Yesterday, I suggested that you work on memorizing (or rememorizing) the scripture mastery verses. You may have asked, why? What is the purpose of memorizing scriptures? I would recommend everyone, from the youth down to retired folks, take the time to memorize some scripture. These verses can come in very handy.
We know that the Lord speaks to us through scriptures. A non-LDS, Christian friend I know calls the Bible “God’s love letter to us.” What a wonderful way to think of scriptures! We know, too, that the Book of Mormon was written by prophets of old especially for our time. When we read and ponder the scriptures, we can take a great deal from them.
Taking that to the next level means memorizing scriptures, not just reading them. When you memorize verses, you permanently embed those words in your mind. We know that the Spirit can prompt us with a still, small voice, but He is also apt to use scriptures. Thus, when you are struggling with a problem, the scriptural response might float to the front of your mind. For me, I often remember, “Didn’t Alma say something about the power of God’s word…?” This leads me to my scriptures, and I look it up, and learn that “the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just – yea, it had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them.” (Alma 31:5) But suppose the Spirit tries to lead me towards this verse while I am away from my scriptures; perhaps I am on a plane, speaking to someone about the church. Having this scripture clearly in my mind can be a big help.
Or suppose that I am near my scriptures, but having a personal struggle. I feel overburdened and overstressed, and I have just laid down to have a good cry. The Spirit then whispers consolation to me in the words of the prophets: “Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.” (Alma 37:34)
Finally, memorizing scriptures can help you in missionary situations, particularly if you have memorized the citations along with the verses, and especially if you have penned scripture chains to the side of your verses. You might have memorized the Ten Commandments in Exodus, but want to share some verses with a friend regarding keeping the Sabbath day. You know you have written several references that have stood out to you. So you turn to Exodus 20 and look up those references.
These are just a few ways that memorizing scriptures can help in your daily lives. Can you think of some others?
Related Articles:
How to Help Your Teen Prepare For Seminary
Incorporate Gospel Teaching Into Your Family’s Daily Life
RS/EQ: Technology, Blessings, and Scriptures
Scripture Study & Learning Styles