Memorize Scripture

Worship Wednesday with Pastor Edith
August 12, 2026
Psalm 25:4-5

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long”.

These verses are on my tabletop prayer calendar for today and happen to be a favorite memory verse for me. These verses inspired me to begin pastoral ministry by encouraging my new congregation to memorize scripture with me. One of several members took up the challenge and every time we spoke in person or on the phone she and I would recite these verses together until it became part of our visiting routine. What a joy to hear her speak these words with confidence even in times of great distress. I like to imagine her speaking with her Lord in heaven these very words as she left us several years ago.

Have you been challenged to memorize scripture? If not, how about accepting the challenge today. My recommendation is to start with John 3:16, then Psalm 23 (yes, the entire Psalm – smile). From there you might Google sites for scripture memorization or simply take time during devotional reading and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what to memorize.

There is so much good that comes from this discipline, especially as I am aging and sense my memory slipping a bit. I also recommend that you memorize the location of the verses you are learning, this way you will be able to help someone who needs encouragement to find them in their own Bible. Life is a challenge in itself, so why not challenge life to cooperate with the Lord.

The song that comes to mind for me today is a lovely old hymn entitled; “I Love to Tell the Story”. This hymn was written by a faithful young woman who devoted her life to teaching women and young girls all about the Bible. At one point, she became deathly ill and her doctors demanded she remain in bed for one full year. Though she was very frustrated with not being able to lead Bible studies, she decided to write hymns.

Maybe you recognize this hymn and can sing with me the second verse and chorus; “I love to tell the story, ‘tis pleasant to repeat. What seems each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet; I love to tell the story, for some have never heard the message of salvation from God’s own holy Word. I love to tell the story! Twill be my theme in glory-To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love” (A.C. Hankey (1834-1911)

AMEN and Pray on!