Helps and Tips for Memorizing Scripture

I have hidden your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture…No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become more alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.” – Chuck Swindoll

Methods and Ideas for Memorizing Scripture

Ways and Ideas without Technology

• >SM Bible Reading Journals – Simply write the verse you are trying to memorize in the spaces provided throughout the book. Memorize verses using the same process used with the Note Card Method.
• Bible Memory Notebook – This video from Bible Memory Goal shows you how to use a notebook to create a process for memorizing Scripture on a budget using spaced repetition, sticky notes, pen and paper.
• Verse of the Week – Take a verse each week and place it in a picture frame in a room that is common place for you or you and the family. Review the verse individually or as a family unit when the verse is visible. You can place this is your kitchen, family room, or on your dining room / kitchen table. You can find a list of 52 Bible verses, one for each week of your first year, here.
• Note Cards – On one side of the index cards write the references on one side of each card and the verses on the other side.
  After preparing your cards, carry the cards with you wherever you go. When you have an opportunity, read the reference and the verse on the card enough times to grasp its flow and message.
  Then, I like to repeat the reference until I can recall it to memory. Next, I turn the card over and select a line, phrase, or a few words to repeat along with the reference. Once I can say the reference and the phrase or words selected comfortably, I add another few words, line, or phrase. After being able to say the reference and that selected part of the verse confidently, I’ll add another part. This process continues until I can say the reference and entire verse.
  As you learn verses, review them once a week as you continue to learn new ones. A reasonable goal is to memorize a verse per a week. However, it it takes you longer than a week to memorize a verse or verses in general don’t sweat it. Your goal isn’t to memorize a verse a week but to become someone who memorizes Scripture. Trust me, if you simply memorized a verse a month you’d be way ahead of the majority of believers!
• Art – Are you more of the creative type? Purchase a notebook or sketch book and create a masterpiece using the verse you are committing to memory. Place it in plain sight so that you can remember to work on it each day. You can post these on your social media accounts, set as your devices’ wallpaper, etc. I’m sure you can come up with better ideas as the creative type than myself, the point is, be the creative follower of Jesus He created you to be! You might even be able to find Bible verse coloring sheets for free online that you can print and meditate on as your color or paint them.
• Writing – This multi-faceted approach will definitely be effective in helping you remember God’s Word. Write out the verse(s) you are memorizing down on paper. As you write the verse or verses down, you are seeing the words and if you say them out loud, you are not only speaking them but also hearing them out loud. This method uses four of our five senses as we physically write out God’s Word in an effort to have them written on our hearts.
• Multiple Readings – Memorization comes through repetition even if it is simply hearing or reading a verse, chapter, or even book of the Bible many times over. Try reading the portion of Scripture your are tyring to memorize once a day for a month and see what you retain. You can even listen to the Bible being read to you in the version you prefer with The You Version Bible App.

Ways and Ideas Using Technology

• The Bible Memory App
• Remember Me Bible Memory App

Memorizing Scripture Through Song

• Seeds Kids Worship
  • Website
  • YouTube
• The Psalms Project
  • YouTube

Other Trusted Ministries to Help You in Memorizing the Bible

• Bible Memory Goal
• The Navigators
• Fighter Verses – A Ministry of Truth 7:8
• Dwell Differently
• AWANA

Additional Resources

• >SM Bible Memory Starter Kit Download
• Sermons
• Blog Posts
  • >SM Bible Memory Plans
  • Scripture Memory, Is It Worth The Investment?
  • The Benefits of Memorizing Scripture
• Books
  • Growing Up, How to be a disciple who makes disciples by Robby Gallaty
  • His Word in My Heart by Janet Pope

Know of an app, method, or ministry to help others memorize Scripture that isn’t listed here? Please leave it in the comments below!