I discovered Scripture memorization about six years ago. Having just finished graduate school, I hesitated to start a discipline that would strain my exhausted mind. But its potential spiritual benefits swayed me, so I memorized the book of James. Six years and six books later, I am still memorizing Scripture and hoping to commit the whole New Testament to memory.
At the beginning of my journey, I was dismayed by the limited resources available on this subject. Scripture memorization seemed to be a lost discipline among Christians. But the landscape has changed, and now more resources and ministries encourage Christians to memorize Scripture. Glenna Marshall’s new book Memorizing Scripture: the Basics, Blessings, and Benefits of Meditating on God’s Word is one of these.
The book explores Marshall’s experience of memorizing Scripture and how it transformed her life. It also enumerates the benefits of Scripture memorization and tips to get started. Marshall wrote this book because she believes every Christian can memorize Scripture. We don’t need an extraordinary memory or talent to remember God’s Word.
She writes, “It doesn’t matter how old you are, how long you’ve been a Christian, how poor your memory, or how educated you might be. Scripture memorization is for every believer. You’re welcome and encouraged to stand in a long line of saints who have beheld the treasure of Scripture and have spent their lives joyfully storing it in their hearts… With the help of the Holy Spirit, Scripture Memorization can change the way you think and act and live. It can deepen your love for the Lord and provide words you need in conversations with others. Hiding God’s Word in your heart can help you walk a little more closely with the Lord who gave you His Word to equip you for everything you might need in this life.”
The book has nine chapters. Chapters one through four give an overview of Scripture memorization and how to begin. The remaining five chapters delve into the benefits of memorizing Scripture. These benefits are to love God, hate sin, remain steadfast, renew your mind, and encourage and exhort. Interestingly, she explained how to do it first. Usually, the why comes before the how.
Each chapter features memorization tips and recommendations on verses to memorize. There is also a list of free and paid Bible memorization resources at the book’s end.
Memorizing Scripture is a short and lovely book that greatly encourages Scripture memorization. My favorite part of reading this book was learning about Marshall’s journey with Scripture memorization and how it affected her life. If I were not already memorizing Scripture, her testimony would move me to begin immediately.
I also like that Marshall provides tips and various methods to start Scripture memorization. But overall, the book is not that practical. The book focuses on the benefits of memorizing/meditating on God’s Word, with only two chapters dedicated to the practice.
Nevertheless, Memorizing Scripture is a great resource I recommend to all Christians. If you are new to Scripture Memorization, it will provide encouragement and essential tools to begin this excellent discipline. And if you have memorized Scripture for a while, this book will remind you why all this is for and motivate you to persevere.
*Moody Publishers graciously gave me a copy for an honest review.*
