Why Write the Scriptures?

I have fallen in love with writing out a short piece of the Bible each day. I'm not new to writing down verses that stand out to me. I am rarely without a notebook and pen because I enjoy and know the value of writing down what matters to me. My prayer board is covered in Bible verses I've written by hand or typed out, cut down and pinned to the board. As I sit at my desk I often take a moment to cast my eyes across these verses and always find a reason to pray or praise God. God speaks to me through them each time.

Why Write the Scriptures?

I began to write Bible passages more formally after digging deeper into the Book of Proverbs. I have read it a few times, but I wanted to examine it further. Reading the Bible alone is great but understanding what we read is key to bearing fruit.

I picked one verse from each chapter of Proverbs to read reflect and respond to daily. I wrote out the verse to help my eyes not wander to other verses in my paper Bible as I prayerfully reflected on the chosen verse.

I found that the act of writing scripture was productive and enjoyable. I wanted to add this practice to my Bible time as it aids Bible reading, Bible study, Bible memorisation and Bible meditation. Rather than writing on sticky notes or in my devotional journal, I wanted dedicated sheets of paper with boxes for each verse so I created a writing sheet to use.

I find writing out related Bible verses helps me see connections and remember the location of the verse as well as what it says. Some verses are familiar to many but we only usually quote part of the verse. Other times, we know the whole verse but have no idea where it "lives" in the Bible. Separating the Bible reference box from the scripture text box on my writing sheet helps me focus on learning both the verse and its address.

Writing out Scripture makes us pay attention. We can skim read but cannot skim write. This is important in light of what Jesus says in ‭Luke 8:18 (NKJV‬)

Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.”

It is vital to hear the word but "how" we hear is important. Are we open, attentive, receiving or closed, defensive and rejecting? Do we trust fundamentally even if we don't understand or do we hear with skepticism? Do we hear the Word of God with reverence or causal interest?

When we choose to systematically Write the Scriptures we honour the Word of God. We choose to pay close attention to the Scripture. The better we hear, the more we will be able to hear.

I can attest to this because by the time I was more than halfway through one verse a day of Proverbs two things had happened apart from that I had learned more than I knew before I started.

First, I couldn't wait to do it! I found a deeper joy in the Word of God. Second, I found I could see things in the verses more quickly and my capacity for understanding grew. I had more to write about each verse by the end than at the start, not just in quantity but in depth.

Building a Bible Writing Habit

I know the importance of systems when trying to build a habit. It's easier to form a new habit when we can take the desired action with as few obstacles in the way as possible. If I need to think of which Bible passage to write each day I am less likely to build a scripture writing habit.

I usually choose Biblical themes for each month of the year so I looked back at this list and used it to create weekly themes. I chose and listed 7 Bible verses on each weekly theme to create a Write the Scriptures plan.

I want to send you the 7 verses I will be using to Write the Scriptures each week. Simply sign up and look out for the weekly emails every Monday morning.

Don't forget to print out the Write the Scriptures writing sheet you'll get free when you sign up.

You can tell me how you get on and what benefits or even challenges you experience by filling in the form at the bottom of this page. I would love to hear from you.

Blessing in Action: Why Write the Scriptures?

Write out Luke 8:18

‭Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.

Ask the Holy Spirit how you hear and why.

Write out this verse every day this week, reflecting on it as you read and write.