Memorizing the Word of God
Last week I was buzzing around the church’s lawn-mowing tractor listening to a message by Dr. Andy Davis on “Filling Your Life Up with Scripture” which he gave at the recent Founders Conference.
I have heard Dr. Davis speak before and have really enjoyed his ability to explain and apply the Bible’s teaching. And this message was no different. It was both encouraging and convicting. And it reminded me of a booklet I had sitting on my shelf at home he had written. I believe it was at a conference back in 2006 that I received a booklet called “An Approach to Extended Memorization of Scripture.” There Davis, as the title explains, gives very practical advice about how to take God’s word into your mind and heart through memorization. Davis is clear that this is simply one approach and that, in the end, any and all approaches to memorizing comes down to “repetition over long periods of time.” What Davis does is provide very practical help in going about it.
Well, that book sat on my shelf for the last two years. But then hearing him preach on taking in and being transformed by God word brought me – through conviction and encouragement – to begin a specific plan for memorizing Scripture. Specifically, to memorize the book of Ephesians.
I had Davis’ book to help, but then in his grace God allowed me to stumble upon another great help. I am frequent visitor to Timmy Brister’s blog and found that he was doing the same thing! And in preparing for that adventure, he had developed his ‘Memory Moleskin.’ A Moleskin journal specifically set-up to facilitate memorizing Scripture.
I would encourage you to avail yourself of the materials that are out there and start memorizing! David memorized Scripture (Ps 19:1-14), a Psalm-writer who treasured God’s word memorized Scripture (Ps 119:11), Paul likely had Scripture memorized (Phil 4:8), even Jesus memorized Scripture (Matt 4:1-11) and encouraged his disciples to do the same (John 15:7)!
If you’re not, why not?
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Here are some resources to help:
- Dr. Davis’ booklet called “An Approach to Extended Memorization of Scripture.”
- Dr. Davis’ teaching on Bible Meditation and Prayer (part 1, part 2)
- Desiring God’s Fighter Verses Program and Resources (for adults and children)
- Timmy Brister’s Memorization Moleskin (post 1, post 2)
- Moleskin Journals and Notebooks (you can also buy these at most Barnes & Noble stores)
- [EDIT:] I noticed Timmy’s plan (and his helps) for Ephesians is a more ambitious one – 24 weeks instead of the suggested 26 by Davis. If you want to make it easier (one verse a day, six days a week), then you can download a modified version of Timmy’s notes for a Memorization Moleskin (or any old notebook/journal) here.
