Scripture by Heart: Devotional Practices for Memorizing God's Word

by Dallas Willard and Joshua Choonmin Kang

Book Overview

Why memorize the Bible? In our information-saturated society, with so many details to take in, the idea of memorizing Scripture can seem overwhelming--like one more task on a checklist. But pastor Joshua Choonmin Kang has discovered what happens when we do spend time memorizing God's Word: we grasp a larger, truer picture of God. We more closely and more often imitate Christ. We worship God "in Spirit and in truth." We're better able to...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830835369
• ISBN13: 9780830835362
• Release Date: January 2010
• Publisher: IVP Formatio
• Length: 166 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Offers a fine connection between concentration and higher forms of thought

SCRIPTURE BY HEART: DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES FOR MEMORIZING GOD'S WORD comes from a pastor who has discovered the benefits to memorizing scripture - and who provides here some 30 short devotional readings and spiritual practices connected to the memorization process. From focusing and setting goals to setting memorization deadlines, this offers a fine connection between concentration and higher forms of thought.

Simple yet deep.

The author consistently points to the transforming power of Scripture. It is such a simple yet often overlooked resource Christians forget to apply. I recommend this for baby to mature Christians.

Inspriring and deeply moving

This book is not a quick read. Even though the chapters are short, I took my time reading and pondering over each paragraph. Each chapter provided insights that inspired and challenged me to memorize scripture. I especially loved the practical sections; it gave me concrete steps to take to start memorizing scripture. By the end of the book, I was understood the importance of memorizing scripture and how to go about doing it. I also loved the way the book was written. I felt like I was reading a beautifully written song or poem. What a joy to read!

memorization is for adults too

Pastor Kang has essentially written an apologetic for the memorization of scripture. I must admit that I have always valued memorization of scripture as it occurred in my own life; that is, when I was a child. I think most of us who grew up in the church memorized a lot of scripture when we were in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and youth group but have done little of it as adults. In fact I was always taught as a child that I had better take advantage of the opportunity to memorize because when I grew up I would lose the ability to do so. Pastor Kang denies such reasoning completely and instead emphasizes the necessity of scripture memorization for spiritual formation, discipleship, evangelism, counseling, parenting, learning...and the list goes on. His position is that in order to meditate on scripture fully one must have memorized as much as possible. He is not alone in his opinion; in the forward Dallas Willard points out that "the simplest and most effective way of mind renewal in Christ is memorization of Scripture." Scripture by Heart would fit well in the middle of Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline, right after the chapter on meditation. Pastor Kang takes meditation to a new level by adding the discipline of memorizing the passages that one desires to meditate upon. He establishes a Biblical value system early in the book. "Scripture memorization helps us examine the true focus of our hearts and enables us to see our true selves." For him the basis of all spiritual formation must be in scripture. He does not, however, advocate the memorization of scripture simply to add to one's repertoire. "Our goal isn't memorizing as many Scripture verses as possible. It's conforming to the image of Jesus Christ." Interspersed in the chapters establishing the value of memorizing scripture for the many ministries and activities in the Christian church are chapters giving practical instruction in memorization. Also after the conclusion, which is a practicum for meditating on Psalm 1, is an appendix containing Pastor Kang's personal favorite passages for memorization. These are arranged in a topical organization which he recommends as helpful in keeping one's memory fresh. Throughout the book Pastor Kang warns the reader that undertaking this discipline will not be easy but is worth the effort. On that point I must agree. However, I have taken his instruction seriously and so am embarking on an attempt to refresh those childhood memories and add to them. I would recommend this book to all those on the journey of intentional spiritual formation. Pastor Kang gives strong words of encouragement, "a genius is merely a person who refuses to give up, who accomplishes what he or she has set out to do." Here's hoping for genius status...