www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Memorizing psalms

Dear Friends,

St Theophan the Recluse and others have recommended that Christians memorize psalms (and other prayers) so as to have a ready "prayer arsenal" at one's disposal at all times.

Of course, everyone knows Psalm 50/51 by heart . . .

Memorizing is not easy and I would like to ask advice on how best to memorize the psalms.

This is how I go about it - let me know if I'm doing something wrong here:

First, I read the psalm slowly over and over, even at intervals throughout the day.

Then I begin by memorizing the psalm, verse by verse, using each verse as a self-contained unit, repeating it frequently.

Further, begin to picture the verses, repeating them by memory until they sinks in, one at a time.

Then I begin to try and assembly the memorized verses in order and try to recite them out loud at intervals.

It's still an uphill battle (picturing the words is perhaps the best way), but time is needed in this.

The result is that the words of the psalms so treated appear to really come alive as one "mulls" them over and they take on a renewed, dynamic meaning! One really wants to "dance" and jump as one says these!!

Any advice would be appreciated!

Alex

Different people learn differently, so it's impossible for any of us to say what will work best for you. That said, your method would work for me.

You are absolutely correct! I've fully memorized psalm 102 - in Ukrainian!!

Saying the words out loud is also very big help in this regard.

Alex

Memorize? What was that thing we were supposed to memorize? Now, where was I?

Charles - you need the usual remedy

I know, chocolate! That instant recall doesn't work so well when the random access memory starts aging. LOL.

Frequent repetition, yes, works very well. Chanting works even better because the pace is necessarily slower.

My "usual remedy" is what some monastics refer to as "liquid bread" although liquid barley can have the same effect. In all seriousness, a relaxed mind can "record" more easily than one that is stressed and otherwise occupied.

Don't get too relaxed. Time, memory, and nearly everything else have a way of slipping away with excess liquid bread.

Turkish coffee is also good for producing a state of real alertness of the mind.

Chanting is also an excellent idea.

I will focus on the psalms and will stop trying to defend Pope Francis all the time . . .

Alex

Alex, as I often say, "Popes come and popes go. Blessed be the name of the Lord." The Church seems to survive no matter who holds that office.

Isn't that really "Greek" coffee. I like it, but Alice has said she hates it. Dr. Oz says it has health benefits, so who am I to argue?

BTW, I watched this charming Greek lady on TV demonstrate how to make "Greek" coffee. She said, that Greek coffee is better when you have some cake (chocolate), cookies (chocolate), a bit of candy (chocolate), and/or maybe some ice water. Sounds like a woman after my own heart, and I like her! LOL.