In 2011, I memorized the Sermon on the Mount. It went pretty well, although there were weeks where I struggled a bit.
However, I know Matthew 5, 6, and 7 better than I ever have before. And portions of those chapters come to mind all the time now, exactly when I need them.
That’s one of the benefits of memorizing Scripture.
This year, I’m going to do it again. And I’d love to have you join me as well.
I went through my Bible and listed many of the key passages I underlined or highlighted last year. Most of these have made it onto the list of what I’d like to memorize this year.
It’s a pretty eclectic list, scattered all over the Bible, but there are some very meaningful passages in that list.
Here’s the idea: Grab an index card and a pen. Write the verse down on the card and stick in in your pocket, or in the car, or on your bathroom mirror, anyplace where you will see it often. Read it several times a day. By the end of the week, it will be memorized! Simple!
I will begin next week, on Sunday, with a verse from Proverbs that goes well with a new year’s effort . Join me!
Do you regularly memorize Scripture? What benefits have you seen from it in your life? You can share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Memorizing scripture is a lot like prayer, we all know how extremely beneficial it is, yet it seems to be one of the hardest things to do!
The biggest single chunk of scripture I’ve ever memorized was James 1 about two years ago. It was, as I expected, wonderfully helpful. Great post!
That’s awesome! I love James. Very practical letter.
So, are you ready to give it another go? What do you think you might try to memorize?
It’s amazing when you think you’ve forgotten Scripture, how it pops up at the exact time you need it. I’m memorizing parts of Psalm 18. Very powerful in my life right now.
Very true! And I love the Psalms… 18 is one of my favorites.
Such a practical way of memorizing scriptures. During my senior year of High School a pastor challenged me to write down and mesmerize scripture and looking back now I have seen many benefits from it. I recently read Good to Great in Gods Eyes by Chip Ingram and one of the chapters talks about memorizing and thinking on scripture. This is something I’ll focusing on doing this year.
Thanks, Dan! The more I memorize, the more I begin to understand why this is such an important discipline, one we’ve largely neglected in recent years. Time to renew it!
I’ll have to check out that book!
I’m going to try and work on this more in 2012. I think the Sermon on the Mount would be a great place to start. I’m also personally a fan of select Psalms like Psalm 39, 23, and my personal favorite – 104.
I think it’s a great goal. If not the Psalms, portions of 1 and 2 Peter or James might be good. Or Philippians…
I love to memorize portions of scripture & to recite it dramaticaly. I have done the “christmas” scripture and those from the Passion of Christ thru the Great Commission publically. It has brought great joy to my heart & blessings I trust to many.
The benefits are truly endless! Thanks for sharing!