5 Ways We Make Scripture Study Actually Happen (Even When It’s Chaotic)
I used to think scripture study with my kids had to look like the perfect Instagram family: everyone gathered reverently on the couch, scriptures open, wide-eyed toddlers listening to Mom’s spiritual insights, Dad asking thoughtful questions, the Spirit flooding the living room like a sunrise.
Turns out, in my house, it looks more like graham cracker crumbs in the pages of the Book of Mormon, one kid upside down on the couch, another interrupting every other word with a question about dinosaurs, and someone always, always crying by the end.
For a while, I let that messiness discourage me. I’d skip it altogether because I thought if we couldn’t do it perfectly, it wasn’t worth doing at all. But I’ve come to learn — and keep learning — that the Lord never asked for perfection. He just asked us to try.
So here are five simple, honest ways we’ve learned to make scripture study actually happen in our home — chaos and all.
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🌿 1. We Keep It Short and Sweet
When we tried to read entire chapters, everyone ended up grumpy (including me). Now we pick just a few verses — sometimes only one! — and talk about what stands out.
Five minutes of scripture study is better than none. Little seeds, right?
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🌿 2. We Make It Part of Something We’re Already Doing
For us, it’s breakfast or bedtime. The kids are already gathered (captive audience!), so we pull out the scriptures or the Gospel Library app. Sometimes we listen to the audio while they eat, and other times we read one verse at a time around the table.
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🌿 3. We Let the Kids Lead
This one surprised me — they love feeling important. Sometimes I’ll ask my oldest to pick a verse or tell the story in his own words. Is it always doctrinally accurate? No. But it’s precious to see their faith grow in theirwords.
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🌿 4. We Celebrate the Tiny Wins
We don’t guilt-trip ourselves when we miss a day (or three). We try to notice and celebrate the fact that we’re trying. Progress over perfection. Consistency over intensity.
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🌿 5. We Talk of Christ — Anytime, Anywhere
Scripture study doesn’t just happen on the couch. It happens in the car, on a walk, when we see a rainbow or a star and remember God’s promises.
Sometimes our best gospel conversations come at the most unexpected moments.
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I’ve learned it’s not about how much we cover, but how much we invite Him in — even when our kids are rolling on the floor or interrupting every sentence.
I cling to 2 Nephi 25:26:
“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ…”
— that’s the goal. Not perfectly. But honestly. Consistently. And with so much love.
If you’re trying, you’re doing better than you think. The Spirit can work with snack crumbs and sticky fingers — He always has and always will.