The Spiritual Discipline Of Remembrance

Humans are beings of forgetfulness. Whether on purpose or by accident, forgetfulness is a constant struggle we face daily. This is why the spiritual discipline of remembrance is so vital to the Christian life—because remembering is not optional for believers, but essential.

We notice this flaw in ourselves, though, because we try so hard to prevent it. In our attempt to foresee the future and predict what we might forget, we put up little fictitious arms that grab us by the shoulders, shake us, and scream in all caps, “DON’T FORGET!” Whether through alarms, sticky notes, calendars, or asking a family member to remind us, we fill our lives with cues and lists because we understand our tendency to forget.

But this struggle isn’t new. Forgetfulness has existed since the beginning of time.

And remembering—truly remembering—is not just nostalgia. It’s a spiritual discipline. It’s something Christ modeled and commanded, something practiced by the apostles and early followers of God throughout Scripture. Remembering realigns our hearts with who Christ is and what He’s done.

The Biblical Call to Remember

The act of remembering is actually commanded throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 8:2, God tells Israel:

“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness…”

And in Deuteronomy 8:11–18, He warns them not to forget once they prosper. Additionally, throughout the Psalms, David writes often in remembrance of God’s goodness, mercy, power, and authority:

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago” (Psalm 77:11–12).

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2).

Even without using the word “remember,” the book of Psalms itself is an act of remembrance—a collection of worship and praise pointing back to God’s faithfulness.

Remembering Is an Act of Worship

Remembering is not passive—it’s an intentional act of worship.

When we forget the Lord’s provision, it often leads to fear.
When we forget what He’s accomplished on our behalf, it often leads to doubt.
We see the results of forgetfulness all throughout Scripture—and even in our own lives today.

In the wilderness, Israel forgot God’s deliverance and began to grumble (Exodus 16). The disciples panicked in the storm, even after seeing Jesus perform miracles—they forgot who was in the boat with them (Mark 4:35–41).

When we forget, we fear.
By remembering, we rest.

When we remember, we look to Christ in awe and see the blessings in our lives. We find joy, comfort, and peace. We increase in gratitude and decrease in complaint.

“I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done” (Psalm 143:5).

Building Altars of Remembrance Today

The Israelites often built physical altars to remember God’s faithfulness—like in Joshua 4, after crossing the Jordan River. Those stones stood as a visible reminder for future generations of God’s power and provision.

We can build our own “altars of remembrance” today. They might look like:

• Journals filled with answered prayers and moments of God’s goodness.
• Photos that remind us of seasons God carried us through.
• Testimonies shared with others.
• Songs or prayers that keep our hearts anchored in truth.

Remembering is our way of saying, “The Lord has been faithful, and He still is.”

Remembering in the New Testament

In Luke 22:19, Jesus said,

“Do this in remembrance of me.”

Communion is the ultimate act of spiritual remembering—the cross and resurrection. It’s why we take the bread and cup together as the Church, reflecting on the finished work of Christ.

Paul also urges believers to:

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead” (2 Timothy 2:8).

And even the thief on the cross prayed,

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

Remembering, then, is tied not only to worship—but to relationship and restoration.

Practical Ways to Practice the Spiritual Discipline of Remembrance

Here are a few ways you can intentionally cultivate this spiritual discipline in your own life:

Why the Spiritual Discipline of Remembrance Matters

There is so much to say about the importance of remembrance. It is a weapon against discouragement, a pathway to gratitude, and a means of worship.

When we choose to remember, we resist the lie that God has forgotten us. It’s anchoring our hearts in the truth that the same God who parted the sea, who fed the multitude, who conquered death—is the same God who holds our story today.