# Learning and Using God’s Word
*2008-09-28*

> Bill reflects on the importance of memorizing Scripture and offers a prayer asking God to help his family and friends grow in that discipline.

## Why Memorizing Scripture Matters

When I first read the prayer “To Learn and Use God’s Word” on belief.net, I felt a little agitated. I wondered why I needed a prayer for something I hadn’t been doing. As Catholics we often have Scripture read to us or read it ourselves, but we rarely make an effort to memorize it. I realized that this is a personal shortcoming I need to work on, especially since many of my Protestant friends do make memorization a regular practice. The Word of God is meant to shape our lives, so the prayer is actually very relevant.

## The Prayer for Our Loved Ones

Father, I pray that I, and those in my circle of family and friends, will desire to memorize Scripture. Help us to meditate on Your Word and let it transform and renew our minds. Show us the old habits we must put off and the new truths we must clothe ourselves with. May we respect the Bible as the living and active Word that penetrates hearts, judges thoughts and attitudes. Grant us the discipline to learn Your Word, keep our lives pure, and live according to Your principles so we won’t give in to temptation.

## Using Scripture as a Sword

May we remember and apply Scripture to our daily lives, for the Word will set us free and enable us to say no to every temptation. Help us to learn to use Scripture as effectively as Jesus did—calling upon it to defeat Satan. When temptation arises, let us be ready with verses that bring victory, lifting us up like a sword. Teach us to depend on Your Word in every circumstance. In Jesus’ name, amen.

## Authorship

This prayer was written by Jim.

*Memorizing Scripture equips us to resist temptation and live out the Gospel daily.*