How can I have the scriptures opened to my heart?

A few years ago, I heard a recording of a BYU devotional by President Eyring. He was talking about scripture study, and some of the things he said taught me a great lesson. He said, “Just last month I learned again the power that comes from trying harder to have the scriptures opened to our hearts.” He then told a story about a man who had an intricate system of marking scriptures by topic. President Eyring felt inspired to do the same. “Within a day I had purchased an inexpensive set of scriptures. But it took more than a few days and more than a few prayers to know the topics that would open the scriptures anew for me.” He then proceeds to talk about his experience in deciding what to study and how much he learned from the scriptures by looking at them in that new light. (You should definitely check out the talk when you get a minute--especially listen to it if you can!)

A few things impressed me about this story: 

• The idea that we can try harder to have the scriptures opened to our hearts. 
• The idea that there are different ways to study the scriptures that will help us more. 
• And the idea of consciously praying to know how to better scripture study. 
• And especially the idea that it takes time and effort.

I've had a few experiences like this in my life. Sometimes they have been in challenges given to me from someone else--like when my mission president asked all of us to read the Book of Mormon and mark all occurrences of Christ's name and all occurrences of the Doctrine of Christ. Other times they have just been promptings from the Spirit--like when I decided I needed to read the Old Testament. And yet another time was when I decided to follow the council to read for a specific amount of time rather than a number of chapters.

I think many of us have had experiences like this, and I know that we all can continue to have them. I know that Heavenly Father is concerned about our scripture study. I know that He will help us make our scripture study a revelatory experience. I also know that it will take effort and we might not see the results right away. But, it will be worth it. President Eyring promises it will be:

I promise you that this day you will feel the influence of the Holy Ghost touch your heart as you search the scriptures with new purpose and as you pray earnestly. From that, you will this day have the assurance that God lives, that He answers prayers, that Jesus is the living Christ, and that He loves you. And you will feel your love for Him increase.

I hope we can all improve our scripture study this month as we pray about it and as we hear experiences from our fellow Relief Society sisters.

Love you all!

Melissa