Practical QTSample

 #5 Get it into your head!

Memorising Scripture sounds very old-fashioned — something that our grandparents did and that we were asked to do at Sunday School.  (For some folk the Sunday School memory-work was not reward-based, and so we don't even have good memories of it).

But the principle is sound: when the concepts and values of Scripture are ingrained in our memories and subconscious we will find that the truths pop out of our minds at just the right time to help us or to be an encouragement to others.

Memorising verses by rote isn't the only way to get Scripture into our heads.  The real secret is to pay maximum attention when we are reading Scripture.  I realised a long time ago that I should use all the study tools I employ when studying text-books to when I read Scripture.  I need to do all I can to ensure that my mind is fully engaged.

So...

• I summarise what I read


• I draw mind-maps of the characters and plot-lines


• I take my Bible with me to church and Bible study so that I'm in my familiar “study environment” whenever the Bible is being taught


• I write notes in the margin of my Bible when someone preaches on a text I didn't understand well before.


• I have a bunch of coloured pencils and a colour code that I use when I read my Bible


• I have a Bible that I don't mind writing in.  If yours is too precious to write in, go and get one that you will be willing to write in.  The paper and ink aren't holy — the message is.

These are all things that I do to make my Bible reading time most effective.  What I have found is that Biblical truths are being ingrained into my heart and mind (I can't always tell you chapter and verse, but I can remember more or less what the verse said and more or less where on the page it is and what colour it is underlined with! ☺)

It's not about memorising Scripture as an incantation — rather it is that the truths of Scripture live in our hearts and minds.