My initial intention, today was to share with you some of the best ways to memorize scripture and encourage you to hide God’s word in your heart. However, after considering it a bit more, I had a better idea come to mind.
One of my most treasured friends is passionate about memorizing bible verses. She has spent many hours memorizing large passages of the Bible. So, instead of me sharing with you today, I thought I would ask her to encourage us.
Karen is a loving wife, homeschool mom, and a faithful follower of Jesus. In a recent interview with her, I asked some questions about how she likes to memorize scripture and why she feels it’s important.
Here is what she had to say.
Why Commit Scripture to Memory?
Why did you, initially, want to start memorizing scripture?
Karen: During one of my first bible studies on the Armor of God, the bible study leader challenged us to memorize Ephesians 6:10-18. I have always loved a challenge, so I took it. And once I learned it, it was amazing how I was able to use what I had memorized in prayer, in encouraging others, and to better understand God’s word. From then on, I was hooked and wanted to learn as much as I could. I thought how fantastic it would be to have the whole Bible, or even just the New Testament, memorized by the time I was an old lady!
What is the longest passage of the Bible that you have memorized and how long did it take you to commit to memory?
Karen: The book of Philippians. It took me about 4 weeks.
Get This Bible Study of Philippians
Best Way to Memorize Scripture
Do you have a scripture memory method or plan for memorizing scripture?
Karen: I know there are many creative ways to memorize scripture, but for me, it is just a matter of repeating a verse at a time until I know it by heart, then I go on to the next verse. I record myself saying the verse, and then I read along while I listen to what I just quoted to make sure I didn’t miss any words or sentences. This way, I can correct anything early on. When I complete a section with no mistakes, I move on to the next verse. Once I think I have the following verse memorized, I’ll record me quoting from the beginning to the most recent and listen to it all again.
The Importance of Memorizing Verses in the Bible
How has this discipline of scripture memory impacted your faith and walk with the Lord?
Karen: There is something about memorizing scripture that changed me deep inside. I can draw from memory verses when I need strength, to encourage others, help with temptation, share the gospel, be on guard, and so much more. Memorizing scripture has grown my knowledge and understanding of God and who He is. To learn His faithfulness, His mercy, His steadfast love throughout scripture has given me a faith that can only come from being in His word.
At the end of last year, our pastor’s wife emailed a daily bible verse, and I decided to memorize each verse every day. The first week I learned Deuteronomy 7:9 – “Know therefore that the Lord is your God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations.” The following week while studying the book of Nehemiah, I came across Nehemiah 1:5, where he is quoting Moses saying these words. The next week my daughter was writing her verse of the day, which was Daniel 9:4 where Daniel is also quoting Moses from Deuteronomy. I would never have connected these scriptures if I hadn’t memorized Deuteronomy 7:9 first. I praised God and thanked Him for His faithfulness and steadfast love!
What encouragement would you give another Christian woman who feels intimidated at the thought of memorizing the Bible?
Karen: One verse at a time! Even better, one sentence at a time! When memorizing a verse, learn one line or sentence at a time. Once you have the line memorized, move on to the next. If going for an entire chapter or book, don’t look ahead at how much is left but focus on that one verse you’re in right then. It can be too overwhelming otherwise. And pray. Ask God to give you the ability to memorize, the discipline to learn, and the desire to know His Word, and He will help you!
I love how Karen records herself reciting the passage so she can play it back and actually hear where she needs practice. I’m SO going to try that!
Thank you so much, my dear friend, for taking the time to encourage us to know God in a deeper way by knowing and meditating on His Word.
3 More Fun Ways to Memorize Scripture
Here are a few other ways to memorize scripture that may also work well for you!
1. Scripture Cards are a Great Way to Memorize Bible Verses
Printable scripture cards are great for scripture memory. You can print them out and keep them in your purse or planner, or even post them around your home. I’ve put some up on the mirror in my bathroom and kitchen cupboards.
2. Put the Bible Verse into a Song
I would also suggest that one of the best ways to memorize scripture is to put it into a song. We are a homeschool family. We recently found a curriculum that takes the different math facts, historical events, scientific principles, and other subjects and puts them into different songs. It’s amazing how much information my kids have memorized by listening to these songs over and over each day.
Take the verse you are wanting to memorize and see if you can put it to the tune of the ABC’s or Old McDonald or Amazing Grace! It may seem silly, but I’m tellin’ ya… it works!
3. Apps for Scripture Memory
Another great way to memorize scripture is by listening to it. Here are a couple of apps you can use to listen to the bible verses you are trying to memorize.
- Dwell Bible App – I recently downloaded this app and I’m loving it. You can choose which type of voice you want reading the verses (male, female) and what kind of background music you would like to use. There is a small fee for this one, but it’s not much and I feel that it’s worth the cost.
- Olive Tree Bible Reader – This app has become one of the top 5 Bible apps and includes an audio Bible option.
Some of the Best Scriptures to Memorize
Here are three of my favorite verses that I use in my prayers and for encouraging others.
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:31-32
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. 9 For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:5-11
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. – 1 Peter 1:3
I pray you are encouraged to grow in this important discipline of hiding God’s word in your heart. I know I am! Take one (or more) of these ways to memorize scripture and try it for yourself.
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