Patterns
Introduction
Finding patterns in our scripture study is very important. Elder David A. Bednar taught that in addition to reading the scriptures from beginning to end, and studying them topically we, we should specifically search the scriptures looking for patterns. He said,
Both reading from beginning to end and studying by topic are prerequisites to the third basic method of obtaining living water from the scriptural reservoir…Searching in the revelations for connections, patterns, and themes builds upon and adds to our spiritual knowledge by bringing together and expanding these first two methods; it broadens our perspective and understanding of the plan of salvation.
In my judgment, diligently searching to discover connections, patterns, and themes is in part what it means to “feast” upon the words of Christ. This approach can open the floodgates of the spiritual reservoir, enlighten our understanding through His Spirit, and produce a depth of gratitude for the holy scriptures and a degree of spiritual commitment that can be received in no other way (Elder David A. Bednar, “A Reservoir of Living Water”).
How can we find these scriptural patterns? Elder David A. Bednar explained one method. He said, “As I study the scriptures [I frequently] search for phrases…then I sort and group or cluster them by themes or common features. I learn a great deal by looking for patterns” (Elder David A. Bednar, “Come Unto Christ.“).
In one example, Elder Bednar talked about a time when he as preparing to give a talk on “The Gathering of Israel.” He found every time the word “gather” was used in the scriptures. Then, as he read through all of these verses, he began to find patterns; he sorted and organized the verses based on the different patterns he found (see “A Reservoir of Living Water”).
How to do it
As you study your scriptures, be alert for phrases that seem to be repeated. When you find such a phrase, search through the scriptures looking for similar phrases (electronic scriptures really help—you can buy them from http://ldscatalog.com or use them for free online at http://scriptures.lds.org You can then search electronically.
I highly recommending the following talk by Elder David A. Bednar in which he explains and demonstrates how to search for patterns. It is “Come Unto Christ.” If you want to read another example from Elder Bednar, consider “I am the light which shineth in the darkness.”
Invitation: Try looking for a pattern in the scriptures. Pick a word or phrase that seems interesting to you and see how many times it appears in the scriptures. Take those different occurrences and sort them into patterns. What insights do you find? Click the comment button to share them with others!
Your study would not need to be as complete as the below, but as some examples of what a study on patterns might look like, consider the following essays, written by students at Brigham Young University.
Great and Marvelous, by Elizabeth VanDerwerken
Walk in the Light, by Leslie Galan
Know how to Worship, by Gregory Schulz
