Storing Scripture in Our Hearts - Your Nightly Prayer
Storing Scripture in Our Hearts
Your Nightly Prayer for Apr. 24, 2025
By Sophia Bricker
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." - Psalm 119:11, ESV
SOMETHING TO PONDER
One night, I could not sleep because of a nightmare. I pulled the covers tighter around me and took a few deep breaths to try to calm myself. In the past, when I had suffered a nightmare, I had found comfort in reciting Psalm 23. So this night I told myself I would recite all the verses I knew until I fell asleep again. Surely I would not exhaust the verses I had memorized before drifting back to sleep, but to my embarrassment and conviction, I discovered that I could only recite a handful of verses. The countless stories I had read about believers in other countries who had memorized entire books of the Bible to encourage them in difficult times came to mind. What would happen if somehow in the future I could not access God’s Word? Did I value the Bible as much as I assumed? That day, I was determined to not only memorize verses and passages, but to do so with the goal of retention.
Throughout the Bible, we find an emphasis on keeping God’s Word in our hearts and minds. We should treasure Scripture so much that we commit it to memory and meditate on it. Joshua did this (Joshua 1:8), as did David (Psalm 119:11). All of Israel was commanded to keep God’s law on their hearts (Deuteronomy 6:6). And in the New Testament, the church was also encouraged to regularly think about and share Scripture with one another. We are told to let the word of Christ dwell richly in us (Colossians 3:16).
Not only is this beneficial for keeping our focus on the Lord, but it also helps us in times of need. When we are tempted, the Holy Spirit can bring a verse to mind. Our Lord fought against the temptations of Satan using Scripture, and we are wise to follow His example (Matthew 4:4). When we are afraid or discouraged, we can think about a passage and receive fresh strength. The words of our God become our sustenance, hope, and delight – they are as vital as breathing or eating.
To adequately store Scripture in our hearts and minds, we must first recognize it for the treasure it is. Everything else in life will fade except for the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8). The Bible is incomparable in value, so let us express this truth by committing verses and passages to memory so we can meditate upon what God has said. We will be thankful we did – especially during sleepless nights.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Lord God,
Help me to increasingly value your Word as the gift and treasure it is. I want my heart and mind to be overflowing with Scripture so that You can shape me and direct my life. And when temptations come, as they will, enable me to use the Sword of the Spirit to slice through the lies so I don’t sin against You. May I be like Joshua or David, who took delight in Your Word and meditated on it day and night; for the words You speak are sustenance for my soul and in them I find hope. In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. A treasure chest. What first comes to mind when you think of what is inside? How might imagining copies of the Bible or written verses inside challenge your view of Scripture?
2. Certain situations from your past in which the Holy Spirit made you think of a passage. In what ways did He use Scripture?
3. A scenario: Imagine that someone confiscates every copy of the Bible you own. Which verses, passages, or books would be at the top of your list to remember, and why? Is there a way you can start storing them in your heart today?
Photo Credit:©Unsplash/Kinga Howard
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