How to Memorize Scripture

Prayer – Lord, as I get older it seems that I’m having more trouble memorizing Your word—scripture. Actually, any memorization isn’t really easy—like passwords! Memorizing scripture is of upmost importance to me, so renew a right spirit in me…and help me to remember. 

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don't let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:9-18 (Underlined for emphasis.)

 

Meditate. Consider remembering.

Revisiting David’s list on what to do to please God and stay holy—like He is. In our focus scripture of today David is telling God, and us, that he has been searching for the Lord and does not want to sin against Him. The points that David makes to staying pure include:

-        Obedience

-        Memorizing God’s word

-        Worship and praising God

-        Reciting God’s commandment aloud

-        Studying God’s commandments or all of His word

-        Contemplate God’s requirements

-        Being kind to other Christians who are serving the Lord

A few days ago we looked at studying God’s word—including His commandments. Today, we’ll explore Memorizing God’s word—hiding it in our hearts. Of course, you need to read and study just to know God’s word. See the pointers on studying God’s word in the June 13^th post on this blog site.

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:7-9 NLT

The New English Translation uses the word “memorize” in part of this scripture above. God was commanding Joshua to memorize the scripture.

This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful. Joshua 1:8 NET (Underlined for emphasis.)

The New Living Translation use the words “study” and “meditate” to describe “memorizing.” Memorizing is also simply recalling or remembering. Hold that in your memory. That is just what God wants us to do. Hold onto His words, in our memory. There may come a day when we don’t have access to the written word—but no one can take away the words in our memory. For me, that is good motivation to memorize God’s word.

Railroad Bridge Crossing the Columbia River
Pasco - Kennewick
Memorization is like a bridge...
built in sections.
Reflect upon remembering.

There are memory systems or methods available as references online, but here is a method that is straight forward, tried and useful. Modified from the Navigators.

1. Read the verse in context in several different translations, choosing the translation that you want to memorize. Read the paragraphs before and after the memory verse. This should help give a clear understanding of what the verse means.
2. Discuss the verse with God; ask Him to help you memorize it.
3. Think of ways the verse applies to your life.
4. Read the verse aloud several times.
5. Say the topic, reference, verse, and the reference again each time you read the verse.
6. Write out the verse several times. I find that using a separate line for each phrase or sentence is a good way to break up the verse. Posting it around your house, office or even in your car may be helpful. Of course, do not allow the verse to distract you from traffic or safety issues.
7. Learn the topic and reference, then learn the first phrase of the verse. 
8. Add additional phrases, memorizing each before adding another phrase--like building a bridge.
9. Review. Review. Review.
10. Ask a friend or family member to memorize the verse with you. Hold each other accountable by meeting for 10 minutes or so each week and reciting the memorized scripture to each other. That covers David’s “Reciting the scripture aloud” aspect of this study.

Topics to memorize include things like Christ the Center, Obedience to Christ, The Word, Prayer, Fellowship, and Worship. Choose verses for yourself or look online for suggested verses. 

Christ the Center           2 Corinthians 5:17         Galatians 2:20

Obedience to Christ       Romans 12:1                 John 14:21

The Word                     2 Timothy 3:16             Joshua 1:8

Prayer                           John 15:7                      Philippians 4:6,7

Fellowship                    Matthew 18:20              Hebrews 10:24,25

Witnessing                    Matthew 4:19                Romans 1:16

Memorization. Yes! We can do this. Are you choosing to memorize a verse this week?

 

Verse of Salvation ~ But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God's righteousness. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him…. 2 Peter 3:13-15 NLT

 

© 2024 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

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Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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