Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion…
I’ve always been drawn to this Psalm, but today, as I spoke the words aloud, tears began to well up in my eyes. A sense of amazement – at how loving, compassionate, and gracious my Lord is – overtook me. I was crying tears of joy at how wonderfully merciful our God is!
I am so appreciative of friends who challenge me to memorize longer passages of Scripture, who are great role models in persistence as they set to the hard task themselves, and who walk alongside me and keep me accountable. I’m also thankful for the sweet little ones in our own home who, likewise, are excellent examples for me as they are diligent to learn the Word through AWANA each week – and who show interest, patience, and excitement as they listen to me practice and recite aloud to them!
As a family, we’ve memorized a few passages of varying lengths at different times over the years and it has always been such a blessing. We need to continue to do the hard, but joyous task of memorizing His Word.
There are so many benefits to memorizing longer passages of Scripture. Here are just three quick reasons to encourage us in our memorizing of entire Scripture passages…
- Understanding
As we memorize, it is inevitable that we begin to let the words (God’s Holy Word) wash over us. As we meditate and reflect on the meaning of what we are memorizing, it makes God’s Word come alive and we gain a deeper understanding. - Transformation
As we work on memorizing sections, it fills our hearts and minds with His Word. God’s Word renews and transforms our minds. - Praise
Memorizing and meditating on God’s Word causes us to well up with springs of overflowing thankfulness, praise, and gratitude to our great God!
Time spent in God’s Word, striving to memorize and hide His Word in our hearts, is never wasted. Memorizing and meditating is a rich endeavor that only results in GOOD.
Would you like to join me in memorizing and meditating on Psalm 103? It is an excellent passage to cultivate a heart of gratitude to our merciful Savior as we come upon the holidays!
Below is a link to a free printable booklet with cut apart Scripture cards (to take with you), a full passage sheet to post (maybe near your kitchen sink, shower, or mirror), and a few pages of spaces to handwrite the verses, write prayers of thanks, and place checkmarks as you memorize each verse.
Psalm 103: Memorization & Meditation
May you be blessed in whatever Scripture passage you choose to undertake!
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)
More Ideas for Cultivating Thankfulness…
20 Days of Thanks
Thank Him Tree
Thoughts on Psalm 103…
Psalm 103…What I Believe
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