memorizing scripture

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. ~ Matthew 4:4

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ~ Hebrews 4:12

One of the most encouraging and soul-satisfying things I have ever done is memorizing scripture.  Among the passages I have learned are Psalm 23, Psalm 100, Isaiah 41:10, and Psalm 139:1-18.  In January, I finished up Psalm 139:1-18.  I have been working on this one off and on for many years and it felt so good to finally nail it!  This month of February, I am working on Isaiah 40:28-31. 

I cannot tell you the times that saying these passages over in my mind has brought such comfort!  I distinctly remember saying Psalm 23 over and over as I was getting my epidural prior to the birth of S.  While I was sitting in the hospital with baby Daniel, who had stopped breathing, my stomach clenched with fear, God breathed life and peace into my spirit through Isaiah 41:10.  Psalm 139 has long been a passage held dear because it establishes God's soveriegnty, His continual presence in my life today and throughout all my days.  Upcoming passages that I what to learn in the coming months are Psalm 27, Luke 2:8-14, and Romans 12.

My method of study has generally been to print out 2-3 copies of the passage and put them in different places, so I can refer to them throughout my day.  Bible Gateway is the online resource that I use to find the passages that I want to print.  I want to begin going through each of the ones already memorized once throughout each day as I continue working on the new one.

What scripture passages have been particularly precious to you?  Which ones have you learned or are learning?