Applying the Gospel of Christ though the Book of Mormon- Zone 3

"The Book of Mormon, combined with the spirit, is your most powerful resource in conversion." (PMG p. 104)

How can we use the Book of Mormonn to help us become more like Christ?

In what ways does it help us recieve revelation... how do we learn about God's nature when reading it?

As you try to have more powerful experiences with God through the Book of Mormon this week please share insights that you have about life in general and how we can make the activity, "Book of Mormon read" more powerful for The Lord's Missionaries.

Missionary-Directed Book of Mormon Reading

With the help of some great coworkers and Lisanne's awesome training, my Book of Mormon readings have been much more revelatory both for myself and for my missionaries. Early on in their stay, I have found that a very in-depth discussion of what an insight vs. revelation is essential to effective readings later on. By the end of the first Book of Mormon reading, many of them have committed to do specific things as a result of the revelation they received, and as a teacher I have recorded all of their commitments in my planner. For example, missionaries have committed and recorded their commitments to "Stop comparing themselves to others", "Pray for the Lord's support more often to develop humility", "Ask themselves 'Did I see my investigator as a child of God?' to evaluate after each lesson", and to "Write their mother in gratitude next P-Day,". The revelation they receive is always as unique as they are.

When I follow up with their commitments, their understanding of the role of the Book of Mormon in conversion is deepened. Following up with their personal revelation is absolutely essential. They can say to themselves that they've changed their behavior as a result of what they've read in the Book of Mormon, and their testimony that it truly can change their investigators grows. Subsequent Book of Mormon readings build off of this foundation, and they quickly are able to lead it out themselves and to help each other to push beyond insight into genuine revelation.

I'm so glad that I'm finally understanding how I can help my missionaries receive revelation through the Book of Mormon! I've always wondered how to help missionaries lead out the activity and to make it effective, and this has definitely helped them to achieve that. It is a spiritual feast every time we read together, the other day my missionary asked if we could have another Book of Mormon reading because they want to feel the spirit that accompanies it! It's going great so far, but I know it could be better. I'd love to hear other great ideas or experiences from the Book of Mormon reading, so that I can help my missionaries to get the most out of it.

Facilitating Revelation

I have tried something with the last few districts during their Book of Mormon reading time that has seemed to make a significant impact in their understanding of and ability to facilitate revelation.  At some point in their last week here, as they are doing the exercise I pause them and tell them that for the remainder of the practice they are only allowed to read the verses from the Book of Mormon and ask questions to the investigator/their companion.  Doing so eliminates them sharing their insights and thoughts all the time.  I have noticed that missionaries initially tend the think it's virtually impossible and they struggle, but after a couple of minutes they start to see the impact and power that effective questions can have in facilitating revelation.  I have seen this greatly enhance their ability to actually accomplish the objective of helping others to receive revelation as they read from the Book of Mormon.

Having a Real Experience!

When I first started here I did not really have a vision for the Book of Mormon reading activity. The missionaries used it as a time to wind down and just read the Book of Mormon. It reminded me of getting on a train. They all felt comfortable leaning back and looking out the window. Totally leaving all their troubles at the door until the train came to a stop. It was easy to slip into the same trance myself and the Book of Mormon reading became a soft discussion on insights, and a time to relax and bask in the spirit. However in my last district we started discussing what purpose these insights served and how they effected our missionary work. We quickly realized that simple connections and insights were quite worthless. We realized that we read the scriptures to receive revelation from God, and that revelation was sacred. It should be something that we take to heart and let change us in whatever way the Lord sees fit. Our reading of the Book of Mormon was transformed into a focused search for applicable revelation. As the missionaries progressed in the MTC they were able to move away from group settings and read as companionships, helping facilitate revelation with one another. By the end of their stay they would sit and role play helping one of their investigators receive applicable revelation from the Book of Mormon. It was an amazing experience to witness these Elders and Sisters using the Book of Mormon as an actual tool in receiving revelation. Additionally, it has changed the way I look at my own studies and how they impact my life personally. I love Book of Mormon Reading!