7 Steps to Memorizing Scripture

I often speak to believers who will speak of the difficulty they have with memorizing scripture. This maybe because in our world we don't challenge our mind enough to remember things. Think about it. if you want a phone number you go to your contacts and pull it up. Long gone are the days of actually remembering a phone number. However we do commit our memory to other things. My kids have committed to memory hundreds of songs that they can recall at a drop of a hat. Odds are you have committed yourself to memorize important things as well. Whether it is credit card numbers, birth dates, anniversaries, Drivers license number. We pressed and if its important we can memorize things. My challenge is to commit to memory God's Word. I believe that if you hide God's Word in your heart then it will come out in your life more effectively when challenges come your way. Here are 7 steps or tips in memorizing scripture.

1. Begin with a positive attitude: Many think they can't memorize and the attitude will prove it. However if you have an open attitude about memorizing then you will be amazed at the possibilities.

2. Glue the reference to the first words: To remember both the verse and the reference say the reference and the first words without pausing. For example, "Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ".

3. Memorize bite by bite. Repeat the verse to the end of the first phrase, ending with the reference, For example, "Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ". Say it over and over until you have it memorized. Then repeat what you've learned and add the next phrase, still starting and ending with the reference: Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live ,but Christ lives in me - Galatians 2:20 and so on. Memorizing a verse phrase by phrase is easy because you are learning only five or six words at a time. Learn the verse word -perfectly this way.

4. Review, review, review: This is the master secret to memorization. Use memory cards to review. Say the verse as quickly and accurately as possible. After memorizing, review the verse everyday for 30 days, weekly for the next 6 weeks, then monthly for the rest of your life. The best review is using the verse in your life or to help another person.

5. Meditate on the verse: Meditation can increase your grasp of the passage's teaching and it's application. Experience Christ as that verse's truth works in you. Think of ways the verse can be lived.

6. Use spare time wisely: Carry scripture memory cards with you to use during your spare time, such as when exercising or waiting in lines

7. Team with a friend: Listen to each other's verse, checking the Bible or Scripture memory card for accuracy.

I hope these tips help you commit to memorizing scripture. There are great tools online or apps that are helpful as well. One that I have used is an app called fighter verses, it is an app designed by the desiring God folks.