scripture memory tips

“Memorization isn’t something that only a select few are born with the ability to do, but is rather like a muscle you have to exercise in order to make it stronger.”  (Kandi Gallaty, “Disciple Her”)

Pray - Pray for the Lord to strengthen your discipline and mental muscles in order to memorize scripture.  You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!

Write it…

o   On a Post-it note – Put it on your mirror, refrigerator, or car dashboard.

o   On a note card – Hole punch all of your memory verses and put them on a ring to be able to quickly rehearse them. (Lamination can add durability.)

• Get creative and make your note cards colorful.  If you make certain key words stand out (by underlining/circling/making them a different color), this can help you visualize the card as you recite it.

o   In a small notebook – Devote each page to a new memory verse.

Draw it – Draw or doodle simple pictures on one side of a note card to trigger your memory of a verse.  Then write the verse on the opposite side.  If you don’t want to draw a picture, write the first letter of each word of the verse as a visual cue instead.

Sing it - Add a common tune to your verse, and it will be much easier to recall.

Listen to it – Listen to the verse on a Bible app or record yourself saying the verse to listen to multiple times throughout the week.  Try to recite it between each listen.

Move with it - Some people find that they learn best while physically moving.  This might mean developing motions to help recall the verse or just taking a walk out in nature with your verse card in hand to practice.

There’s an app for that! – Use Bible memory apps or websites to assist you, but be cautious with this as tech devices may also become a distraction.

Time it right - Pick your practice time wisely. Select a time and place where you are most likely to be mentally engaged and least likely to be distracted. 

Review frequently – Recite known memory verses while driving/riding in the car, waiting in line at the store, sitting in the waiting room for an appointment, or any time you might otherwise be mindlessly scrolling through your phone.

Just do it!  - Don’t overthink it or procrastinate.  Just reread, rehearse, and recite the focus verse on a daily basis.  It should only take a few minutes of your time each day.

Remember WHY – Scripture memory is a worthy investment of time because it…

o   Renews our minds…helping us to think and act biblically

o   Equips us to face and win spiritual battles

o   Allows us to bless others with “in the moment” biblical encouragement

Give yourself grace! – If all of these tips are overwhelming, just pick PRAYER and one other tip to get you started.  You WILL be blessed by hiding God’s Word in your heart!

“…we only remember about 35% of what we study in the Bible, but we remember 100% of what we’ve memorized.” 

(Lauren Ibach, “Strength in the Struggle”)