Our theme for Lent in 2008 is “The Way of Jesus … The Way of the Cross.” A Guide has been prepared as a resource to go along with the challenge of fasting and praying during this 2008 Lent Season. The Guide is available for download as a PDF or Word document. The document helps you understand the meaning of Lent, how to fast and provides a daily Bible reading guide.
Spiritual Formation Toolbox Archives » January 2008
Sometimes a verse or passage from the Bible is so important to us that we might choose to memorize it. There are many verses that are so important to me that I have memorized them so they are always with me to help guide me. They have had a lifelong impact on me. Here’s a way to memorize a verse:
- Read the verse several times and meditate on it.
- You might want to write or print it out on a card to carry with you. Some folks put it as the screen saver or wall paper on their computer screen. I know some who tape them to the bathroom mirror.
- Learn the verse reference with the first phrase (that way you’ll also be memorizing where it is from). Repeat this several times.
- Then add the next phrase(s) and repeat.
- When you get to the final phrase, be sure to add the verse reference again at the end.
- Work on saying the verse(s) audibly whenever possible.
- Review is the key. Review the verse several times a day over the next week or more. If you review the verse for 21 days straight, you are virtually assured of having the verse memorized.
Since ancient times, Christian meditation has been rooted in the Bible. Don’t think of meditation as a guru in the lotus position. God in his Word actually commands us to meditate. We find meditation referred to in the Bible 58 times. The very first Psalm opens with and encourages us to meditate (Psalm 1:1-3 - NIV)
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
In the Old Testament there are two primary Hebrew words for meditation: Haga (pronounced - haw•gaw) which means to utter, groan, meditate, review or ponder; and Sihach (pronounced - say•akh) which means to muse, rehearse in one’s mind, or contemplate.
In Christian meditation, we seek to fill our thoughts with truths about God. We meditate by focusing on the Word of God, as the psalmist said: “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalms 1:2 - NIV). Rather than emptying ourselves as in Eastern style meditation, we fill our minds with hope and encouragement from the promises that God has given us in His Word or on good things that God has done for us. Or we may simply just think on the wonder and awe of God. In the meditation we often reflect on the ways God wants us to obey or apply his teaching to our lives.
Here are some ideas on how to meditate:
• When reading or studying, select a verse or even a phrase from a verse that captures your attention.
• Keep thinking about it all through your day - while you are walking, driving or waiting. Make special time to reflect on the passage.
• Use your own creativity. Picture the meaning or story in your mind. Draw pictures.
• Consider the idea, promise or command from as many angles as you can.
The “Book of the Month” idea is a guide for individuals or life groups to read and apply insights from God through a different book of the Bible each month. So in just over 5 years, you could read every book of the Bible and not be overwhelmed with the task.
Click the link below to access the Word document:
Book of the Month.doc
