How can I as a layperson approach the discourses given to monks?

Most discourses that I've read have been given to monks or nuns (and not laypeople), so I'm wondering **what the practical application is of these many discourses for a layperson like myself**. Are the practices presented in these discourses something to strive for? Is it better (as laypeople) to focus our effort on deepening our understanding and practice of for example the five precepts? Grateful for help and with kind regards, Tord