I have always thought of memorizing Scripture in mostly positive terms. Even when my own practice was spotty at best, it seemed to me an inherently good thing to do. I have been reading through Scripture by Heart by Joshua Choonmin Kang, who has prompted me to think more deeply about the many benefits of memorizing Scripture. Even when he raises something I’ve considered before, he does so in a way that deepens or expands my understanding.
However, I have bristled when well-meaning Christians have used their treasure-trove of memorized verses as blunt instruments to proof-text their way to “winning” a theological argument. And I have struggled to break–or at least reshape–a strong resistance to memorization among catechism students. I think Rich Melheim is on the right track by integrating Bible verses, singing and American Sign Language in his Bible Song curriculum.
Recently I have reclaimed Scripture memorization as a family (rather than individual) practice and have found it to be quite delightful. Yes, it has actually been delightful.
On the Sunday of the Transfiguration, we began as a family working together on a verse each week from the Sunday lectionary readings. We carefully choose a verse central to the theme of the day, usually from the Gospel reading. This serves a number of functions:
1) It binds us together as a family under God’s word.
2) It binds the rhythms of Monday – Saturday to Sunday worship.
3) It binds our spirits, bodies and God’s word together in an organic unity.
What have been your experiences memorizing Scripture? What you have you found helpful?