I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5
Memorizing scripture hasn’t come easy to me. It’s hard, repetitive work. And even after I think I’ve got one, it escapes quickly if I don’t use it.
But it’s one of the most beneficial spiritual disciplines I’ve ever undertaken. Not only does God use His words to bless me as I’m learning them, He also returns them to bless me later in unanticipated ways.
So when you come across a verse that means something to you, write it down on paper. Then intentionally make efforts to write it on your heart and capture it in your soul.
This is one collection you’ll never regret building.
Exodus 33:13-14 (NIV)
1 Samuel 2:2
1 Kings 17:13-14 (NIV)
2 Chronicles 15:7
Psalm 4:8
Psalm 73:28
Proverbs 31:30
Isaiah 26:3-4
Daniel 9:18
Zechariah 4:6
10 favorites from the New Testament
Luke 16:10-11
John 5:24
John 6:28-29
Acts 17:27-28
Romans 4:20-21
Ephesians 3:17-21
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)
2 Timothy 2:13
Hebrews 4:16
Psalm 27
Psalm 34
Psalm 145
Isaiah 12
Isaiah 43
Matthew 5-7
John 1
Romans 12
Philippians 1-4
Hebrews 12
James 1
2 Peter 1
For a set of ready-made memory scriptures, I recommend Fighter Verses from Desiring God. They work great for Jenna and me to memorize during our school year.
Get their list of verses free. Or buy the pack of cards.
If you’d like additional free resources from the web on memorizing, visit Ann at Holy Experience.
It’s not about me perfecting the words.
It’s about the Word perfecting me.
So I keep plugging away at my memory verses,
a little at a time.
Progress is sometimes hard to measure,
and success, even harder.
But as long as I do at least a little,
it keeps the door open for God to do a lot.
* * *
More on Bible memorization
10 comments:
I am so glad that I started memorizing scripture in January. I am collecting scriptures in a file box, and I have a system to review them. Review is absolutely KEY! I will never retain if I don't review. I have found memorization to be so beneficial for my counseling ministry. When someone tells me the problem they're dealing with, I can remember a verse that deals with that issue. The more I memorize, the more passages I have to draw from. I don't know how I got along as a Christian all these years without a plan to memorize scripture.
Great post! I need to get serious about this again; thanks for the reminder!
Oh my God !
I find Cabrizette's comment pretty funny. I love your description of mnemonic work as writing on the heart and capturing in the soul.
One of my favorite poets said he only kept two books in his 'collection, one was the Bible and one was by a Danish novelist/poet that he loved...
thanks for sharing, and I like seeing your handwriting and notes...
Happy CV, happy week to you.
(actually, it's my favorite poet--RMRilke!)
Gracias. Thank you. I always need encouragement to keep up with my Bible memorization projects!
It is good indeed to encourage each other to godly deeds.
Do you mind if I use your images in my Spanish blog? I am planning on writing more about memorization and I love the practical ideas you shared today.
http://deliciasatudiestraparasiempre.com
See you tomorrow in our book review! :)
Liz, I’m glad you started memorizing, too, because I think that’s how I connected with you—through Memory Monday. It’s been a blessing getting to know you.
Cabrizette—yes, an appropriate comment. :-)
Jgy, maybe I need to look up those poets…
Becky, feel free to use the images. Wish I understood Spanish a whole lot better so I could read what you write about memorization. Instead I’ll look forward to reading your English blog tomorrow, especially on chapter 11—I had trouble understanding that one.
I am really impressed! and thanks for your kind comments. Always lovely to come and visit with you.
My friend and I are memorizing scripture this summer. One of the chapters we will be working on is James 1 =) Thanks for sharing that link for fighter verses. I'll pass it on to my friend as well =D
Be blessed!
On this Father's Day, I am so thankful for a dad that taught us the Scriptures. When we were young he started off the day with a Bible story after breakfast, and then the Bible promise box after lunch. He often read the Bible aloud to us, plus what we heard every time he preached at church. I memorized lots of them just from hearing them over and over. God seems to bring those words back to me right when I need them most.
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