"If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7).

In order for the words of the Lord to really abide in us, it seems clear that we should commit as many of them to memory—not only in our minds, but also in our hearts—as we possibly can. There are many promises of blessing to those who hide God's Word in their hearts. "My son, if thou wilt receive My words, and hide My commandments with thee…. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2:1,5).

Both the apostle Paul and the apostle Peter have noted the importance of Scripture memorization. Paul says, "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16). Peter's exhortation is, "I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets [O.T. Scriptures], and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour [N.T. Scriptures]" (2 Peter 3:1,2).

The words "be mindful" mean essentially "recall to mind." Since Scriptures cannot be recalled to mind unless they have first been installed in the mind, and since they cannot abide in our hearts unless we first hide them in our hearts, it is surely pleasing and honoring to God that we learn "by heart" as much of His Word as we can.

—Days of Praise, by Henry M. Morris