Have you ever flipped through your scriptures to find a verse that stuck out to you, but been unable find it? How about all the times you didn’t know who was speaking in a certain scripture? What about when you couldn’t stay focused and your mind wandered during your scripture study?

We’ve been there, and we have a simple solution.

Marking your scriptures.

Marking the scriptures is a great way to process what you’re reading, invite revelation, and find those scriptural gems you’re looking for. Here are six different ways you can mark your scriptures (with suggested color coding) to have more meaningful study.

Helpful hint: It might be beneficial to create a small legend in the front of your Book of Mormon to help you remember what each color means, if you decide to use color coding.

1. Patterns (light blue)

As you focus on finding patterns in the scriptures, you can learn more about the consequences of certain actions and be able to identify similar patterns in your life. You will also better understand the nature of God and His relationship and communication with His children.

2. Identify Who is Speaking (light green)

Sometimes as we read, we can get confused as to who is speaking in each passage. Underline the speaker in green or write the speaker’s name in the margins to help you remember and understand the dialogue happening in the scriptures.

3. If/Then Statements (orange)

We can choose our choices, but not our consequences. Finding if/then statements helps protect us from making the wrong choices by understanding the consequences that come from them. It also can motivate us to actively make good decisions, understanding the consequences that follow those.

4. Blessings (yellow)

God promises that as we keep His commandments, He will bless us, but with what? As you read through the scriptures and identify any and all blessings that are promised, a new love for keeping the commandments will grow.

5. References to Jesus Christ (red)

As you highlight each reference to Jesus Christ, you can come to understand what each title or description means and how you can become more like the Savior. Most importantly, you will learn about how the scriptures are centered on Jesus Christ and draw closer to Him.

6. Write in the Margins

Thoughts and inspiration come as we study the scriptures. Record those thoughts in your margins, as well as cross-referencing other scriptures.

For more journaling space, try the new Book of Mormon, Journal Editions. They provide the space you need to write down thoughts and inspiration you receive during your study. With extended margins for notes and drawings, this new format will allow you to record your thoughts directly in your scriptures and easily find them again in times of need.