On Memorizing Scripture

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ~ Psalm 119:11

When I was in High School, my sister and I were a part of our schools Bible Quizzing team. I remember the excitement over memorizing scripture in preparation for the next match. My sister was much better at memorizing and remembering scripture than I, but I didn't do too bad!

Book upon book; chapter upon chapter; verse upon verse. Sounds intimidating...but it wasn't.

We looked forward to it.

We enjoyed it.

Both for the competition aspect as well as the fact that His word was being hidden deep within our souls; our hearts.

As I got older, I shamefully got away from memorizing scripture. It was something I no longer got excited over like I once did. It became a chore instead of a want; a need.

Since I stopped learning and repeating and memorizing, I have forgotten a lot of what I learned. Sure, there are some verses that have remained hidden, but most, sadly, have been forgotten.

Now, as a mother and a more mature adult, I have realized, again, just how important scripture memorization is as well as how important it is for my children to start memorizing scripture. To start hiding His word deep within their hearts.

I have done some research on how to go about doing this. I am one who likes a written out plan. A guide to follow. I know I could have just picked up my Bible and, starting with Genesis, started memorizing, but I wanted to do this right and not get, well, bored right away. {is that ok for me to say?}

I came across a wonderful blog during my search called Do Not Depart. Here is where I found the book, My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God's Word in Little Hearts.

My daughter has already memorized the first verse, verse A, which was Proverbs 15:1. We started on verse B this week which is from Matthew 5:9. Each verse has it's own devotional describing, in ways children understand, what the verse means. I plan on taking a verse a week and reviewing the previous weeks verses along the way.

For myself, I came across this site, Revive Our Hearts. Here is where I found monthly memorization plans, which I love. This month they are working through memorizing in Colossians. For the next week, I will be concentrating on memorizing Colossians 1:16 - For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

For both my scripture verse as well as my daughters, I have written them out on index cards for ease in carrying the verses with me. Breaking the verse up, into sections, for the ease of memorizing it. I am praying for my commitment and dedication in doing this. And I am looking forward to all God will reveal to me as I hide His Word in my heart.

I am excited, once again, over the task of Bible verse memorization. And, the best part is, my daughter is as well!

How do you memorize scripture?

What method/plan do you use with your children?

 

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For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ~ Hebrews 4:12