5 Powerful Ways to Simplify Your Scripture Study in 2025
The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities to strengthen your relationship with God. If you’re like many women I talk to, you might be thinking about goals for your scripture study—reading the entire Bible or Book of Mormon, or committing to 30 minutes of study every day.
These are beautiful aspirations! But what happens when life gets busy? When mornings are rushed, kids get sick, or sheer exhaustion kicks in?
Here’s your friendly reminder: Your scripture study can be simple and still be enough. In fact, simplifying your approach might be the best way to create a lasting, meaningful connection with the scriptures. Let’s dive into five ways to keep your scripture study simple and doable in 2025.
Pick One Verse and Sit With It
We often feel pressure to read large sections of scripture in one sitting. But sometimes, the most profound insights come from slowing down and focusing on just one verse or passage.
How to Do It:
Choose a verse that stands out to you.
Read it slowly.
Ask yourself: What is God trying to teach me through this verse? How does it apply to my life today?
Why It Works:
This approach allows you to savor the scriptures instead of rushing through them. It creates space for personal revelation and makes scripture study more manageable on busy days.
Tip: Write the verse on a sticky note and place it somewhere you’ll see it throughout the day—on your bathroom mirror or your fridge.
Keep a Small Notebook Nearby to Jot Down One Thought or Question
You don’t need to fill pages with notes or write a detailed study journal. Sometimes, capturing just one thought or question is enough to enrich your study.
How to Do It:
Keep a pocket-sized notebook in your scripture bag or by your bedside.
Write down one insight, question, or impression you receive.
Review your notes at the end of the week to see how God has been speaking to you.
Why It Works:
Jotting down a thought makes it more likely to stay with you throughout the day. It also helps you notice patterns and themes in your study over time.
Tip: If you prefer digital tools, try using a notes app on your phone to capture your thoughts on the go.
Try a New Way of Studying That Matches Your Learning Style
Not everyone learns best by reading. Understanding your learning style can transform how you connect with the scriptures.
How to Do It:
Visual Learners: Draw a scripture story, map out ideas with mind maps, or highlight key phrases.
Auditory Learners: Listen to audio scriptures or talks while driving, walking, or doing household chores.
Kinesthetic Learners: Act out stories with your family or create a hands-on activity that ties into a scripture lesson.
Why It Works:
Studying in a way that matches your natural learning style makes scripture study more engaging and memorable.
Tip: Experiment with different methods until you find what resonates with you. Your study doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s!
Remember: It Doesn’t Have to Look the Same Every Day
Some days, you might have time for an in-depth study. Other days, you might only manage a quick prayer and a verse on your phone. Both are meaningful.
How to Do It:
Give yourself permission to adjust your study based on your current season of life.
On busy days, read a scripture verse and ponder it while you go about your tasks.
On quieter days, dive deeper with study guides, commentaries, or journaling.
Why It Works:
Flexibility keeps you from feeling guilty or overwhelmed. It allows you to stay consistent without burning out.
Tip: Create a list of quick study ideas (like listening to a 5-minute talk or reading a verse on an app) for days when time is tight.
Give Yourself Grace
Perhaps the most important tip of all: Be kind to yourself. Your efforts to seek Jesus—even in small ways—matter deeply to Him.
How to Do It:
When you miss a day, don’t give up. Simply start again.
Remind yourself that God sees your heart and your desire to grow closer to Him.
Focus on progress, not perfection.
Why It Works:
Grace takes the pressure off. It helps you move from a mindset of guilt and inadequacy to one of love and peace.
Tip: Repeat this affirmation when you feel discouraged: My scripture study doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
A final reminder...
As you move into this new year, let go of the guilt and overwhelm that often accompanies spiritual goals. Scripture study doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. It can be simple, flexible, and tailored to your unique life circumstances—and it will still bring you closer to God.
What’s one small way you’ll keep your scripture study simple this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!