Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105
God’s word is such an important part of every believer’s life. As the Psalm says it is a lamp lighting our path in a world full of darkness.
In a previous post, I talked about the importance of reading your bible.
Today, I’m going to share with you 13 ways to memorize scripture.
Why Should You Memorize Scripture?
Scripture is more than just a list of do’s and don’t that believers should follow. It also instructs us on how to have the right relationship with others and with God.
Used to Combat The Enemy
When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, he didn’t have the Torah wrapped up in his robe. Yet, he was able to resist the enemy by using the word of God.
In Ephesians, the word of God is referred to as a sword. It is the only offensive weapon that we are given.
When you are in the midst of a battle with the enemy, he is not going to give you time to run to your bible and look up scriptures. At least not without giving you a thorough butt-kicking first.
Source of Hope and Encouragement
The word of God is also a source of hope and encouragement for the believer.
Being able to reflect on the word of God and his promises has gotten me through many tough times in my life.
Not only does it encourage me, but it encourages other people as well.
When people ask you to pray for them and you can pray the promises of God over them, it encourages them.
13 Ways to Memorize Scripture
1. Start Small
Instead of trying to memorize a whole passage of scripture start by memorizing each verse, gradually building up to the whole passage.
If you’re looking for verses to memorize check out this post on 13 Easy Memory Verses.
2. Draw Out The Scripture
Bible journaling is one of my favorite ways to study the bible. But you can also use it to memorize passages of scripture.
Find a verse that you want to memorize and draw out the main concepts. You can use them as clues to help you memorize the verse.
3. Read it Out Loud
Read the verse out loud. Have fun with it.
Act like you’re performing in a play. Speak in a loud voice or funny accent.
4. Sing the Verse
Music is one of the easiest ways for people to learn and memorize information.
What’s the 14th letter of the Alphabet?
It’s N. How many of you sang or hummed your ABCs to find the answer? (raises hand)
Singing a verse or passage of scripture to a familiar tune is a great way to memorize bible verses.
5. Listen To It
Listen to the verse. Most Bible apps have audio versions of the scriptures.
Simply hit play and listen to the verse being read. You can replay it as many times as you want.
6. Highlight and Underline the Scripture
Highlight different parts of the scripture in different colors. i.e. names- blue, places-green,etc. Underline important words or concepts found in the verse.
7. Create Scripture Cards
Use 3×5 index cards to make scripture cards. Carry the cards with you and pull them out whenever you have free time.
8. Create A Bookmark
If you like to read, creating a scripture bookmark is a great way to memorize scripture. You can use your bookmark in your bible or in whatever book you’re reading.
9. Display the verse
Write the verse out and tape it to the bathroom mirror, refrigerator door, bedroom door, and so forth. Read it every time you’re in that part of the house.
10. Play A Matching Game
If you have a bunch of verses that you want to memorize create matching cards with 3 x 5 cards.
On one card write the verse, on the other card write the scripture.
Mix up the cards and match the scripture with the correct verse.
This is a great activity to do with kids.
11. Pray The Scripture
If possible, use the scripture in prayer. Praying the scripture is a great way to learn scripture and incorporate the word of God into your prayer life.
Download these free prayer cards.
12. Save the Verse As a Wall Paper
Create a wallpaper or screen saver for your phone or computer. Once you’ve memorized the verse switch it out for a new one.
13. Do a Verse Study
Instead of memorizing the scripture do a verse study on the scripture. Look up the meaning of various words in Hebrew or Greek.
Read the chapter and write how the scripture fits in with the bigger picture of the story.
This will not only help you memorize the scripture but give you a better understanding of the scripture as well.
Final Thoughts
Of course, the final way to memorize scripture is to do it the old-fashioned way and write it out 3- 5 times.
In the US, we don’t have to worry about people confiscating our Bibles and taking them from us.
But the word constantly reminds us to hide the word of God in our hearts (Psalms 119:11).
The only way that we can hide the word in our hearts is by memorizing scripture.
Now it’s your turn.
In what ways have you tried to memorize scripture? Which ones worked best for you? I’d love to hear what you’ve tried in the comments section.
As always, remember to keep Jesus in the center of everything you do.
Your Sister in Christ,
Eboni
This is a fantastic list and a great little resource to have handy. Singing the verse has helped me in the past, but I’m keen to try some of your other ideas. I’ve shared your post on Twitter as I think it’s super helpful. Bless you my friend xx
Hi Chrissie! Thank you for commenting and sharing! I like singing the verses. The only problem I have with that is remembering the tune I used! Lol
I have been wanting to memorize scripture but I always get discouraged because I feel like it is difficult for me. I will try some of these tips for sure.
Hi Kristal! Thanks for commenting. Memorizing scripture can be overwhelming. Breaking it up into small chunks works really well.
These are some really great tips. I’ll have to try some of them out. Memorizing more scripture is definitely a goal of mine. I definitely have to try the singing method because I most definitely hummed the alphabets lol. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Lynyadia! Thanks for commenting. Singing works really well especially if you sing it to a familiar tune.
This list has some great suggestions. I tend to practice incorporating the scriptures in my prayer and write it out in my devotional journal.
Hi Brandi! Yes, praying the scriptures is a great way to help memorize them. I don’t always write mine out when I journal it just depends on how long the verse is. Thank you for sharing ?
These are awesome ways to memorie the word of God. Thank you so much for sharing
Hi! Thank you for leaving a comment. I hope these tips will co.e in handy!