05/03/2020
How often do we pray the Lord’s Prayer? Do we pray it so frequently that we now mouth the words without thinking about each and every one that we are praying, and no longer seek its full meaning with our hearts? Memorization can breed familiarization, and when we become overly familiar with something we tend to lose the intensity of our feeling for it. Favorite scriptures can start out this way; we commit them to memory because we are moved by them, but as the years go by we find ourselves simply reciting them, and no longer visiting their deeper meaning. Do you feel yourself slipping into such familiarity?
“My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me.”
Lamentations 3:20 ESV
It is good to remember scripture, and to have it ready for momentary recall, but not just for the sake of the words. The Word of God is meant to be worshipped and our souls should not only remember them, but bow down before them. Before all else, it is the breath of God.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
I remember two particular exercises in memorization from the days when I was a boy; the first was in church and we were tasked with remembering bible verses, the books of the Bible, and the Lord’s Prayer, as part of our Sunday school lessons each week. The second was in elementary school where I was required to memorize the 23rd Psalm. I remember the teacher sitting on the front of her desk and having each one of us stand and recite. In both of these efforts the emphasis was on remembering, and the concept of understanding was either left for another time, or not found to be important at the moment... perhaps at all. We weren’t seeking God nor Jesus, as much as merely owning the words. Paul taught in two Synagogues, both knew the word, but one claimed it as a matter of personal pride and ownership (Thessalonica), while the other (Berea) sought to find God every time they read from the Word; we should be instructed in God’s Word in this way... as a means of gauging our faith, and a guide into the presence of God... reading slowly, and with great thought... and afterthought.
“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
Acts 17:11 ESV
I recall the first morning when I stood in “Big Church”, and belted out the Lord’s Prayer with the rest of the congregation... I spoke loudly, perfectly, in exact rhythm, and without a single mistake! I knew every word and precisely how to say it so that I would be in perfect unity, and harmony with the rest of those who were standing, and doing the same. What I don’t recall was being moved by the meaning of those words; that came later... in another place, and time. I do remember that wonderful day; the day my soul bowed down to God while sitting at the feet of Jesus, and coming to know Him through the Word, and the encouragement of the gospel.
“My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:20-23 ESV
Now every time I read scripture, each quiet morning, even though the verses might be words I have committed to memory, they are new to me. I frequently pray the Lord’s Prayer, just as Jesus taught us to pray, but every single Word is as fresh as the day it came from His lips. Are you reading the Word of God in this way? You might have read the Bible In its entirety every single year for many years, but as you have done so were you searching out each Word as though it were treasure, new to you, or just rushing to meet the deadline so that you could check off another year?
“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’””
Matthew 4:4 ESV
We require a certain number of calories to maintain our health, and we get them from ingesting highly nutritious foods. A cow also requires a certain number of calories, but the food it eats contains very little nutrition. So the cow chews it’s cud, and passes the grass slowly though it’s digestive system, from stomach to stomach, and it does this day and night until it has gleaned every possible bit of nourishment from it. When we rush to read scripture, and the Bible, we get just enough spiritual nourishment to satisfy our need, but if we will take our time, chewing the Word slowly, and deliberately, how much more would we find there? If we were to take those verses we once committed to memory, and chew them over slowly with our hearts, minds, and souls, what amazing insights would await us? Are we ready to read scripture in the day, and mull it over, as if it were spiritual cud, in the night?
“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.”
Psalm 63:5-7 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Holy Word, and for the wonders, mysteries, and wisdom that awaits us there. Thank you for the insight into scripture that you give us through your Holy Spirit, and for the encouragement to remember, and remain in your Word all the days of our lives. Help us Father to walk in your shadow during the day, to sit peacefully with you in the evening, and to lie quietly in our beds as we contemplate you in the night. Your Word is nourishment to our souls, and a sweet nectar in our mouths, teach us to chew it slowly, and sip its sweetness with delight, so that we miss none of your blessings. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose Word creates all things, and brings us into your presence. Praised be your name for every passage of spiritual truth you provide, and for the love that pours forth from it. Your Word is like a honeycomb Father, it contains so much goodness, but must be opened before it will flow forth. Great are you in truth, and great is your Word in our hearts. All glory is yours Holy Father as your grace flows forth from your Word, and through your Son Jesus Christ. This is the day that you have made, and in the midst of your Word we will rejoice in it. Every day you give us our daily bread, our nourishment in your Word, and we will thrive in it today, and worship you forevermore.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:16-17 ESV
Rich Forbes