Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Psalm 1:1-3, Psalm 119:11, Matthew 4:1-11, 2 Timothy 3:14-17
I don’t have an excellent memory or attention span, so I never really thought I could remember large portions of Scripture. I was content with picking up verses here and there as I studied, read, or listened to sermons. And I thought it was pretty cool if the pastor happened to be reading through a passage and I could follow along from memory every few verses or so.
Fast forward a few years later, when our pastor challenged our church to memorize the entire book of 1 Timothy. I found a little guide on extended Scripture memorization, and a group of us decided to take one chapter each and commit it to memory. This gave me confidence that I could do more, so I decided to work slowly toward memorizing a whole book of the Bible. Again, our pastor challenged the congregation to memorize it as he preached through short sections each week.
I decided to memorize one verse each day. I broke the verse down into two or three parts, focused on learning shorter sections, and then I put the whole verse together. Once I had a few verses memorized, I worked on understanding what I’d read by following the argument of the author or the storyline presented. That’s when I saw how memorization and meditation work together.
Memorization is the ability to recall what you’ve read verbatim, so I had to practice a lot! I’d listen to a verse on audio while brushing my teeth or taking a shower or folding laundry, while waiting in the carpool line or shopping. I filled my downtime with the Word of God. Eventually, it became a sweet habit, and I found myself rehearsing God’s Word throughout the day.
Meditation is an ongoing conversation between the Holy Spirit and yourself about what you’re learning in God’s Word. In this way, you learn to hide His Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11) and discover meaningful ways to apply it to your life. Through the practice of meditation, I found myself starting to incorporate verses of Scripture into my prayer life. Soon, I found that I had God’s Word ready to encourage a friend. When I couldn’t sleep at night, I would rehearse my verses and fall asleep with God’s Word on my lips.
I have experienced the truth of Deuteronomy 6:6 that says, “These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart.” Even in more anxious times—through the whirring of the MRI scanner or when counting down as the anesthesia put me to sleep—God’s Word came to mind, comforting me. Scripture, memorized over days and weeks and months, had made its way from my eyes and ears and mouth to my heart. And out of the abundance of what was in my heart, my mouth began to continually speak the words of life and truth to myself and to others (Matthew 12:34). Thanks be to God for this gift of grace.
Written by Kristie Anyabwile
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90 thoughts on "Meditation & Memorization"
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I’m challenged by this. I really want to do this myself. Been meditating on the verse in John that says, flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but your father in heaven did.
Love hearing the story of how memorization happened, it gives me hope to try♡
Knowing the word helps us in ALL the ways-we can have hope, peace and comfort in everything we have to encounter in this world♡
The word of God is our truth that we hold onto and when we read God’s word He teaches us that we can’t live by bread alone and only listen to the words of truth from God Himself. The more love we have for Christ the more we will hate our sin and start to repent towards our sins. Keep the word of God on the tablet of your heart to speak truth and life into other people so they can what the Lord says about them and to transform them into children of God.
Amen
I’ve always been terrible at memorization as an adult. Add an Alzheimer’s diagnosis to that and it’s nearly impossible.
BUT GOD …
I memorized a lot of Scripture as a child. I’ve read the Bible through several times. I’ve studied deeply, especially when in seminary. And i have found that when something comes up in my life, or in conversation with someone, I may not be able to quote a whole verse, and I won’t even try to come up with the reference of chapter and verse. But enough of a verse that is right for that situation will pop into my head, and I’ll be able to talk about it. Or I’ll use Google and type in what I just remembered and the whole verse will come up, with the reference. I can’t count the times this happened when I was working as a chaplain. I was telling my supervisor one time about a Scripture I used with a visitor in the hospital, and she asked what I caused me to use that particular Scripture because it was so right for the situation. After thinking about it, I realized it was The Holy Spirit recalling in my heart what I already knew because I’d read it so many times. God brings Scripture to mind when we apply ourselves to filling our hearts and minds with His Word.
I’m going to try some of the songs you’ve recommended. What a great way to have Scripture in my heart!
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I sit reflecting upon your remarkable reflection, Teresa!
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After reading everyone’s comments I am convicted about making my kids memorize scripture! So many times I read – I did when I was younger and I still benefit now!!! I typically give my kids a scripture everyday in their lunchbox but I have slacked off this year- getting back to it ASAP! A previous guest on one of the podcasts said his father used to quote a proverb a day with his son and I started doing it too. It’s a great way to “meditate” when you’re stuck in the car with each other to and from somewhere!!!
Good practices! ❤
I memorized a lot of scripture when I was younger and in AWANA. That was lots of years ago. lol. A lot of it I can recall but it was all in the KJV so I get thrown off with other versions, as others mentioned. It is also much harder for me now and I don’t do it near as much because I get frustrated with being unable to remember. I did decide to memorize 1John 1 a couple of years ago and did do it, but I would not be able to recall it now without prompts.
I recently decided to memorize in the NKJV instead of the KJV because it is basically the same but maybe a bit more modern.
Now to get back into memorizing and studying our Savior’s story. Thank you to many for the pointers and reminding me how important and beneficial it is.
Praying for the requests. I am honored to do that.
Be blessed this Tuesday dear Sisters.
Tricia
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I had to smile at your comment, Tricia. I too memorized a lot of scripture growing up in GAs (a mission organization at church) but it was all KJV. Our church usually reads out of the ESV and it really messes with this old lady.
I too am not very good at memorizing scripture. To be honest, I don’t think I ever fully understood the true benefit of it until this devotional. When I memorize scripture, I can fight the lies of the enemy better and meditate on His truth.
For those of us who have been blessed to learn scripture when we were younger, I think it might help to stick with the translation we originally memorized the verses in—for memorization purposes. I got so confused recently trying to learn a long passage in the CSV that I know I learned in the NIV years ago. However, if you aren’t a perfectionist like me, feel free to ignore this advice. God doesn’t care if we get a word wrong; we don’t speak the original languages anyway. But I do find the scripture cards helpful to keep around the house and switch out from time to time. And if you can’t learn a long verse, start with a short one. Just keep going. I had finished all of the questions today before I remembered that this day also focuses on meditation; what good is it to learn all of these words if we don’t ponder their meaning? It all matters, and we have the rest of our lives and all of eternity to keep on practicing these beautiful disciplines as we chase after Jesus.❤️
Great advice, Margaret, and on the translation: like you, I have tried to switch the memory to the newer translations; not good for me either! ❤
Yes, short is good, everyone can remember..”Jesus Wept.” There you have one under your belt!
Talking about contrite confusing wording..I LOVE 2 Corinthians but the version I learned always gets me tripped up! Too late now to pick a better flowing version! :)
I agree Margaret. I will stick with the KJV/NKJV. Sometimes after reading a scripture in another translation I have to go back to my trusty KJV to realize that I had memorized that as a kid. haha.
How fitting my morning devotional from Devotionals Daily was by Robert J Morgan about meditation,
“Reading and hearing the Bible is like eating it—it enters into our bodies, our spirits. When we meditate on what we’ve read and heard, we’re chewing and digesting the material until it’s assimilated into our systems, disseminated throughout our personalities, and actually becomes us. And in the process our vitality returns. Biblical meditation enables us to begin consuming and digesting the thoughts of the Bible.”
“How sweet are your words to my taste” Psalm 119:103
Love this! So true once you experience it!!
Hey Shes
May we remember (smile) there is a section at the back of each study book called “tips for memorizing scripture”. I was doing pretty well with the key verse memorization from each study book until a year or so ago. Now I am chastened & committed to reengaging.
May today be a new beginning for each of us.
How calming & clarifying to chant Bible verses on sleepless nights. How affirming & activating to say His words back to Him. How beautiful & beneficial to power our prayers by.
So be it!
Oh and I’m sure most of you didn’t see my comment last night. I was reading my study book of Daniel (we start that in September) I wondered why everything seemed so off…lol lol! So now I’m going back and reading this study from the beginning.
My sleep deficit has been so big my entire adult life. I believe it has caused my memory to be weak. I don’t like that I can’t recall scripture. I sound like an idiot when I say to someone, “there’s this verse in the Bible, but I can’t remember where” or I blurt out have of it. I do believe that knowing God’s word would help me feel confident in trying to minister to others.
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Memorization and Meditation
I once heard an elder retired pastor say, ” Memorizing scripture is like is like making deposits in a bank account.Psalm 119:11,” I have treasured your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you.”
No deposits, no returns. When we need it, the Spirit of God causes it to well up in us and brings it to us when we need.”
Yes, so true!
Liz update. The breathing tube was removed last week.She is no longer on dialysis.She is no longer in ICU.
I went to see her last Sat.She was not sedated and sitting up in the bed.
She said, “Hello”!
After the birth of my baby and his first cry this was the most beautiful sound I heard from a human.
I am amazed and humbled by God’s Mighty hand and how He worked. This could have had a different outcome.
God can turn things around. Even if we had not gotten the results we wanted, God is still God and He is still on the throne.
Wow. Praise our gracious and awesome God!
So amazing! Praise the Lord!
Praise God for this outstanding turn! ❤
Praise God! How Amazing!!
I’m so happy that God is answering prayers for Liz. ❤️
I too, fall into the comments this morning regarding scripture memorization. Glad I’m not alone. Grateful for the scriptures I have memorized as they come just-at-the-right-time. LOVE Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. NIV Though I will sin, God’s Word in my heart, the conviction of the Holy Spirit inside me nudges at me. Sigh…
THIS morning I have court again.
I’m showing up with my head up.
Phil 4:13.
I’ve done this before.
I can do hard things.
The Ex has an attorney, BUT GOD…My Jesus goes before me!
Praying, Mari, that through the Lord you will have the words you need, that truth will be spoken from the other side and that the judge will see the situation as it truly is. ❤️
Amen
Amen! ❤
Prayed for you very early this morning, sweet sister! God has got you in the palm of His hand and you are not going to court alone!
Amen! ❤
Have prayed Mari❤️
Praying Mari.❤️
Praying now Mari. Praying that you have felt HIS presence and know that Jesus goes before you. Amen
Meditation and memorization! I find it harder to memorize now at 70 than when I was a young mom! This lit a fire within me to start it up again! And not just memorize it but study it, meditating on it!
I am also going to challenge my grandkids to memorize their favorite verse!
Have a beautiful day! Praying for all!
Prayer request for my husband, Merle. He will have surgery on August 9th for a hernia. But he is also having balance issues do to tibial dystrophy and no feeling in the front part of his legs from below the knee down to the top of his feet to his toes! He is seeing a neurologist and having tests. It is a miracle
that he can walk and drive a car. The neurologist thinks his body has learned to compensate by using all the other muscles. And he is not in pain!
Praying, Cheryl. Maybe it’s Sept 9? ❤️
I will pray for Merle.
Cheryl, praying for your husband! So sorry for these issues! Definitely praying! ❤
Cheryl, I’m praying for Merle, for both his surgery and his legs and feet. And praying for you as you help and support him.
One of the biggest helps for me trying to memorize new passages of scripture as an adult is finding songs to go with them. There are actually quite a few good sources of scripture put to music that can easily be found online. We use them with our children, and I am finding that I get those songs “stuck in my head,” too! What a blessing ❤️
Yes same with me!! I usually sing songs to sleep and when I wake up!
I was just gonna share a few of my favs on our FB page!!
But “This is the Kingdom” or maybe just “Kingdom” by Pat Barrett is so good for The Beatitudes!!
On YouTube you can find every genre of music as well for scripture songs. I like the jazzy ones. And Shane and Shane have many. I learned Psalm 57 by a guy named Jason Silver. I would listen to it every night before going to bed.
I have a playlist titled..Singing Scripture and they are all right there!
What a marvelous idea, RJ!
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I hadn’t heard This is the Kingdom! Thank you for sharing!
And I now have a playlist with the same name as yours!
Ellie Holcomb has an album of several Psalms. It’s called All of My Days and it’s very good!
Every time we talk about memorization we all say we are not good at memorizing. Let’s face it, if we are not making a point of it, practicing it, recalling it of course we won’t. We can sing along with many songs on the radio can’t we? It’s because we have it on and hear it played over and over, consume it. (yeah the catchy beat helps-BUT you can find many scriptures put to song these days).
I feel like I could have written the devotional, minus the memorizing of whole books, although this would be a great goal. )I really can’t imagine that, I still can’t quote all of Psalm 42!)
I feel like my mom saying “back in the day” all the time, but back in the day..we didn’t have all the “stuff” to occupy us in every giving second. You actually had to sit with yourself and mind. We don’t really do that much anymore. But I have an app on my phone called Bible Memorization so when I am at a doctors apt, or waiting in line at the store, or bored at home I can pull it up (instead of going to FB or IG) and practice my verses. I have about 20 so far. That way you can practice new ones, and recall and practice the older ones. You remember the first letter of every word in the sentence.
I think not just memorizing the important scriptures but KNOWING the stories to be able to help ourselves and share. Reading the Bible through from front to back is so important, then you can go back and study different ways. But knowing and recalling how God works through creation, through his people, through situations is so imperative, so important, so instrumental to live as a Christian.
I will repeat what I have shared here often- there was a long period where I kept wanting to be used by God, to serve or something, I didn’t know..I just kept saying I want to DO for you Lord. And I had the impression, “you don’t even KNOW me how can I use you for ME” I had to want to KNOW HIM before he would use me. I had to know his word, I needed to know scripture and the stories..and then, THEN He used me to TELL and SHARE HIM to others in so many opportunities. He opened doors in a BIG way after I was faithful in just consuming his word. Everything I did then the WORD would come flowing out and still does. I am able to reproof, convict, sharpen, console, comfort, teach ALL because I KNOW his word so well! It is there on my heart, soul and mind. I am able to live in perfect harmony, in the good and bad, in ALL circumstances because I know the Bible so well, and the learning and study just keeps on going!!
SRT has been such a big part of that. A study Bible is helpful. Reading or listening to commentaries is good. Keeping the radio on Christian music. And of course opening your Bible every day. And get that app! Write down scripture and pray scripture. It is just so life-giving!!
Sidenotes: I wanted to look up what is said about the devil “taking” Jesus. I had never really thought about…How is the Devil able to “take” us somewhere…can he do that!? More so in our mind, a great impression that seems real. He can’t force us somewhere, we usually give in to what he is impressing upon us. He can’t read our mind. He can’t physically move us.
I want to find this app!!
I am in the club of struggling to memorize. In general, I have never been good at memorizing even when I was young. It just seems that part of my memory for such things is not good, and more recently, in all honesty I will hardly remember later today what I read here this morning….ugh:(. I do have a few verses that are in my memor from years ago, but its not usually the entire verse, or i can’t recall the reference. I know its important and continue to keep trying. However, in general meditation comes a bit easier although, also right now concentration and focus is very difficult and then so is reading. But, I am here everyday trying even though I may not share everyday and keeping up with my Bible reading plan too. It doesn’t always sink in or I feel like I don’t retain it well, but I’m committed to keeping up the habit and practice because I know its important and I trust that God will bless my efforts and continue to pray His Word will be set in my heart.
All that to say, if you’re one that struggles with these as many have already stated this morning, you’re not alone but keep going. ❤️
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❤️I think you’ll be surprised that certain things happen,and without trying, what you’ve read in the Bible will suddenly pop into your head. Maybe not the whole verse, or the reference, but enough that you remember some of it and the meaning of it. Then you can just type it into Google and the entire verse will pop up. Since you read so much, I’m sure you know more than you know!
I’m so with you on this Wendy B.
Memorization is a challenge but can be done!! ✅
Also! If you look up the artist “Verses” – that is a whole bunch of Christians that got together to make songs about Scripture. These help me remember Scripture more than anything! Highly recommend listening to them!!!
I’ve been trying to memorize Scripture again over the past two weeks, slowly. I at one point memorized all of Psalm 119. But it took me nearly 3 years and at the end of it, I didn’t even want to do it anymore. It takes effort and patience. That Psalm also took about 20 plus minutes to recite so it got tiresome. Lol.
I can’t say I remember the whole thing anymore, but I def can recall parts of it that really were seared into my brain and spoke to me in my prayers. Like the author mentioned… so I know it was fruitful. ❤️ the reason I started was that I felt a call to teach my children how to memorize Scripture (when I have kids, don’t have any lol) and felt convicted that I needed to start that habit before they even were in the picture.
Right now, I’m just writing down a verse on an index card and taping it in my car by the radio, since I’m always driving.
BIBLEGATEWAY verse of the day:
Psalm 119:165 NLT
Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.
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From NKJV ENDURING WORD STUDY BIBLE
Pastoral Application Note: Meditation and Blessing
(Psalm 1:2)
“The blessed man or woman meditates on God’s Word. In many forms of meditation, the goal is to empty the mind. This is dangerous, because an empty mind may invite deception. In Christian meditation, the goal is to fill the mind with the Word of God. This can be done by carefully thinking about each word and phrase, applying it to oneself, and even praying it back to God.”
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤ Another tight schedule today!
Praying for favor and blessing!
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SONG SHARE:
Your Word by Hillsong
VERSE 1:
Before the earth knew its foundation
You spoke the dust into creation
Until the end when all has withered
Then still Your Word will endure forever
PRE-CHORUS:
The lamp unto my feet
The light unto my path
CHORUS:
Your Word will not be shaken
Your Word will never fail me
Like a fire in my bones
Like a whisper to my soul
Your Word is revelation
VERSE 2:
Deep calls to deep within Your presence
When I hear You speak my soul awakens
Your Spirit leads my heart to worship
As Your Word reveals the light of Jesus
That’s good!
I don’t know if I know this song but the lyrics are perfect for jail tomorrow. We are discussing choices, that they all matter. And the more the words in our hearts, souls, and minds the choices come so much easier and faster when we are aligned with God.
I had never heard the skng begore either, but love the lyrics! ❤
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I memorized Psalm 91 during Covid and what a blessing it has been. As I was struggling to memorizing it, I told a good friend how hard it was to memorize. Her words “maybe God wants you to spend more time in Psalm 91.” She was so right. I broke it down verse by verse. I journaled about each verse, bought books and studied Psalm 91. It continues to teach me and comfort me.
Yes! I feel this one is especially important to have committed to memory. Good for prayer in warfare.
Psalm 91 is one of the Psalms I was reading
every morning during Covid and found comfort memorizing it as well.
Yes, that is the key..the whys and reasons, and practicality of the scripture! It all is breathed and useful..for us! That’s why it’s important reading all the surrounding passages and chapters as well- context! Application!
It doesn’t happen overnight..it is an endeavor of wanting to learn. But the more you do it the more you do it! lol.
Psalm 91 was my brother’s favorite psalm. He read it aloud every morning. He had it printed on cards and handed it out to people along the way.
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I often recall memory verses from my high school Bible classes. What was once a tedious task of memorizing the verse of the week has truly become a blessing as I can recall various scriptures. Like others have mentioned, I need to be more intentional in continuing to memorize scripture even now!
I haven’t memorized scripture since I was a small child. I thought I forgot most of it. I’m still surprised at what I remember at times. But I haven’t added to that knowledge in years. Time to dust off those memorization skills and use them to fill my life with God’s Word!
Yes, go to it..you will be blessed!
I like the app I use! Bible Memorization! Red Bible with a white cross! Or taking one and writing it down. In my class I wrote on a white board and erased words here and there. That’s what the app does as well.
It was so much easier to memorize scripture when I was younger! The verses that I did memorize are still, thankfully seared in my memory but I struggle now to memorize new verses. it seems no matter what I try, I can remember them immediately, but a day of two later I struggle to remember…But, I will not give up! I will keep trying, and by God’s grace and the help of The Spirit – I will have success. it is so important to have God’s word written on our hearts because His Word is quick and powerful and sharper than any two – edged sword! (Hebrews 4:12)
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We arrived safely to RI – thank you for your prayers! The weather has been beautiful so far and today we head to Boston with our oldest (prodigal) son.
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Have a blessed day sweet She’s!
Thank you so much, Sally for the reminder to keep opening up my Bible because that is absolutely how I was able to memorize versus when I was younger, and I two struggled with memorization. The psalms and proverbs come into my head during the day, but I know that I need to stick with it because these verses are so powerful and edifying ❤️
Amen
Words of life Amen
Amen❤️
I need to be more intentional about memorizing too.
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When I am feeling unprepared to handle a situation or life in general, having God’s Word in me would ensure that I am “equipped for every good work” that He wants me to do.
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Have a doubled-blessed day today.
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Praying for you and your requests
I’m not great at memorization either… but I have wanted to get better at it. I’m a little better with meditation. I’m a better writer/copier of scripture. I’ve made it a practice to write at least one verse out daily, for I don’t know how many years. So it probably wouldn’t be a big jump to memorizing.
On a funny note—I have had several health issues requiring multiple MRIs. I was never afraid while going through any of them because I meditated on what I could recall from scripture. Ativan also helped! In one particular MRI I was dancing with Jesus like Maria in The Sound Of Music!
Good morning, Sally. Nice to see I’m not the only one up at this hour. I have always struggled with memorization. I’m trying to do better though. It’s a beautiful feeling when you hear Scripture being quoted and you remember the verse. praying you have a beautiful day.
Amen!
I will confess first thing this morning that I am not good at memorizing Scripture, but will readily agree with our devotion writer that studying it over weeks, months and years does sink it in your heart and mind. It happens so slowly it’s not always apparent until you need to encourage a friend and some truth from God’s word comes out. Or you are facing some crisis yourself or in your family and you find Scripture coming to mind to encourage you with God’s truth. In other words – Keep Opening Your Bibles!! The Holy Spirit is faithful to bring to our minds all we have been taught and read!
I agree! I keep verses on my fridge and I know many use post it notes on mirrors or in the car, etc. What you said is true; it will penetrate our minds sometimes without us realizing it. Sad that that is true of the bad stuff, too! All the more reason to FILL OUR MINDS (and hearts) with the Word! ❤