Every Tuesday at devotional, notebooks, pens and phones are raised high in the air. This is introduced as tradition, but where did it originate?

On Sept. 9, 1997, back when BYU-Idaho was known as Ricks College, President David A. Bednar gave a devotional in which he introduced the tradition.

“First, you should have received the word to bring your scriptures,” said Elder Bednar “I would like you to hold them up if you have them. Now, please put them on your lap. You may want to get a small piece of paper and a pencil or a pen to jot down some of the thoughts that will come to your mind and the feelings that may come to your heart.”

This was the first instance of the tradition that is now known today at BYUI. However, this was not the first time Elder Bednar did this.

Former BYUI photographer Michael Lewis interviewed Elder Bednar in Arkansas for the Summit Magazine.

Elder Bednar told him that back when he was a stake president, he would ask people to raise their scriptures to show that they were prepared to learn, and he wanted to do that on campus here, too.

“So of course, back then it was actual scriptures. It wasn’t cell phones and iPads and notebooks. It was ‘raise your scriptures, so you’re ready to learn.’ And of course, technology just changed that,” said Lewis.

“Those of you who are new to Ricks will note that at the beginning of today’s devotional assembly, Brother Bird asked you to hold up your scriptures,” Elder Bednar said (pulled from History of Ricks College and Brigham Young University-Idaho: The Bednar Years (1997-2004), by Robert Worrell) “This is a new tradition we started at our first devotional last fall, and it is a tradition through which we will continue to encourage all students and faculty to consistently study and use the scriptures.”

As time progressed, this tradition became ingrained in campus culture. In the following devotionals, the importance of bringing your scriptures has been continuously emphasized.

“As I am sure most of you recognize, the real significance of this tradition is not merely bringing and holding up your scriptures every Tuesday in devotional,” Elder Bednar said, “Rather, this simple act is but a reminder and symbol of our collective appreciation for, desire to learn from, and commitment to consistently and conscientiously study the Holy Scriptures”

Although times have changed and students now raise digital devices as well as physical scriptures, the essence of the tradition still remains the same. The original intent to inspire students to approach their education with purpose and a willingness to receive revelation still stands.

This is a reminder that learning, whether in a classroom, a chapel or a devotional setting, requires both preparation and commitment.

Featured image: Students lining up for Elder and Sister Bednar’s devotional on March 9. Photo Credit: Alex Reid