Tips to Memorizing Bible Scripture

Memorization may seem like an arduous task reserved only for finals-week in school, or snap quizzes.  But a true joy in life is the ability to recall significant scripture that helps you through good and bad times.  The brain is a marvelous tool designed by God, and it is perfectly suited to hold the precious words imparted in the Bible, available for instant recall.  You can memorize your phone number, address, children’s birthdates, and words to music.  Memorizing scripture is easy if you focus your efforts.  Below are a few tips which will help this process: 

Build Your Confidence:

• Start with easy scripture verses to begin developing your habit.
• Alternate easy with difficult passages to provide variety.
• Once you have developed the discipline, tackle an entire chapter!

Write it:

• Use a personal journal to write down your memory passages.  Take the journal with you wherever you go.  While waiting at an appointment, you have the perfect opportunity to review verses.
• Type up the scripture, print it off and stick it to the computer, your mirror, the refrigerator, anywhere you will frequently look.
• Write the first letter of each word on a 3x5 card or list keywords in the passage which will prompt your memory.

Read it and Repeat it:

• Frequently!
• When you rise from bed
• During your devotions
• During the lunch hour
• Before the dinner prayer
• Before you retire for the evening

Tell the Story

• Relay the events surrounding this verse to your children, your spouse, or a friend. 
• Discuss its meaning and placement at this point in the Bible.  Telling the story helps you visualize the event and plants it into your memory.  Internalize the verse so that it has meaning for your life. 
• Sing scripture-based songs with your children.  Not only will you learn so will they!  What a gift that will be!