First, let me be up front. I don’t know that anywhere is there a direct covenant made to study the scriptures. What I’m trying to figure out is why I feel such a direct responsibility towards daily scripture study, and why is it that I seemed to be bound by covenant to this practice if I have not made the covenant to do so?
The first and most obvious sign of daily, meaningful scripture study is probably the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, which states: “For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.” (D&C 84:44)
But what is there in some of the other basic covenants that we make that points to a daily scripture study routine?
https://www.lds.org/manual/true-to-the-faith/scriptures?lang=eng
What of the introductory ordinance of baptism? What relationship does daily scripture study have with the covenant that we make at baptism? If pure religion is to keep ourselves unspotted from the world, it stands to reason that after we are cleansed from our sins by entering into the waters of baptism, the way that we perserve and maintain that cleanliness is through a continual scripture study.
Immediately after Nephi testifies of the doctrine of baptism, he says this:
“I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way.” (or after you have been baptized) “But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?
“Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.
“For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32:1,3,5)
Notice the connection between the study of scripture (feasting upon the words of Christ) and reception of the Holy Ghost. Both will show unto the covenant disciple of Christ the pathway that they should follow.
So, perhaps in this regard, we look at daily, earnest study of the scriptures as the tool given us to guide us in the path of discipleship. Consider the following:
“Whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall… lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course… And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven…” (Helaman 3:29-30)
I feel that with no further considerations, these few observations are sufficient to establish the doctrine and the necessity for a daily study of the words of Christ.