LDS (mormons perferably, but whoever is fine; How do you focus when reading the Old Testament?

Question

I don't know about you guys, but I have a hard time reading the scriptures; Bible, Book of Mormon, ect. Actually, I've hacd a hard time paying attention to anything I read lately..lol, that's not the point right now though. :)
I was wondering, does anyone have any tricks for understanding and paying more attention to what you read from the scriptures? I'm having an especially hard time with the Old Testament- the book we're studying in Seminary this year (for all of those who are not LDS, Seminary is a class, either before school, during school, or home-study course, where LDS memebers and non-LDS alike can learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We focus on one book each year; Old Testament, new Testament, Book of Mormon, ect. ) When reading the Old Testament, how do you better pay attention? I know the simple pray before hand and all that, but does anyone else have any other ideas? I just can't seem to learn anything. All POSITIVE ideas are welcome.

Ok, ya, I know, I know, I already posted this, but I've figured out if I post it more than once I get more responses...lol

Answer 1

Something that I do is to imagine that I am there experiencing the things that I am reading about. I also think about what I am reading to see if I can see deeper meanings. Sometimes I read and reread the verses until I understand what I am reading. Reading out loud also seems to help me focus.

I posted a link to an article where people shared ways that they have found that increase their appreciation and understanding of the scriptures. You could also do a search of the church magazines and find many more ideas to use to make the scriptures more meaningful to you. Good luck. The scriptures are full of wonderful stories and insights. Searching the scriptures is a wonderful spiritual adventure.

Answer 2

I find studying the Old Testament to be a very spiritual endeavor. I always reflect how much the Savior studied it. I have a computer game with a manual that is over a hundred pages. The OT was Christ's 'players manual' for the way he conducted his ministry. So think how Jesus would have felt as he read each verse.

There are so many things like poetry and literature that are not included in other scripture. I start by segmenting each book into a category. Then I know what to expect and how to use it.

First is history. Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, Judges, etc all deal with the formation and struggles of the Hebrew nation. The many individual stories show the contrast between those who followed God's path and those that strayed. Each is a morality tale for us to apply. As you isolate on one story such as Abraham agreeing to sacrifice Isaac, study it as if you were using it in a sacrament talk. Remember that each story is like an onion. Peal back one layer and you find a deeper more personal meaning.

Second is law. This can be tedious, but use it to determine the difference between the Aaronic priesthood and the higher priesthood Christ restored.

Next is poetry, and literature. This contains hidden gems. There is prayer and prophesy. There is the most practical, time honored advice.

There are the Prophets both major and minor. They sometimes were blunt and direct, but more often poetic and with multiple interpretations. Each had a message for the people of their own time and for a future generation, ie Christ's and our own.

Answer 3

This is one subject that has me up in arms! I cant decipher through most of the religion books. Ive read the bible, old testament, new testament and others. I'm now reading the old testament for the third time in my life. And i still cant understand it. Maybe it's not our language! Maybe it was meant for someone or some other being that is supposed to understand it later in life. I'm not sure, the scriptures can change so much if you read the bible that is written differently. There are many different years involved that make up the whole sense of trying to understand! You know written this way and then written that way. That's what's confusing. Good luck i hope you figure this problem out, for i haven't yet sorry no help here!


P.S Try Michu Pichu I think that's how it's spelled. For your South American Vacation I've heard it's a very beautiful And learning experience.

Answer 4

When I read the Old Testiment, I try to break it into small sections. For instance, I might read through the book of Ruth and because it has me still interested continue into I Samuel. If I'm bored when I finish I Samuel (or even halfway through) I might shift over and read a few Psalms or something from the Minor Profits (Joel, Obedia, Etc.). If you are afraid you'll read the same thing several times, you could keep a reading log. Don't let one book scare you away, though. If you jump around, you are bound to find a passage that jumps out and grabs you! Then you won't be able to put the Book down!

Great Question!

Answer 5

I try to remember that the Old Testament is a series of stories, separated by some dry information. I try to focus on the stories. Sometimes it's hard to get from one story to another, but I keep plugging along.

Since you're in Seminary, use your Seminary manual to help you as much as you can.

Wish I had more suggestions, but I don't. I just know that as long as you try, that is what counts. Don't get bogged down. If you get to a spot that slows you down, just try to read and get past it. If you have questions, write them down.

Read the chapter headnotes. They tell us what is supposed to be in that chapter. If you don't see it, that's OK. I don't always find what the headnotes tell me is there. Most of the time I completely miss what the chapter is saying. That's OK. I just keep reading.

Answer 6

Sometimes by reading for long periods of time, or for long sets of pages, it can get fairly tedious. I like to break things down and not read so much at one setting.
I also like to "play the sleuth" sometimes and ask myself as I read, "What is it that the writer was trying to say" with the passage. I also like to review what was mentioned in the previous passages to try and get the context of what was being written.
Finally, what I also find helpful is to read a companion volume, such as the LDS Church's Institute of Religion manual and find any entries in that manual concerning the passages I am reading. Sometimes that manual, because of its access to resources I do not have, can give insights that I wouldn't have been able to find on my own.

Answer 7

I have had this problem too; When I write down what I have just read in a notebook about facts, spiritual thoughts, & vocabulary to look in a dictionary for this helps me focus. Also when I am distracted by other noises I read out loud to myself it sees to help me focus.

Answer 8

I would use the Institute manuals as you study. You will get a heck of a lot more from your reading if you do this.