole time on one verse as I look up definitions and cross references and record what I find.
3. Pray before you begin for the spirit, and pray after you're done in gratitude for the things that God has revealed to you. It makes a difference when we consciously ask for the Holy Ghost's help and for whatever specific direction we are seeking. My most common prayer is just that God will let me know what His plan for me is that day. What would He have me do or learn? I try to soften and open my mind and my heart, and humble myself so that I won't be putting up any walls against the revelations of the Lord.
4. Keep a journal as you study. It has been taught that having a place to record your impressions available is a sign to God that you are ready to receive whatever He is ready to give to you. Writing the thoughts down solidifies them so that you can evaluate them better and remember them for longer.
5. Ponder the things that you have learned as you study and throughout your day. When we are open and ready for it, God will open up the floodgates of revelation and frankly, I've found it to be almost overwhelming at times. Take time to process and digest what you have learned and apply it into your life in whatever ways you can. Let it affect you! Be changed.
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