Memorizing Scripture Together

"Be careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but wise, making the most of every opportunity..." ~ Ephesians 5:15

 A wise use of our time is committing God's Word to memory so that it is available for the Holy Spirit to use it in guiding us and speaking to us.  In our day and age, memorization seems to be frowned upon.  Is it too hard?  NO!  Absolutely not!  But yes, it does take a little work or repetition.  A few Scriptures in case you need convincing:

1. "I have hidden your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11 
   By memorizing Scripture, we give ourselves and our children an internal guide to direct us and keep us on God's path.
   
2. "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you." John 16:13 , 14 The Holy Spirit will bring to mind the Scriptures we have learned to speak to us and instruct us.
   
3. "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Eph. 6:17) By memorizing, we take up the SWORD of the Spirit (the Word) and are ready for the spiritual battles we encounter every day.
   
4. "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts" (Deut. 6:6)
   
5. "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…" Col. 3:16
   

I cannot tell you how much knowing Scripture has benefited me and shaped me during my life. In an effort for my children to have the same blessings, we are memorizing Scriptures together. Here is my attempt to help motivate them. (I believe the initial idea for this book came from Faith Training by Joe White- I will look for it and try to update the post.)

THE PLAN:

I have written verses on colorful index cards and posted them up around the house (microwave, bathroom mirror, on the wall in front of the toilet, etc!). So, they read and re-read the verses and try to learn them.

One morning, I'll ask them to write the verse on an index card and recite it to me. If they can, they earn 25¢. The learned verse card is put into their memory card box. They also write the verses reference (John 3:16) on a slip of colored paper (one color per kid) and drop it into a vase on the kitchen table.

Once a week (ideally)- I dump the slips of paper out onto the table and quiz them. They earn an additional 5¢ for remembering the verse. Conversely, I get 5¢ back if they don't remember it very well.

Then, I rotate the verses as they learn them and put up from ones. I encourage the older to read to and quiz the youngers- while brushing teeth, for example. And, from our experience- their competitiveness kicks in a bit and they want to be able to do what their siblings are doing!

TIPS and TRICKS:

We have used many CD's over the years that have Scripture set to music. Learning verses they've previously sung is very EASY! Here are a few of our favorites:

• GT and the Halo Express (these are actually like little musicals- with an interwoven Scripture songs)
  
• Steve Green's "Hide 'Em in Your Heart"
  
• Sing the Word- "A New Commandment"
  
• Sing the Word- "A to Z"
  
• Scripture Songs
  

A Google or Amazon search will help you to locate MANY more!!! : )

If you are interested in bit more systematic approach- at least of the reviewing part… check out this link for a great system! Regardless of how you go about it… it is a VERY WORTHWILE endeavor- and nothing brings me greater joy than to see my kiddos marching around the house reciting Psalm 119:11 (I have hidden your Word in my heart…) to the beat!

God bless you in the learning as you begin to make disciples- starting at home!
Katherine
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