Memorizing Scripture...what about it?

[annabelfwlr]

Can anyone tell me the importance, or significance of memorizing scripture? Is there more to it than just knowing the Word my memory? I've been wondering about this lately, and I've also been wondering what scriptures are good for memorization. I met a man once who could recite whole portions of chapters. It floored me! Besides these questions, what are some good "beginner" scriptures to start memorizing? Of course, the 23rd Psalm, but what else? Thanks so much!!!

Edited November 4, 2008 by annabelfwlr

[annabelfwlr]

I went through a phase for about 3 years where I memorized scripture verbatum. When God "Quickened " His word to me and spoke directly to me and my situation I would memorize that scripture and store it away like a treasure.

I've been experiencing God's calling through scriptures more abundantly, lately. It's at those time where I wondered if I should memorize those scriptures to have in my heart, to always remember God's word. However, I wasn't sure if there was a "special" way of doing it..or rather, if that was what I was supposed to do. Did you follow a set way of memorizing?

[glorywatch]

"I have hidden thy word in my heart that I might not sin against you." - Psalms 119:11 That pretty much sums up the reason to memorize Scripture in my opinion.

[nebula]

Can anyone tell me the importance, or significance of memorizing scripture?

There's a verse about hiding God's word in your heart so that you won't sin against Him. Kind of hard to "hide His word in your heart" if you don't know it.

Likewise, when Satan tempted Jesus, if He hadn't memorized scripture, how would He have answered?

Hope that helps answer the question!

Is there more to it than just knowing the Word my memory?

Yes, saying it like you believe what it says.

what are some good "beginner" scriptures to start memorizing? Of course, the 23rd Psalm, but what else?

The Scriptures that I have memorized are ones that held significance to me when I read them.

Is there a verse or passage that has brought comfort to you? Inspired you? Helped you to understand God better? Taught you how to live? Enabled you to get through a situation? Expresses your heart in some way? Or that you just plain like?

Start with those!

[nebula]

However, I wasn't sure if there was a "special" way of doing it..or rather, if that was what I was supposed to do. Did you follow a set way of memorizing?

How do you memorize anything?

When I was in a play, the only way I could memorize the lines was to repeat them over and over, try to say the lines without the script and only going back to double check or verify.

You can also write out a verse on a notecard, only leave a blank space with an underline for key words, and try to recall what the words are.

Some of this depends on your learning style -

If you are visual, you need to visually see the words.

If you are auditory, you need to hear and speak the words.

If you are tactile, you need to write the words.

There are probably other tricks, but this is a start.

[Doowopjock]

Can anyone tell me the importance, or significance of memorizing scripture? Is there more to it than just knowing the Word my memory? I've been wondering about this lately, and I've also been wondering what scriptures are good for memorization. I met a man once who could recite whole portions of chapters. It floored me! Besides these questions, what are some good "beginner" scriptures to start memorizing? Of course, the 23rd Psalm, but what else? Thanks so much!!!

Hi Anna--I'm John.

I don't know if this answers your question or not, but I just started reading the Word one day and haven't stopped since. God never asked me to understand what I read, just to read it. But I found that as I did read, my memory started working something like on "auto-pilot" (for lack of a better term). He says in there that He will bring to mind the things He teaches us (John 14:26) and it was uncanny how that started happening even before I read that far (and I started with the Gospel of John). I've read the entire New Testament, but only once. I've read parts of the Old Testament, and I concerned myself with the order in which I was studying until it was as if the Holy Spirit was saying for me not to worry about that. I asked Him then in prayer, "Yeah, but what if I run out of time in my life before I get everything read--there's so much." He replied, "You will never 'run out of time in your life' because you are already alive forever. And you don't need to concern yourself with hurrying to read it all--you have all of eternity. The patience you must exercise in order to read and think on the things you do read is in your best interest to have." To this day, then, I read and then meditate--here a little, there a little, back and forth. Usually one chapter a day in all the different versions of Scripture I have (I rely mostly on KJV, but like to see how it's said in other translations). Sometimes, in the course of my life, I have to read maybe only part of the day's chapter and get back to it later--even the next day at times. But that's just the Holy Spirit's way of letting me know I need to think on what I've last read some more (He's in charge of what "interruptions" are allowed to come into my life).

One thing I would tell you--don't worry about stuff you don't immediately understand. It will come to you when it's time for you TO understand it--the Holy Spirit will see to that. Just start somewhere and be determined that you're gonna keep going and leave it to the Lord to bring forth the understanding to you. He will.

There's more I could add, but I don't want to be too wordy. Someone else may have a better take on things that would suit your inquiry than this, or they may have a better way of saying it.

[stormy612]

Can anyone tell me the importance, or significance of memorizing scripture? Is there more to it than just knowing the Word my memory? I've been wondering about this lately, and I've also been wondering what scriptures are good for memorization. I met a man once who could recite whole portions of chapters. It floored me! Besides these questions, what are some good "beginner" scriptures to start memorizing? Of course, the 23rd Psalm, but what else? Thanks so much!!!

Hi Anna--I'm John.

I don't know if this answers your question or not, but I just started reading the Word one day and haven't stopped since. God never asked me to understand what I read, just to read it. But I found that as I did read, my memory started working something like on "auto-pilot" (for lack of a better term). He says in there that He will bring to mind the things He teaches us (John 14:26) and it was uncanny how that started happening even before I read that far (and I started with the Gospel of John). I've read the entire New Testament, but only once. I've read parts of the Old Testament, and I concerned myself with the order in which I was studying until it was as if the Holy Spirit was saying for me not to worry about that. I asked Him then in prayer, "Yeah, but what if I run out of time in my life before I get everything read--there's so much." He replied, "You will never 'run out of time in your life' because you are already alive forever. And you don't need to concern yourself with hurrying to read it all--you have all of eternity. The patience you must exercise in order to read and think on the things you do read is in your best interest to have." To this day, then, I read and then meditate--here a little, there a little, back and forth. Usually one chapter a day in all the different versions of Scripture I have (I rely mostly on KJV, but like to see how it's said in other translations). Sometimes, in the course of my life, I have to read maybe only part of the day's chapter and get back to it later--even the next day at times. But that's just the Holy Spirit's way of letting me know I need to think on what I've last read some more (He's in charge of what "interruptions" are allowed to come into my life).

One thing I would tell you--don't worry about stuff you don't immediately understand. It will come to you when it's time for you TO understand it--the Holy Spirit will see to that. Just start somewhere and be determined that you're gonna keep going and leave it to the Lord to bring forth the understanding to you. He will.

There's more I could add, but I don't want to be too wordy. Someone else may have a better take on things that would suit your inquiry than this, or they may have a better way of saying it.

I completely agree. This is how Jesus works His word in me. I read almost every day to have my 'food' but it is God who puts it to work when it is needed, whether it is for my understanding or for the encouragement or teaching of someone else. I, too, have days when I don't read because I'm 'chewing' on what He's teaching me. But I can't go long like that. I've tried to memorize and I just can't. But, I do keep a notebook filled with scriptures He's given me, and my corresponding attempt at writing out in words what He's revealed to me. When God does bring a verse back to mind, it's usually the 'general' idea of the verse. I then have to run to my Strong's to look it up exactly and in its original context. He works with my bad memory! It's very important to me to know and understand all that He teaches me so that it goes deep within my spirit and changes me as Jesus said He would. Memorization is great, but staying fed on His word is even greater. Concentrate on that first, and remember what He teaches you in His word.

[Iryssa]

Memorizing scripture affects every part of our walk, I think. Others already mentioned Ps. 119:11...it's very useful in combating temptation. Also, as we go thorugh our days, we often will need encouragement, reminders of God's promises, and things like that. If we have scripture memorized those things come much more easily.

Also, there will be times when we come across false teachers and the like who will take a verse out of context in order to make it say what they want it to say. The more scripture we have stored up like that, the less likely we are to fall victim to their ploys, because we'll know how to answer them.

There was a time when it seemed like I had a scripture ready for almost every situation...now my sword is not quite so sharp, so to speak (long story there about a terrible spiritual fall I took...it's been a long road to recovery and I'm still not there yet), and I have to say that day to day Christian living is much harder without that readiness.

Remember that the word and knowledge of the truth are integral parts of the armor of God, as in Eph. 6:10-16

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

(underlining mine, obviously)

Anyway, one of my favourite ways to memorize scripture is to put a verse to music.

One of my favourite "starter verses" is Rom. 8:28: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

[Doowopjock]

One thing that helps with memorizing is learning how to "cheat". I have a "cheater's" Bible I got from Franklin electronics (I'm sure they have a website somewhere) and it really comes in handy when trying to remember just how something is worded if I'm not quite sure. The one I have now is my fourth one (the letters wear off the keyboards over time if you sweat--and I used to all the time when I had mine at work) and they have all had a feature that you could use to enter just a few words you recalled from a certain verse and select the "Find" button and it would bring up everywhere in Scripture it says what you're looking for. It's the greatest thing I've ever seen for cheating, next to having it in your heart (which is what cheating and reading does anyway after awhile).

[Guest shiloh357]

Can anyone tell me the importance, or significance of memorizing scripture? Is there more to it than just knowing the Word my memory? I've been wondering about this lately, and I've also been wondering what scriptures are good for memorization. I met a man once who could recite whole portions of chapters. It floored me! Besides these questions, what are some good "beginner" scriptures to start memorizing? Of course, the 23rd Psalm, but what else? Thanks so much!!!

The importance of memorizing Scripture cannot be understated. A couple of really good reasons to memorize Scripture is for your own self edification and to guard your heart.

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

(Proverbs 4:20-27)

Jesus memorized Scripture and was able to quote Scripture to the devil during His temptations. Jesus was showing us how to defeat the devil.

Also, the more of the word we have in us, the better we will be at sharing our faith with others. Peter wrote:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15)

Those are just a few good reasons to memorize Scripture. Now as for a good "starter" list, You should be able to share the gospel by memory if need be. I personally carry a small Bible with me with the plan of salvation clearly marked in it to show people so they can read it for themselves, but in the event you don't have that option, memorization is vital. The verses regarding the plan of salvation are as follows:

Romans 3:10-18, 23 ~ All men are sinners. All men have fallen short of God's righteous standard.

Romans 6:23 ~ The wages of sin which we rightly deserve is spiritual death.

Romans 5:8 ~ God loves us and he demonstrates His love through Jesus death on Cross. It didn't stop there. Jesus' resurrection is proof that His death was acceptable that the price of sin had been paid and God's justice was eternally and irrevocably satisfied.

Romans 10:9-10, 13 ~ If we believe in heart and confess with our mouths the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved. We are also told that with the heart man believeth unto rightesousness, meaning that the minute you believe in your heart, you are saved. All who call upon the Name of the Lord, will be saved.

Romans 5:1 ~ The result is that we have peace with the God through Jesus Christ having accepted His offer justification by faith.

Romans 8:1, 38-39 ~ We are free from guilt and condemnation, and nothing can separate us from the Love of God. We are no longer in state of spiritual separation and spiritual death. We are finally and forever free.

That is a good place to start. From there, I would just start looking up verses and passages that are especially meaningful to you in your personal walk with the Lord.