Book of Kells
This morning in Desert Fathers and Mothers: Early Christian Wisdom Sayings I read that the early monks memorized a lot of scripture, especially the psalms. It was partly because books were extremely expensive and relatively unavailable, but it was also because learning texts “by heart” provided a reservoir of wisdom within their hearts which was always available to draw on.
How many of us memorize large portions of scripture today? How often do we draw from these inner reserves rather than running to a book or a website for the scriptures we want to reference? Memorizing scripture does lodge it in in our hearts in a way that reading the verses in a book or online never does. The scriptures resonate in our souls flowing out into our bodies and often into our daily thoughts and activities. Lectio divina often accomplishes this same increased intimacy with God through the revelation of God’s word.
So my challenge to you today is – What could you do to lodge the words of God more deeply in your heart? How could you develop a discipline of regular scripture memorization?
2 comments
I thank you for the inspiration with regard to the memorization of Scripture verses. I tried many times, could not succeed. But I do remember a few of them which always helps me to experience God. I will try to learn a few verses from now on.
Regards
Richie
Richard it is not easy in our busy world to take the time to focus enough to memorize anything. I have found that the discipline of Lectio Divina really helps to memorize too. The savouring of God’s word really does take it from our heads to our hearts. Often then I find I have memorized a verse without that being my initial intention.