Why — and how — do we memorize Scripture?
While most Christians acknowledge the importance of storing up God’s Word in their hearts (see Psalm 119:11), few understand truly why they do it or how to go about it. The September issue of The Lutheran Witness offers helpful articles on these important topics.
The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing begins by supplying a Christ-centered biblical explanation for “why we memorize Scripture,” while the Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti and his wife, Anne (a seasoned educator), suggest real-world “practices for learning by heart.” Getting back to basics, the Rev. Mark Love offers wise guidance on “how to read the Bible” as God’s Word for us.
“I’m so thankful my parents insisted on getting me to church, Sunday school and ‘midweek’ classes,” writes LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison in the pastoral letter that opens the issue. “Thanks to my early biblical education and years of Bible study since, my head is swimming with texts, and the beautiful thing is there are always more! And because the texts bring Christ and His Gospel, there is always more Christ, more forgiveness, more comfort, more joy, more peace.”
One highlight of special interest is the Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker’s retrospective on “20 Years of Lutheran Service Book,” in which he recalls the creation of the now beloved LCMS hymnal and reflects on the value of Lutheran hymnody for the life of faith.
“Through all of these hymns — old and new — the Word of Christ comes to dwell in us richly as we sing them, teaching and admonishing one another, with gratitude in our hearts to God (Col. 3:16),” Vieker writes. “They are the songs that accompany us from cradle to grave, through sorrow and suffering, to joy and exaltation.”
Read Harrison’s entire letter, browse articles from the September issue, or subscribe to the magazine at witness.lcms.org.
Posted Aug. 26, 2026
