Scripture Writing

Published on Feb 15, 2023
Category: Articles

Scripture writing is just what the name implies – it is the practice of writing out passages from the Bible by hand. This can be a fun, creative and helpful form of meditation on the words of Scripture. 

Psalm 119:11 – I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Did you know that the kings of Israel were commanded to write out a personal copy of the word of God. 

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.

When Moses was giving the law, reading and writing down the entire Torah was part of the duties of the king. And God gave specific reasons why the king should do so. These reasons still hold good for us as today’s believers who are the royal priesthood of God (1 Peter 2:9)

  • The king will learn to fear the Lord his God
  • He would obey all the terms of the law
  • Regular reading would prevent him from becoming proud 
  • It would prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way 

9 reasons to consider adding Scripture writing to your daily devotion time.

  • Deepens understanding and appreciation for the Bible: Writing out Bible passages deepen your understanding and appreciation for the text by helping you internalize it’s message, increasing your love for the word of God.
  • Form of worship: Writing out Scripture can be a way to engaging with text in a meaningful way, which can be a form of worship and devotion
  • Personalizes the text: While writing out Scripture, adding notes of your own thoughts and reflections can help make it more personal to your life and circumstances. 
  • Source of inspiration: Writing out Scripture helps you stay focused, as words of Scripture can motivate and inspire you, helping you to find meaning in your every day situation. 
  • Helps meditation: While some may find it difficult to memorize Bible verses, writing them out and meditating on their meaning, on the other hand, can help increase the likelihood of retention and understanding.
  • Self-care: Writing out scripture can have therapeutic benefits, particularly in a fast-paced and stressful world. It can serve as a calming activity, helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
  • Memorization tool: Writing down Scripture can aid in memorization, which has many benefits. As the psalmist wrote, “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Memorizing Scripture can help prevent sin and offer other spiritual benefits
  • Writing Scripture by hand is helpful for all learning preferences: Since learning styles can vary from person to person, writing out Scripture can be effective for individuals with different learning preferences, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. This practice can help to imprint the words of Scripture on one’s heart.
  • Writing Scripture leaves a legacy:: Similar to a cherished family recipe on a weathered card with handwritten notes, it can be meaningful to future generations to see the truths that you hold dear written in your own hand. This can serve as a precious gift and inspiration for those who come after you.

Scripture Writing – How? 

Scripture writing is a personal practice and that there is no right or wrong way to do it. The key is to find a routine that works for you and that allows you to engage with the Scripture in a meaningful way. Before you begin to write out the verse of Scripture

  • Read it out loud 
  • Pray and ask God to open your heart to receive what He wants you to learn from it. What does this verse mean to me?
  • How can I apply this verse of scripture to my life?
Author

Preethi Alice Jacob

Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.

We’d love to hear your thoughts!

0 Comments

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Practicing Justice: Reflects the Heart of God - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Micah 6:8 […]
  2. Jesus is Coming – Urgent Need to Be Prepared - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Revelation 22:12 […]
  3. God Cares: The Sin of Doing Nothing - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: James 2:14 […]
  4. Jesus’ Prayer – Embracing Surrender - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: 1 Peter 5:6 […]
  5. Embracing God’s Omniscience and Living His Word - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: James 1:22 […]
  6. The Power of the Pause: Avoiding the Trap of Self-Defense - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Proverbs 25:28 […]
  7. God Lovingly Cares for Us: Soaring on Eagles’ Wings - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Isaiah 40:31 […]
  8. Stepping into Miracles: Trusting God’s Faithfulness in Impossible Situations - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Isaiah 43:2 […]
  9. Ever-Present God: Listens When We Call - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Psalm 145:18 […]
  10. God’s Mercy: Liberates Hearts, Renews Purpose - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Ephesians 2:4-5 […]
  11. God’s Faithfulness: Our Hope and Stay - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Hebrews 10:23 […]
  12. Humility: Jesus, the Ultimate Example - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Philippians 2:5-8 […]
  13. Responding in Faith to Our Faithful God - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Isaiah 55:11 […]
  14. Bowing to the Majesty of Christ or Cultivating Own Popularity? - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: James 4:10 […]
  15. Unfailing Mercy: God’s Lifeline - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Lamentation 3:22-23 […]
  16. Responding to the Unmatched Authority of Jesus - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Ephesians 3:20-21 […]
  17. God’s Tender Mercies: A Path to Victory - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Psalm 145:9 […]
  18. Bold and Confident in the Power of Christ - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Ephesians 1:19-21 […]
  19. Sovereign God: Calls and Equips - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Isaiah 41:10 […]
  20. Building on the Rock: Jesus Our Firm Foundation - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Psalm 18:2 […]
  21. God’s Unfailing Forgiveness: Samson’s Story - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: 1 John 1:9 […]
  22. Abundant Forgiveness, Overflowing Love - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Psalm 86:5 […]
  23. The Ultimate Redeemer: Jesus Christ - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: 1 Peter 1:18-19 […]
  24. The All-Knowing God: Trusting in His Omniscience - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Psalm 46:1-2 […]
  25. The Unmatched Power and Might of Our God - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Jeremiah 10:6-7 […]
  26. The All Important Question - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: John 3:36 […]
  27. Trusting God’s Guidance: Navigating Life’s Crossroads - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Psalm 25:4-5 […]
  28. The Lord of the Harvest: A Call to Prayer and Labor - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Ephesians 6:18 […]
  29. Beyond Appearances: God Delights in an Authentic Heart - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Psalm 139:1-4 […]
  30. Our Father: A Relationship of Love and Access - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Romans 8:15-16 […]
  31. God’s Purposes will not be Thwarted: Trust Him - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Isaiah 55:8-9 […]
  32. God’s Omniscience Exposes Hypocrisy: Call to Authentic Living - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Hebrews 4:13 […]
  33. God of Peace and Reconciliation: Called to be Peacemakers - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Romans 12:19 […]
  34. Our Compassionate God Sees and Sets Free - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Ephesians 4:32 […]
  35. God is Rich in Mercy: Find Strength in Him - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Jeremiah 29:13-14 […]
  36. Kingdom of Love: The Invitation is Open - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Romans 10:13 […]
  37. God’s Relentless Love: Heaven Rejoices Over Repentance - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Ezekiel 34:11-12 […]
  38. God’s Redemptive Love: Grace at the King’s Table - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Ephesians 2:8-9 […]
  39. God is Unchanging: Our Anchor in an Ever-Changing World - […] Scripture Writing: Malachi 3:6 […]
  40. Agents of Reconciliation: Reflecting God’s Heart for Restoration - […] Scripture Writing: Romans 5:10 […]
  41. King Jesus is Coming: Preparing for His Glorious Arrival - […] Scripture Writing: 1 Peter 4:7 […]
  42. Secure in Him: The Power of Forgiveness and Mercy - […] Scripture Writing: 1 John 1:9 […]
  43. You are Valued and Worth a Stop: Voice, Not Noise - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Psalm 34:18 […]
  44. True Worship: Offering God our Best - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Malachi 1:6-8 […]
  45. Holiness in His House: Embracing Genuine Worship - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Psalm 27:4 […]
  46. Serving a Self-Sufficient God: My Privilege - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Psalm 50:10-12 […]
  47. You are Divinely Designed for a Unique Purpose - Find Rest My Soul - […] Scripture Writing: Psalm 139:13-14 […]

Leave a Reply

Continue Reading..
Part 6: Cleansed and Focused

Part 6: Cleansed and Focused

The person with a pure heart can see God in nature, in Scripture, in the people around. They will enjoy greater intimacy with God than they could have imagined.
Would the Lord find yours to be a heart that is pure?

Part 5: Compelled by Mercy

Part 5: Compelled by Mercy

Those who are grateful for mercy, are merciful. The bottomless well of mercy extended, should motivate and compel one to pass on the blessing.
What compels your interactions with people?