I’ve spent a long time pondering this idea of memorizing the Sermon on the Mount.  Already wanting to memorize some other passages, it didn’t, at first, seem anything like a priority.  Then it occurred to me that if my deepest desire is to become more like Christ, then spending a lot of my time with His Words and grafting them into my thinking might be a way to think more like Him.  We do become like those we spend a lot of time with.  Yes, in a way, all of Scripture is God’s Word.  But Jesus’ words in particular are those thoughts He found important enough to speak to His friends while He walked, incarnate, on this earth.

One of my daughters mentioned that she finds it easier to memorize Scripture if she reads over it several times before she goes to sleep.  My other daughter mentioned how much speaking it aloud helps her.  I’m taking all hints, since for years I’ve struggled with getting back into a habit of memorizing.  We’re working each on our own verses and then we say them to each other on Saturday mornings, often while taking a few minutes to discuss what especially has touched us in our Bible reading during the week.  Profoundly meaningful family time!

So, I’m in.  I’m taking the challenge to learn the Sermon on the Mount, and I am excited to see what the Lord will do as I graft His Words, while on this earth, into my heart and mind during this very earthy pilgrimage I’m traveling.