We’ve talked about why you need to memorize Scripture—but what about the methods you can use to actually store God’s Word in your heart and mind? We offer these seven surefire tips to get you started!
1. Write it down …
Keep a journal! As you copy each passage into a journal or notebook, consider each word carefully and prayerfully. Focus as much as you can on writing and leave every potential distraction behind—cell phones, computers, whatever. Time is going to go by fast!
2. Say it out loud …
Say the passage aloud as you read it. Do this at least 10 times—and also as you write it in your journal or notebook. When you try to repeat the Scripture without the aid of your Bible, avoid peeking; give it your best effort before taking another look. Exercise your brain by making it work!
3. Don’t do it all at once …
It’s best to memorize well a few verses at a time rather than memorize poorly dozens of verses at once. We suggest tackling up to three or four Bible verses each week. Doing more than that might make remembering hard and you could get discouraged. This is about your relationship with God—not a contest of memory with others.
4. Make it personal …
At first, choose passages that speak to your life and needs. Have a sin you can’t seem to overcome? Find a passage that speaks to that kind of sin or a passage about how God can help you overcome. Worried about your salvation? Find passages that affirm the gospel. The more personal it is in your life, the stronger your memory of it will be.
5. Stick to a schedule …
It’s important to adopt a routine at a certain time each day. Wake up your brain with prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to help you. When you feel lazy or tired or discouraged, remind yourself of the reasons to memorize Scripture.
6. Share It ...
As much as you can, share the passage with others—but also with yourself as you go about your day. Make it a practical part of your life and practice living the message as much as you are able.
7. Review, Review, Review ...
Repetition is key! When you’re in a waiting room, driving around town, or doing mundane chores—use whatever time you have to memorize Scripture. And while you might have successfully memorized a Scripture for the time being, you have to keep going back and reviewing. Some experts suggest you keep reviewing new verses each day for seven weeks—and then once a month for seven months after that.
What about you? Do you have effective methods you use to memorize Scripture that we haven’t listed? Don’t keep them to yourself—we’d love for you to share them in the comments below!
Did you know? Amazing Facts has a Bible memorization tool at www.BibleUniverse.com. Check it out today and get on the road to storing God’s Word in your heart!