A Basic Plan For Memorizing Scripture

Before setting out to memorize a passage of Scripture, I always begin by praying and asking the Lord for the ability to memorize His Word - that it might be a means of growing in personal holiness and equipping for service.  Memorizing Scripture is a spiritual discipline and like all things spiritual, our sinful flesh will resist us every step of the way.  Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to memorize non-spiritual things than it is to memorize something centered around God and/or His Word?  It is relatively easy to remember names, phone numbers, addresses, birth dates, anniversaries, etc. but it requires diligent effort to memorize God’s Word.  Know this up front - your flesh will resist.  Begin with prayer.

2.  Write out the passage on note cards

After praying, I then write out the entire passage on note cards.  Notice I said write out the passage and not type or “cut and paste”.  In Deuteronomy 17:18-19, God commanded that when each of the kings of Israel,

“…sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests.  And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them…”

Notice that God specifically commanded the king to write out a copy of the law for himself.  Certainly, the king could have ordered one of his scribes to do it for him, but again, God specifically commanded that the king write it for himself.  Why?  I don’t think it strains the meaning of the text to infer that there is something inherently beneficial to writing out the passage in your own handwriting, as well as subsequently reading it in your own handwriting.  I have also found this to be true in practice.  I therefore do almost all of my initial memorization work from hand-written note cards and use my Bible for reviewing.   I believe that for most people, this process burns it into your memory in a way that typing or reading it in a Bible will not do.  Now, if your handwriting is of such quality that you can barely read it then use this as an opportunity to improve your penmanship as well, which, in and of itself is becoming a lost art.  Note cards also have the added benefit of being very portable.  I almost always have a set of cards with me in my book bag, in my car and on my nightstand.  If you have not done this before, I think you will be surprised how much this enhances your ability to memorize Scripture.  If you must, you can buy flash cards that have verses already printed on them however, I would only recommend them for those who, because of physical limitations, are unable to write the verses out for themselves

3.  Review and recite audibly

This involves another one of your senses (hearing) and further helps to burn it into your memory.  A word of note - those around you or those driving in the car next to you might think you are a bit odd for talking to yourself - but that’s OK.  If you have been a Christian for any length of time then you are probably already aware that people think you’re a bit odd anyway.  Besides, some of us are a bit odd even when we’re not talking to ourselves.

4.  Memorize with someone else

There’s nothing like having an accountability partner when attempting to do anything that requires self-discipline.  You will wax and wane in your efforts and having someone else memorizing the same passage with you will benefit you both.  Ideally, you both won’t wane at the same time and will be able to spur each other on.

5.  Keep your memorization sessions short but frequent

I have found that four, five to ten minute sessions each day are more beneficial than one or two longer sessions.  If you are memorizing a lengthy passage of Scripture, then break it down into smaller more manageable sections.  For me, repetition is the key to burning it into my memory.   I have also found it beneficial to work on my verses as the last thing I do before I fall asleep and the first thing I do when I awake.

6.  Long-term Reviews

Reviewing a passage of Scripture that you have already memorized is an excellent way to retain it in your memory.  I almost always begin my daily Bible reading with a quick review of a passage of Scripture that I have already memorized.  I can skim through the entire book of James or the Sermon on the Mount in only about 5-7 minutes.  This takes only a few minutes and greatly enhances retention.  If I am tired, this also helps kick-start my mind and get it ready to read God’s Word.

7.  Meditation

I must admit that meditating on God’s Word is an area in which I have really struggled.  Unless I have the Word right in front of me, my mind wanders too much.  Having a Bible right in front of me throughout the day is simply not practical.  Memorizing God’s Word has greatly enhanced my ability to meditate on it.  I don’t use a formal plan for meditating on the Scriptures.  As I memorize/recite a passage the Holy Spirit will usually draw my attention to a specific verse or section, and I will then meditate upon it.

8.  Study the passage in depth

After committing a passage of Scripture to memory, I will often read a commentary or listen to a sermon(s) on it to enhance my overall understanding of the passage, which further helps with meditation and retention.
That’s it.  Nothing fancy.  Like any discipline, the more you do it the easier it gets.  You will wax and wane in your efforts. The key is to have a plan and follow it consistently.  The goal should be long-term growth and success.  It is like the Christian life in that it is a race but it is not a sprint.  If you try to do too much too soon, you will burn yourself out.  A focused, consistent effort should yield long-term success.

Psalm 119:11 “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”