Information, Interpretation, Inspiration
I was reading my scriptures this morning and came across an insight that I felt like sharing.
In 3 Nephi 17: 2-3 Christ recognizes that the people were growing weary because they were learning so much and they were having a hard time taking it all in. His direction was simple: Think about what I have already told you and pray for understanding. My personal thoughts went to the direction on scripture study to study, ponder, then pray. Then my thought process went as follows:
Study - Information
Ponder - Interpretation (personal)
Pray - Inspiration
First, we have to open our minds and receive the information that we need to. Without the incoming of information then no real learning can take place. Next, we must think about the information that was read or heard. Information is given generally and we have to find how it applies to us specifically and individually. We can also determine what, if anything, we need to do to change. It is the personal part of the studying process. Your pondering and your results here are yours alone. The final step is prayer. This is the opportunity to ask God for a testimony of a principle or for help with a desired course of action. A testimony can be given to everyone but only through the means of prayer that is sincere and specific.
This can also apply to secular learning as well as spiritual learning. We study a given material, think about what it is saying and ensure our understanding of the concept, and then we can pray to know if we are on the right track with our understanding and also that we can remember that information when we need it.
I know that learning is a part of God's plan and that He will assist in the learning process to help us become what we want to be and what He wants us to be.
In 3 Nephi 17: 2-3 Christ recognizes that the people were growing weary because they were learning so much and they were having a hard time taking it all in. His direction was simple: Think about what I have already told you and pray for understanding. My personal thoughts went to the direction on scripture study to study, ponder, then pray. Then my thought process went as follows:
Study - Information
Ponder - Interpretation (personal)
Pray - Inspiration
First, we have to open our minds and receive the information that we need to. Without the incoming of information then no real learning can take place. Next, we must think about the information that was read or heard. Information is given generally and we have to find how it applies to us specifically and individually. We can also determine what, if anything, we need to do to change. It is the personal part of the studying process. Your pondering and your results here are yours alone. The final step is prayer. This is the opportunity to ask God for a testimony of a principle or for help with a desired course of action. A testimony can be given to everyone but only through the means of prayer that is sincere and specific.
This can also apply to secular learning as well as spiritual learning. We study a given material, think about what it is saying and ensure our understanding of the concept, and then we can pray to know if we are on the right track with our understanding and also that we can remember that information when we need it.
I know that learning is a part of God's plan and that He will assist in the learning process to help us become what we want to be and what He wants us to be.
Comments
-oh and jus so ya know this is your buddy Wuendy J.