6 of the Best Ways to Memorize Scripture
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”
Psalm 119:15 (NKJV)
Memorizing Scripture is one way to grow in the Lord.
There are many advantages to hiding God’s Word in your heart:
In times of trouble, you can recall the very words of Jesus.
You will be able to share the salvation message with others.
In times of temptation, scripture can help you fight the lies of the enemy.
You will be able to find peace in the comforting words from the Bible.
Memorization doesn’t come easily to everyone.
Here are some tips to help you study and remember.
Write out the reference and verse on a small notecard.
Memorize small phrases at a time.
Read the verse over and over again. I recommend at least 10 times per session.
With another notecard, cover parts of the verse as you are reciting to see if you can remember the covered portion. Eventually, you will be able to recite the verse with only the reference visible.
Review several times a day.
If it helps, set the verse to music or use hand gestures to reinforce the learning.
Many don’t think they have the time for memorization.
You might be surprised at how many opportunities there are to review your notecards while
waiting at a doctor’s appointment
commuting to work (if you aren’t the one driving)
on break at work
eating a meal
during commercials while watching tv
at bedtime or just waking up
Start slow and set reasonable goals.
If you are unable to meet your goals, don’t get discouraged and quit. Try lowering your expectations. Even if it takes a long time to memorize one verse, just keep at it.
This isn’t a race. Don’t compare yourself to others.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)
Ask the Lord to help you, I believe He is pleased with our efforts to put His Words in our hearts and minds.
Please share in the comments any tips or apps you use to help you with scripture memorization!
I have a word file, now 7-8 pages long, of the verses that comfort me. Occasionally, I loosely organize them to make it easier to find a certain scripture concept. But these verse sheets are in my purse, a page is pinned to my fridge, they are at my home office desk. So I grab it when I have a free moment or a particular need to be comforted by scripture. Over time, the more I read them, they are "hidden in my heart." I haven't attempted to actively memorize but yet they are there. Thank you for this post and God bless.
Good tips, I have some new things to try!
One of the best things I love about verse memory is I can pray the Word without having to look it up all the time.