My method for memorization has been to memorize one verse at a time. Say it, and write it. Each day, I tack on a new verse, saying it and writing it along with the previous verses that I have already memorized. Recently, I memorized Colossians 1:1-17, because the first part of that passage has always seemed so mysterious, foundational, and strengthening to me: Our lives are "hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life is revealed, then we also will be revealed with him in glory." Being hidden in Christ, then revealed, is such an intriguing idea to me. I doubt that I really understand it. It sounds mystical, but it may not be.
I am beginning to work on a passage beginning with Eph. 1:16. It is about what Paul prays for the Ephesians. I want to use it to help extend my prayer life.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Memorizing Scripture
Like most kids that were "brought up in church," I memorized scriptures. In fact, in the fifth grade I memorized the Sermon on the Mount - three chapters worth!
Later on, however, when I had fallen in love with the God who loves me, I was not a fan of memorizing scripture. There are so many versions that I liked reading - which one would I use for memorization? Wouldn't I get confused by the different wordings of the different versions that I was reading? Isn't it the meaning, not the exact wording, that counts? Doesn't memorization lead to just spitting out a string of words that are known "by rote"? Wouldn't memorization take me away from life and actually lead to pride?
I'm changing my mind.
I started a few months ago memorizing scriptures. Instead of dulling my heart with "rote" mindlessness, the doing of it has had the effect of making me see familiar passages in a new way. Meanings and connections have emerged that I had not really noticed before. Instead of creating distance between me and God through pride, I feel closer to him, humbled and made quiet by his wisdom and love that comes through freshly in the words that are being planted and nourished in my heart.
Later on, however, when I had fallen in love with the God who loves me, I was not a fan of memorizing scripture. There are so many versions that I liked reading - which one would I use for memorization? Wouldn't I get confused by the different wordings of the different versions that I was reading? Isn't it the meaning, not the exact wording, that counts? Doesn't memorization lead to just spitting out a string of words that are known "by rote"? Wouldn't memorization take me away from life and actually lead to pride?
I'm changing my mind.
I started a few months ago memorizing scriptures. Instead of dulling my heart with "rote" mindlessness, the doing of it has had the effect of making me see familiar passages in a new way. Meanings and connections have emerged that I had not really noticed before. Instead of creating distance between me and God through pride, I feel closer to him, humbled and made quiet by his wisdom and love that comes through freshly in the words that are being planted and nourished in my heart.
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