Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. –Psalm 119:11
At the end of each school day, the pre-grammar music room turns into the game room for the after school students. I hear snippets of the students’ day, answer questions about homework, and share encouraging hugs. One particular day was full of excitement as the Lego bin was pulled out. Students began creating and building when the most simple yet amazing act took place. Three grammar students suddenly started singing a scripture memory song from chapel. The simply purity of this moment captured my soul.
They were building with Legos and singing Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” I couldn’t help but join in singing with them. The joy radiating on their faces as we sang together will always be a sweet treasured memory.
Afterwards, one of the boys came over to my desk and shared, “Mrs. Barton, I can’t get that song out of my head…it’s just stuck in there and I sing it all the time!” I replied, “That’s incredible! That song is Scripture, a Bible verse, and it’s going to be hidden in your heart for the rest of your life.” He tilted his head as he pondered this statement and in all of his second grade knowledge responded, “Cool!”
Memorization of foundational facts play a key role in the early years of Classical Education. Memorization comes naturally to students at this age. When paired with a song to aid the memory process, the results are astounding. Let’s take for example, a passage of Scripture being memorized for Bible Class. When reciting it by rote, it’s in essence stored in the “short term” memory part of the brain. As the Scripture passage is recited over and over again, its storage location shifts from the “short term” memory to the “long-term” memory of the brain. When you add Scripture to song (or turn it into a song) the melodic and rhythmic song components create stronger “long term” memory files that make them easier to retrieve.
Scripture memorization is an important part in growing one’s Biblical understanding and maturing of the faith. Learning Biblical truths through Scripture songs cultivates hearts for the kingdom while creating “strong memory files” of Scripture being hidden in one’s heart. This can simply and easily be done through listening along together as a family while driving around town to the next weekend activity or on your summer vacation road trip. Two outstanding resources to aid in this process are:
- Steve Green’s Hide ‘Em in Your Heart Vol. 1 &2-These two volumes are full of different Scripture songs with a short intro at the beginning of each song explaining the Scripture. These songs are great for pre-grammar and early grammar aged students.
- G.T. and the Halo Express-Seven volumes that are grouped by theme (God’s Love, God’s Plan of Salvation, God’s Protection by Day and Night, etc.) with narrative story. These are some of my absolute favorite Scripture songs that have a variety of musical style. These are great for grammar students and are rich in spiritual wisdom and daily practical application.
Begin to hide God’s Word in your heart this summer while cultivating your kid’s hearts for the kingdom by simply listening to Scripture songs together; you just might find yourself singing along!
If you are interested in another way to hide God's word in your child's heart, click here.
