Memorizing Scripture

Memorizing Scripture

Q: Complete the verse: “I have hidden your word in my heart __________.”

• a. so I will not forget it
• b. so I can praise your name
• c. that I might not sin against you

In the movie Akeelah and the Bee, 11-year-old Akeelah overcomes many obstacles as she advances to the National Spelling Bee. Along the way, Akeelah, who has to learn to spell thousands of difficult words, finds that she can learn them best when she jumps rope while spelling them.

Akeelah’s technique in the movie works for her because she learns by using her body and movement. Some people learn by hearing and repeating things aloud, and others learn by seeing them.

Scripture memory is very important. When you memorize Scripture and think about what the verses say, they help you overcome temptation, guide you in sharing your faith with others, encourage you during difficult times, and allow you to learn more about God. Having Scripture in your heart and mind helps you focus on God and become more like Jesus.

Perhaps memorizing Scripture is hard for you. If that’s true, find a way to memorize that works for you. You might find that Akeelah’s trick of jumping rope helps you. Say a word each time you jump over the rope. Or bounce a basketball and say one word per bounce. Maybe singing the words or rapping them is what will work for you. Or try writing out the verse. Erase a word and say the verse. Erase a second word and say it again. Repeat this until all the words are erased and you have the verse memorized.

For You

Pick three verses from the Psalms to memorize. Try a different way of memorizing each verse and find out which works best for you. If you aren’t sure what to memorize, try three of these: Psalm 19:14; Psalm 119:9; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 139:14; or Psalm 139:23-24.

Answer: c

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

(The Whole Story: Psalm 119:1-16)