Memorization
Memorization
For millennia, committing things to memory served as the foundation for religious, political and educational instruction. Memorized matter was known to have staying power. It was not at the mercy of being relevant or hip and didn’t depend on books or literacy. Words, stories and prayers known by heart could be stored deep in the mind, pop up out of the blue and amuse, comfort, and educate others.
But the world has changed. The printing press, the increasing accessibility of books, the flood of information, the World Wide Web—all these make memorization less important. If we want to know something, we can just Google it. If we like a poem by Emily Dickenson or want to know who the Chaldeans were, we type in a few words and have it on our computer in a heartbeat.
No doubt the ability to read and access to books and computers are wonderful gifts. But a mind so overwhelmed with information that nothing is known by heart can leave the soul at the mercy of the last mental image that took our fancy. Memorization allows us to choose words and images that shape our minds and hearts. It gives the mind somewhere to go when all the media is turned off. Furthermore, memorizing God’s Word allows us to access divinely inspired thought and wisdom. And it works in us even when we are not conscious of its doing so.
If you are someone who forgets birthdays and can’t remember why you opened the refrigerator door, the whole notion of memorization can seem ludicrous. Don’t be too discouraged. Consider the things you have already memorized without trying. What songs do you know by heart? What proverbs or sayings or Bible verses? Memorization depends on repetition. Choose what you want to memorize and tape it where you constantly see it. Return to it again and again.
Reflection Questions
- What is your attitude toward memorization?
- What do you believe the benefits of memorization can be?
When have you experienced the benefits of memorization?
- What sort of things have you memorized without trying? What was that like for you?
- If you were put in solitary confinement, what sort of things would you have learned by heart to nourish your soul?
- Do you find yourself memorizing sporting statistics, line-ups or world records; recipes; phone numbers; e-mail addresses; directions?
How does memorizing these things help you or encourage you in memorizing words that can nourish your soul?
Spiritual Exercises
- Begin by memorizing some of the choruses or songs that you enjoy. Sing the bits you remember. Listen again to the bits you forget. Write them out if it helps you. • When you have committed the song to memory, notice when the song simply pops into your mind. Let the song be a way God enters into your life and speaks to you.
- When you find yourself captivated by a Scripture, write it on a card that you can tape to a mirror, a window or even the shower wall. Every day read the verse, rehearsing it in your mind and heart. On a daily basis remind yourself of the Scripture until you know it by heart. Only then are you ready to move on to another portion of Scripture.
- Memorize a chapter of the Bible. Take your time with this. Let the words sink into your soul. If singing helps you to remember things, don’t be afraid to sing the words.
Memorize a book of the Bible.
- Develop a group that memorizes the Scripture passages for worship services. Work together to dramatically speak God’s Word.
Resources on Memorization
Delighted by Discipline by Mark R. Littleton
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, chapter 2, by Donald S. Whitney
The Topical Memory System by NavPress
