Memorization

We are oftentimes cynical about memorizing the Bible. But Philip Yancey finds it beneficial in helping him recognizing God's voice. Debra Rienstra calls the process of memorization "stocking up" on words of the Bible, "giving the Spirit a bigger repertoire to work with in speaking to you - more Post-its on the bulletin board." Ben Patterson has an encouraging comment on Bible memorization:

Paul's prayers are especially good for this. Take, for example, his prayer for the Ephesians, that "the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." Or, "that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." The thought of memorizing prayers seems an artificial and stilted way to restore something as vital as spiritual hunger. but consider what Rabbi Abraham Heschel said to the members of his synagogue who complained that the words of the liturgy should express what they felt. He told them that it was not that the liturgy should express what they feel, but that they should learn to feel what the liturgy expressed. Recited faithfully, great thoughts put into great words can do that for us.... Memorization can be to our hunger for God what practicing a musical instrument is for performance. It can be the singing of the scales of the soul.