- \n
- Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.<\/em> John 17:17<\/span><\/li>\n
- I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.<\/em> Psalm 119:11<\/span><\/li>\n
- The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.<\/em> Psalm 37:31<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
2 |\u00a0His Word Is Our Defense<\/a><\/h3>\n
You wouldn\u2019t use a bomb to kill an ant or a toothpick to fight a bear,\u00a0but this is exactly what we do when we fight our spiritual battles with fleshly weapons. Jesus was (and is) the perfect modeling example. Using Scripture, He fought off the enemy during His 40 day fast in the wilderness. The authority of God’s Word written<\/a> on your heart has the power to demolish strongholds.\u00a0After all, the sword (Word of God) is the only weapon listed in Ephesians 6 that defends AND is used to fight back. But what good is it if we don\u2019t actually pick it up and use it?<\/p>\n
Satan\u2019s greatest weapon is our ignorance of God\u2019s word. He is banking on you and me not knowing God\u2019s word, realizing the power of God\u2019s word, and\/or not using His word.<\/p>\n
\n\n- \n
- Jesus answered, <\/em>\u201cIt is written: \u2018Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.<\/em>”\u00a0<\/span>Matthew 4:4<\/span><\/li>\n
- Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.<\/em> Ephesians 6:17<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"If](\"https:\/\/www.estherdorotik.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/best-way-to-memorize-bible-verses.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3 | We Are Commanded To Memorize Scripture<\/h3>\n
According to the Code of Jewish Law, fathers began teaching children verses of Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy) as soon as they began to speak.\u00a0By the age of 4-5 years old, Jewish children began memorizing whole books of the Torah. Impressive, to say the least! In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God says His words and commands are to be on our hearts, talked about at all times, and diligently taught to our children. Though cultural norms have placed less and less importance on this doctrine, the unchanging truth is we are commanded to treasure them in our hearts. Ultimately, this result is sanctification, carefully observing everything written in it.<\/p>\n
- \n
- My son, keep my words\u00a0<\/span><\/span>and treasure up my commandments with you;\u00a0<\/span><\/span>keep my commandments and live;\u00a0<\/span>keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;\u00a0<\/span><\/span>bind them on your fingers;\u00a0<\/span>write them on the tablet of your heart.<\/span><\/span> <\/em><\/span>Proverbs 7:1\u20103\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.\u00a0<\/span><\/em>You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/span>Deuteronomy 6:6\u20107<\/span><\/li>\n
- This book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then, you will prosper and succeed in all you do.\u00a0<\/em><\/span>Joshua 1:8<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
RELATED: Need help choosing a Bible translation to use? Here is everything you need to know to choose the best Bible<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Benefits of Memorizing Scripture<\/h2>\n
1 | Ability To Share With Others<\/h3>\n
Though we have access to almost every version of the Bible on our phones, there is power in being able to share God’s word without having to look up a verse. When we are prepared to give an answer for the hope we have, God’s Word can flow through our testimonies to the hearts of all who hear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
- \n
- But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have.\u00a0<\/em><\/span>1 Peter 3:15<\/span><\/li>\n
- The Lord God<\/span> has given me<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the tongue of those who are taught,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>that I may know how to sustain with a word\u00a0<\/span><\/em>him who is weary.<\/em> Isaiah 50:4<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n2 | Bear Fruit For His Kingdom<\/h3>\n
Through the teaching and training found in the Word of God, we are thoroughly equipped to bear Kingdom fruit in every season; eternal fruit stored in Heaven that will neither fade nor spoil.<\/p>\n
- \n
- All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.<\/em> 2 Timothy 3:16-17<\/li>\n
- But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.<\/em>\u00a0Psalm 1:2\u20103<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Do](\"https:\/\/www.estherdorotik.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-memorize-scripture-quickly-and-easily.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n3 | Prayer Infused With Scripture<\/h3>\n
Memorizing Bible verses is one of the best ways to infuse your prayer life with power. Not only does Scripture help shape prayer, but it also declares the truth of Him who is faithful. Knowing God’s Word helps you ask according to His will and ensures your prayers are spiritually grounded in truth.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \u201cThis is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.\u201d<\/em> 1 John 5:14<\/li>\n
- If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.<\/em> John 15:7<\/li>\n
- The Lord<\/span> is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.<\/em> Psalm 145:18<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
4 | His Word Becomes Your Delight<\/h3>\n
Whether we realize it or not, our souls’ thirst and hunger for more of God. In our present-day of distractions, it\u2019s simply easier to find a temporary fix from mediocre avenues. When you fall in love with God\u2019s word \u2013 and you absolutely will \u2013 you can\u2019t help but to rejoice and long for more.<\/p>\n
- \n
- “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.”<\/em> Psalm 40:8<\/span><\/li>\n
- Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day.<\/em> Psalm 119:97<\/span><\/li>\n
- I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways.\u00a0<\/span>I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. <\/span><\/em>Psalm 119:15-16<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
5 | Memorizing Scripture Brings Wisdom<\/a><\/h3>\n
I have made some great choices in my life, but I\u2019ve also made some terrible decisions. When faced with the dilemma of making\u00a0decisions, we can look inward or<\/em> upward. By memorizing scripture, you have that “upward” wisdom inside to give light to the dark paths ahead. Having God’s word written on the tablets of our hearts allows us to test everything according to His unchanging precepts.<\/p>\n
- \n
- The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.<\/em> Psalm 119:130<\/li>\n
- \u201c<\/em><\/strong>Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.\u201d <\/em>Psalm 119:105<\/li>\n
- \u201cFor the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>Proverbs 2:6<\/li>\n
- But test everything; hold fast to what is good.<\/em> 1 Thessalonians 5:21<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
6 | Reminds Us Of His Promises<\/a><\/h3>\n
Life is hard, isn\u2019t it? We try to wrap our minds around tough circumstances, but the confusion of not understanding leaves us more exhausted than before. When our human emotions take center stage, being reminded of God’s promises helps anchor our drifting souls.<\/p>\n
- \n
- My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.<\/em>\u00a0Psalm 119:148<\/span><\/li>\n
- You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.<\/em> Psalm 119:114<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Do](\"https:\/\/www.estherdorotik.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-memorize-scripture.png\")
<\/p>\nHow To Memorize Scripture<\/h2>\n
To keep the mind from data overload, God designed the brain to “forget”\u00a0useless information. Simply put, the working memory decides if it’s “junk mail” or “special delivery.” Anyone desiring to memorize Scripture must find a way to move the information from the working memory (short-term) into the long-term memory. It all begins with sensory stimulation. A smell, sight, touch, sound, or taste can both engrave and recall memories. Let’s get started with suggestions and tips for memorizing scripture.<\/p>\n
1 | Dedication Not Motivation<\/h3>\n
Simply put, it’s dedication, not education or even motivation. A longing for God begins with a stirring of commitment. Make a commitment, set a goal, and stick to it at all costs. You’ll never regret the time you’ve invested!<\/p>\n
2 | Choose Meaningful Sections<\/h3>\n
In her book, “God’s Word Hidden In My Heart,” Janet Pope suggests memorizing entire chapters rather than individual verses. Having tried both individual verses as well as chapters and books, I lean toward memorizing sections. While memorizing easier bible verses is always valuable, there is an advantage to memorizing larger sections. In this manner, biblical context is kept intact, wider observations are deduced, and deeper meaning is acquired. Here are some tips specifically for memorizing large sections, chapters, and books.<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Start small.<\/em> My daughter and I started with Psalm 1 before moving on to Isaiah 35, Psalm 103, and Job 38. We’ve now tackled and almost completed the entire book of Ephesians. Now, I know you’re probably saying, “I could never memorize a book.” <\/em>I didn’t think I could either, but that’s the beauty of starting small! It lends to a feeling of accomplishment and faith-building confidence.<\/li>\n
- Set a goal.<\/em> Determine how many days you will memorize and how many verses you want to memorize each day. For example, because we chose to work on it six days a week and Psalm 103 has 22 verses, we set a goal of 5 weeks.<\/li>\n
- Adjust as needed.<\/em> If a verse is longer, split it up over two days. If it’s a shorter verse, try to memorize two verses that day.<\/li>\n
- Memorize the verse number.<\/em> Though this takes a little more effort, it will help you keep the verses in order. We did not do that for Psalm 1 and Isaiah 35. Once we began Ephesians, I realized the value of this step. Well worth the additional time!<\/li>\n
- Review the entire section one time before adding your daily verse.<\/em> Not only does this help set the “scene” of the section, thereby making more sense, but it also helps you keep the flow when reciting it all together. It acts like a warmup before exercising.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
2 | Read it<\/h3>\n
The first step in memorizing scripture is to read it within its context. As you read it, emphasize each word, ensuring you understand the concept of the verse. This will help you maintain the original meaning of the verse.<\/p>\n
3 | Remember the first word<\/h3>\n
In memorizing Ephesians, I quickly realized the first word was the key that unlocks the verse. As my daughter and I quizzed one another, we would give the first word to help trigger the memory if we struggled to remember. While most of the time it works, there are some verses with common words (the, but, and) for which this tip falls short.<\/p>\n
![\"If](\"https:\/\/www.estherdorotik.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/easy-step-by-step-guide-to-memorizing-bible-verses.png\")
<\/p>\n4 | Review It<\/h3>\n
Approximately one hour after something new is learned, roughly 40% is retained. That’s a 60% rate of loss when we don’t use it immediately! One day later, the average person remembers only 20%. To transfer your bible verses from short-term to long-term memory, it is essential to review the verse over and over for an extended period of time.<\/p>\n
5 | Say It<\/h3>\n
Did you know you’re more likely to remember something if you read it aloud? It’s true! The simple act of speaking the verse aloud as you read it involves sight, speech, and hearing. This multisensory connection creates links in our memory pathways, helping transfer to long-term memory faster.<\/p>\n
\n6 | Sing It<\/h3>\n
Have you ever had a song stuck in your head? During our last trip to the skating rink, a song came on, and before I knew it, I was humming along. Even though I didn’t like the lyrics, I could not get the tune out of my head. We teach our kids through songs from a young age, so why not add your favorite tunes to a verse.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
7 | Scribe It<\/h3>\n
Much like saying it aloud, scripture writing is a handy memory aid that focuses on each word. This process stimulates cells at the base of your brain, causing your brain to “wake up” and pay closer attention. Using the multisensory connection of touch and sight, as we write, we interact with each word, impressing them upon our minds. As opposed to just copying scripture without thinking about it, read only as many words as you can remember without looking back, and then actively recall each word as you write it down.<\/p>\n
8 | Parse It<\/h3>\n
To parse a sentence is the act of analyzing, defining, deducing, or explaining the meaning. Analyze the sentence word by word, ensuring you understand the meaning of the words. The more you understand the words and structure, the more it lends to an intimate understanding of the ultimate meaning. Highlight keywords and define words you don’t recognize or would like a greater comprehension of. SOAP journals<\/a> are a terrific asset to parse and ponder scripture as you both memorize and apply it to life.<\/p>\n
9 | Put Hand Motions To It<\/h3>\n
Much like children, we learn quickly when we are doing something with our hands. Add hand motions as you picture the verse in a scene. Some bible verses will be easy to memorize this way, while others will prove a little more challenging.<\/p>\n
![\"If](\"https:\/\/www.estherdorotik.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/everything-you-need-to-know-to-memorize-bible-verses-683x1024.png\")
<\/p>\n10 | Place It<\/h3>\n
Mere exposure increases the likelihood of remembering something. Stick it to your fridge with a post-it note. Set it as the back screen image on your phone. Place it on your bathroom mirror. Write it on an index card to carry around. Use a scripture memory verse journal<\/a> to keep on your desk. The idea is to have it in as many different places as possible.<\/p>\n
11 | Partner Up<\/h3>\n
It’s estimated that we remember 70% of what we discuss with others. So grab a partner, talk about the verse, and gain deeper meaning from someone else’s perspective.<\/p>\n
12 | Pray It<\/h3>\n
Prayer is a powerful way to solidify a verse. Infuse your verse into a meaningful conversation with the Father and watch your prayers come to life. Be sure to check out these two posts with a multitude of bible verses on prayer<\/a>\u00a0and this one on\u00a0learning how to pray<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Tools To Help You Memorize Scripture<\/h2>\n
Because we all learn differently, there are great tools out there for everyone. In addition to those sprinkled above, I’ve listed a few below that have helped me memorize scripture.<\/p>\n
1| Charlotte Mason System<\/h3>\n
We’ve used the Charlotte Mason system to memorize bible verses. It’s a great tool. Here’s how it works:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Grab an index or recipe box from Hobby Lobby, Office Depot, Amazon, or Wal-mart.<\/li>\n
- You’ll need a set of dividers, or you can make your own with cardstock. Label as below.\n
- \n
- Today<\/li>\n
- Odd<\/li>\n
- Even<\/li>\n
- Days of the week (Monday through Sunday or any order you’d prefer). Due to busy Saturday schedules, we chose not to include it because we knew we would miss quite a few days and didn’t want to go weeks in a row without reviewing.<\/li>\n
- Daily dividers numbered 1-31<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
- Write any verses you already have memorized on note cards, and distribute those behind the dividers labeled 1-31. Once you have a card behind each numbered divider, start over at one until you’ve placed all your known verses.<\/li>\n
- Now, write the verse you are currently memorizing on a notecard and place it behind today. This will be your focus verse until you can say it without looking.<\/li>\n
- Once you’ve mastered today’s verse, write the current date, and move it to either odd\u00a0or even depending on the date (3rd would be odd; 4th would be even).<\/li>\n
- As you memorize additional verses, you will continue this process. Today, odd, even, and days of the week should only have one card behind them at a time.<\/li>\n
- When you’re ready to move a card from the odd or even, simply place it behind the divider for the current day of the week (for example, Wednesday).<\/li>\n
- Once you’re ready to move a card from the days of the week, look at the date you memorized it, and place it behind the divider for that date. For example, a card memorized on May 20th would be added behind the divider labeled 20.<\/li>\n
- Using Monday, January 1st as an example, your daily review would look like this: review the card behind today, odd, Monday, and all cards behind the number 1. It’s that simple!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.estherdorotik.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/15-tips-for-memorizing-scripture.png\")
<\/p>\n2| Prayer Journals<\/h3>\n
With prayer strategies, a prayer schedule, go to Bible verses, Bible verse memory pages, these guided prayer journals<\/a> are a great way to pray through scripture. If you prefer to make your own prayer journal, this post walks you through the details of how to create a prayer journal<\/a>.<\/p>\n
3| Portable Memory Journals<\/h3>\n
Small enough to fit in your purse or sit on your desk, this scripture memory journal<\/a> is just what you need to help memorize scripture. Or, with just a few items, you can make your own scripture memory journal<\/a>.<\/p>\n
4| Apps To Help You Memorize Scripture<\/h3>\n
Technology is great! For those who prefer to use a phone or tablet, here are a few apps to help:<\/p>\n
- \n
- The Bible Memory App<\/a>\u00a0Using three cognitive areas of learning, this all-inclusive scripture memory app allows you to memorize, organize, and review your verses easily. Create a review schedule and set reminders to keep you on track.<\/li>\n
- Bible Memory Verses<\/a>\u00a0Utilizing memory games, this app helps you absorb the verse, memorize the verse, recall the verse, and track your “memory health” to maximize retention.<\/li>\n
- Scripture Singer<\/a>\u00a0 Effortlessly memorize portions of scripture with this app, which combines God’s word with songs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
My Routine For Memorizing Scripture<\/h2>\n
I mentioned earlier I choose to memorize longer sections and books, but this routine will absolutely work for individual verses. I’ll use Psalm 1:1 as an example.<\/p>\n
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Psalm 1:1 (ESV)<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
- \n
- Read the entire verse aloud one time, including the reference.\n
- \n
- Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Psalm 1:1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Reread the verse placing emphasis on keyword words or phrases.\n
- \n
- Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man<\/strong> who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Psalm 1:1<\/li>\n
- Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not<\/strong> in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Psalm 1:1<\/li>\n
- Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel<\/strong> of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Psalm 1:1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Say the first line (or a small piece of the verse) and repeat it aloud several times. Here’s where I try to remember Psalm 1:1 starts with “blessed” and try to add a rhyming tune if I can think of one. Once you can say it from memory, move on to the next line.\n
- \n
- Blessed<\/em> is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked…Blessed<\/em> is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked…Blessed<\/em> is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked…<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Review it once to ensure you have the verse correct before writing it down from memory. I write it down on a notecard and keep it at my desk throughout the day.<\/li>\n
- Journal it. I’ve used both prayer and SOAP journals to parse the daily verse, define keywords, and ponder the meaning.<\/li>\n
- Incorporate the verse in prayer. You’ll be shocked how easily this happens when you’ve dissected the verse through the above process.<\/li>\n
- Review the verse multiple times throughout the day. By the end of the day, you will be able to recite the verse from memory!<\/li>\n
- This is when I would add it to the Charlotte Mason system listed above.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
While we all learn differently, I hope these tips, tricks, and suggestions help you on your journey to engraving God’s Word on the tablet of your heart. I’d love to hear any tricks you’ve used to memorize scripture!<\/p>\n
- Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not<\/strong> in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Psalm 1:1<\/li>\n
- Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man<\/strong> who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Psalm 1:1<\/li>\n
- Bible Memory Verses<\/a>\u00a0Utilizing memory games, this app helps you absorb the verse, memorize the verse, recall the verse, and track your “memory health” to maximize retention.<\/li>\n
- The Bible Memory App<\/a>\u00a0Using three cognitive areas of learning, this all-inclusive scripture memory app allows you to memorize, organize, and review your verses easily. Create a review schedule and set reminders to keep you on track.<\/li>\n
- Set a goal.<\/em> Determine how many days you will memorize and how many verses you want to memorize each day. For example, because we chose to work on it six days a week and Psalm 103 has 22 verses, we set a goal of 5 weeks.<\/li>\n
- You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.<\/em> Psalm 119:114<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \u201c<\/em><\/strong>Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.\u201d <\/em>Psalm 119:105<\/li>\n
- Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day.<\/em> Psalm 119:97<\/span><\/li>\n
- If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.<\/em> John 15:7<\/li>\n
- But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.<\/em>\u00a0Psalm 1:2\u20103<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The Lord God<\/span> has given me<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the tongue of those who are taught,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>that I may know how to sustain with a word\u00a0<\/span><\/em>him who is weary.<\/em> Isaiah 50:4<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.\u00a0<\/span><\/em>You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/span>Deuteronomy 6:6\u20107<\/span><\/li>\n
- Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.<\/em> Ephesians 6:17<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.<\/em> Psalm 119:11<\/span><\/li>\n
![\"If](\"https:\/\/www.estherdorotik.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/best-way-to-memorize-scripture-with-step-by-step-guide.png\")
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