Simple Strategies for Memorizing the Bible

Has scripture memorization become a lost art? 

When I was growing up, our pastor often talked about the importance of getting God's Word in your heart. Our Sunday School classes memorized passages of the Bible together, and prizes were awarded as an incentive. Growing up, our family learned verses together. I especially remember us memorizing Romans chapters six and eight together, in the King James Version. Most of it is still with me today.

​While I can't find an exact verse of the Bible that commands us to memorize Scripture, we are instructed to keep the Word in our hearts. Consider the following verses.

---

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

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8)

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)

Imagine what could happen if we reintroduced this ancient spiritual discipline. Envision having God's Word in your heart and on your lips every day. Picture how this practice could impact every area of your life.

Here's why we should reconsider the importance of Scripture memorization.

• It saturates our hearts with truth.
• It is not just about storing information; it is about life transformation.
• Through Scripture, we gain the strength to resist temptation and sin.
• The Word of God renews our minds.

While most of us would agree that Scripture memorization is a good idea, we often struggle to do it. After all, remembering things isn't easy. Does anyone know where I left my keys? :)

Let's go back to the basics and start with some simple strategies.

1.  Start small - Don't set yourself up for failure by making an impulse decision to memorize a chapter or book of the Bible. Even a verse a week would be powerful. Imagine memorizing 52 verses each year.
2.  Memorize with your family. It's incredible what we can do when we support one another.
3.  Read the verse aloud several times each day. I know people who write the verse on a notecard and keep it their pocket to review it throughout the day quickly.
4.  Practice writing the verse. A friend of mine will write the verse 20 times a day. This simple practice aids in memorization.
5.  Listen to the verse on your Bible app.
6.  Use repetition and review. Read and over and over again until the Scripture is firmly fixed in your long-term memory.
7.  Use an app. Here are some apps I have found helpful: The Bible Memory App, Fighter Verses, and Bible Memory by Memlock.

I hope these tips help! The main objective is to get started! Memorize one verse at a time, and you'll realize how rewarding it can be.

I love this quote by Chuck Swindoll. He wrote, "I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified" (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, 61).

To subscribe to this weekly blog click here!

If you enjoyed this article, I would be honored if you would share it on social media. 

Missed last week's article? Check it out here... 5 Reasons Journaling is an Effective Spiritual Discipline.

Interested in starting your own podcast? Click here to learn how.