Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Feb/92

Contributor - Rod Paul

Title - Can You Memorize Scripture?

Topic - Devotions

1. Has Scripture memory been an important part of most of your Christian fife?

Certainly not! Practically speaking, Scripture has never been an integral part of my daily life as a Christian. Oh, I've read most of the Bible, and I've read the New Testament in particular many times. However, in twenty-four years as a believer I don't think that's saying much.

2. How did you come to commit Scripture to memory?

I was reading a book by an author who talked about the fact that he had done extensive Scripture memory work over the years and how much he valued the experience. The idea intrigued me, and I decided to try it. I began by taking verses I had underlined in my Bible and writing them out on 3"x5" cards and memorized them. After several days it occurred to me that I may as well memorize sections of Scripture in context. This led quickly to the decision to memorize whole books. I started with Philippians and in six months I had mastered Ephesians and Colossians as well. My goal is to memorize the whole New Testament over twelve years (about 8000 verses).

3. Haven't you found the discipline difficult?

Well, you would think it would be, wouldn't you? In fact, I have found it to be a pleasure. As the time passed, my memory program proved to be very flexible. I work on my verses as time and energy permits, and I've discovered how much 'dead' time in the day there is. I usually manage between fifteen and twenty verses per week in a very unstructured approach. If I ever really push myself, it is only because I'm in a keen mood, and want to forge ahead.

4. What have you found to be the benefits of Scripture memory?

This is my way of studying Scripture. I've found that to be 'in' the Word is absolutely crucial to the growth of my relationship with the Lord. Memorizing is an intense experience, and I discovered how very little serious concentration I've ever had to do in my life. This is an age of amusement, and, unfortunately, Christians fall captive to this trap just as readily as pagans. The benefits of Scripture memory are manifold for me, from the sheer pleasure of accomplishment to the learning experience, and to what I consider the greatest gain of all, I can spend time in Scripture whenever I want to!

5. What would you say to the person who doesn't think they are able to commit Scripture to memory?

A memory program isn't anywhere near as hard as one might think. For people like me, who have found it difficult to have a regular quiet time over the years, the chances are you will find this approach easier. No matter how much of the Bible you want to memorize, you must do it one verse at a time. Here is the key to success I think, move at a pace that suits you and never force the situation. If four or five verses a week is all you can handle, then so be it. If you do a little calculating, you'll discover that a pace like that enables the mastery of eight or nine chapters in a year. That could be Philippians and Colossians. I think that is a significant achievement.

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