So, how about we memorize the Bible? Not all of it, of course. We can start with some of the verses you love most.
I know, I know. You don’t have time. Your memory isn’t what it used to be. You tried before and gave up. You think it’s too hard. I get it. Totally.
Still, here’s what the Bible says:
Keep my words and store up my commands within you {Proverbs 7:1}.
Keep and store. That’s memorizing Scripture in a nutshell. You can do this, and it’s so worth it.
The benefits of having His Word in your heart? Huge.
You’ll be able to share His truth with confidence, rather than saying, “Uh, let me find this for you in the Bible, because I know it’s here somewhere.” And you’ll have something truly helpful to share with a hurting friend. Unless we point people to Scripture, we’re giving them little more than our opinion.
Plus, when temptation knocks on your door, the verses you’ve memorized will come to your rescue. Countless times God’s Word has stopped me in my tracks before I veered down the wrong path. Like the Psalmist said, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” {Psalm 119:11}. Right.
And consider this. While you’re saying your verses aloud, your kids will be hearing them too, just as God intends.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up {Deuteronomy 6:7}.
Okay, so how do we do this? Here’s some stuff that works and might be fun besides.
- Start with really short verses or ones you already know. It’s okay. The Bible Memorization Police won’t be stopping by your house.
- Use your smart phone. Record your verses, so you can review them anytime, anywhere. Set an alarm to remind you. Use the Notes app to write them out.
- Aim for one verse a week. It’s a modest goal, but if you learn just one a week, that’s fifty verses a year (with a little vacation time thrown in).
- Say the verse aloud. The best way to make the words stick is to recite them, even if the Lord is the only One listening.
- Write and rewrite the verse, as many times as you can fit it on a sheet of paper. Highlight the key words. Use different color pens. Add doodles.
- Draw a picture to illustrate the verse you’re memorizing. Stick figures are fine. The idea is to create a unique image for each verse. If it’s laughable, so much the better — it will also be more memorable.
- Not artistic? Find a photo that suits the verse and will jog your memory. Collect them in a computer file or organize them on Pinterest for easy reference.
- Sing your verse to the tune of a familiar song. Not musical? Create a simple rhythm you can tap out as you say the words.
- Make it personal. Mine your memory for a life experience that illustrates the verse, so the words and the meaning will find a home in your heart.
- Include the verse in your prayers. The Lord loves to hear His Word, especially when it flows in a natural and meaningful way during your private conversations with Him.
- Practice the verse while you’re walking, gardening, cleaning, exercising, bathing, dressing — anytime your mind is free to focus on God’s life-changing Word.
- Teach the verse to others—one-on-one or around the table with your family—and share what it means to you.
- Finally, post your verse on social media. We all need as much wisdom as we can get.
The truth? It’s good to have God’s Word on your cell phone, your Kindle, your laptop, your bookshelf, but where it makes the most difference is in your heart.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Liz,
I can’t wait to get my hands on your new book….and thank you for these terrific, usable tips to memorize scripture. Especially in this world right now, we need to fill our minds and hearts with what is pure and lovely. I’m a visual learner, so your “doodle’ tip is right up my alley. We are never too old to continue memorizing scripture – this practice is not just for children (I need to get better at memorizing the address from which the scripture came!). Thank you for this needed reminder today…
Blessings,
Bev
Dottie Richardson says
Liz,
I too want to have a heart full of God’s Word. I recently saw a post on FB, a video of a four year old boy who had memorized a verse, 26 of them, each one beginning with a letter of the alphabet! Now if he can do that, why don’t I . It is another way to commit His Word to memory and store them in my heart. Thank you for your encouragement. Blessings, Dottie
Kelly Smith says
Such simple and effective ideas! I try and fail so often with scripture memory. But it is important enough to put effort into doing it! Thanks, Liz!
Dianna Mills says
I started a Bible Quilt journal in January and recently realized a lot more verses have been tucked away in my heart. Yesterday a friend shared a pray need and Hebrews 6:19 popped right into my head…because I had journaled and doodled it! Coincidentally, I just posted about how I do my Bible Quilt (ordinary threads.com) this morning. You’re welcome to check it out…it’s become a wonderful resource to gather up some quick verses on a particular topic.
Sherry Saylor says
Dianna, I checked out your Bible Quilt post– what a beautiful idea! I can’t wait to start one!! I struggle with the same thing — writing things down in multiple places – every day. I’m a musician, so I’m going to make mine music themed – I can’t wait to have a whole Psalms Praise Page…PPP 🙂 I love the idea of doodling and of course Liz’s idea of putting it to music. That is exactly when scripture jumps out at me the most. I even struggle with reading a whole passage of scripture without lyrics jumping in my head! And what a blessing and legacy I it will be for our children – a peek into our hearts and our personal relationship the THE Blessing Giver! Thank you for sharing!
Dianna Mills says
You’re welcome, Sherry. I love the idea of the Psalms praise page! I’m going to have to add that into my own Bible Quilt. Since we presented this technique at a women’s group this week, we’ve heard many different ways women are going to use it. Please share a picture of your music-themed Bible Quilt with us (Ordinary Threads FB page is probably easiest way). I love how God uses women to collaborate on creative ways to use His LIVING Word!
sabrina says
I just looked up your Bible Quilt and I love that idea!!! I have been wanting to dive into Bible journaling but I am so intimidated by all of the examples I see floating around. the Bible Quilt seems like it might suit me better especially since I want to start memorizing scripture and organizing the ones I know! thanks for sharing!!
Dianna Mills says
Sabrina, I am kind of the same way…I’m tiptoeing gently into Bible journaling. The Bible Quilt gives me some practice collecting verses into themes…once I’ve steeped in them a while, then I’m more prepared to dive in to creating some artwork via Bible journaling. The two can easily go together…imagine having a whole page in your Bible Quilt on Trust, then going through your Bible and illustrating those. Since we just presented this devotion technique in a talk called “Chasing Quiet,” I have a lot of those “calm” & “quiet” verses. We’ll be posting a #31daysofquiet challenge starting Nov. 1st. You can prep your cards by looking in the Blessings page sidebar. Enjoy your journey! Thanks, Liz, for starting this conversation. 🙂
Beth Williams says
Diane,
Love the Bible quilt! What a unique idea to memorize scripture, but also have a quick reference. May God keep blessing you and your efforts!
Blessings 🙂
Lori says
This is so encouraging. Love your ideas. I’m in!
Penny says
Liz,
This is so helpful, thank-you so much.
Have a blessed day,
Penny
Barbara says
Awesome idea, thank you!
Michele Morin says
For me, the old 3×5 card in the pocket works best.
And singing.
And what I’m learning, too, is that even unsuccessful attempts at memorization are not wasted. I may not be able to rattle off all of Romans 8 perfectly at 3 a.m. in the dark, but every verse that I do know is a treasure, and my understanding of the passage is enhanced by my hard-headed efforts to drive it into long term memory.
Blessings, Liz, and thanks for your ministry!
Brenda Erickson says
Thanks for the reminder.
Laura says
I am a 64 year old wife, mother, grandmother of 6 and full time working woman in the ministry. I also care for my 95 year old father and my precious husband dealing with many health issues. If I can memorize 135 verses in the last year, anyone can! It just takes repeating, each day. Day after day after day, after day…one verse at a time. Be sure to write them down and share them often. God’s word brings us comfort, strength, wisdom!
Note: I started with “100 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know” by Robert J. Morgan and have added more verses that speak to me while studying God’s word in my devotion time. I can’t tell you how many times I have called upon the verses I know now deep in my heart. Thanks Liz, for encouraging other to do the same.
Karen says
This is also a nifty little app that I recommend to the ladies who study with me!
https://scripturetyper.com/
Rebecca L Jones says
Go on over to my Pinterest board, I purposely loaded it with verses and there is No Pin Limit. It is a great way to match a verse and picture. I started a children’s blog for the same reason,so man of them know nothing about memorizing or studying the Word if they’ve never been to church. And don’t worry about your memory, the Holy Spirit can call it to your remembrance. Good ideas, Liz, Oh, and do the coloring pages with verses, it’s calming, share them with older people, it’s a good way to witness and connect. Great idea for a group.
katie says
Love all of these practical tips! As I make my way through the Bible I find myself underlining a lot. After I finish I plan to go back through and start memorizing the verses that stuck out to me. I’ll definitely use the rewriting and doodling tip. 🙂
Pastor,Charles Omolo says
Thank you,It is so encouraging! Storing the word of God in my heart is eternal life and healing to all my flesh
Annetta says
Thanks Liz for pointing us back to God’s Word. I was veering off subtly on an issue in the last couple of days…indeed God’s reminders put me back on the straight and narrow. And your post came as an affirmation. Thank you.
Beth Williams says
Liz,
Loved the hints. My favorite is include the verse in your prayers. The Lord loves to hear His Word, especially when it flows in a natural and meaningful way during your private conversations with Him.
Ever since I watched “War Room” I have included many verses in my prayers. I find it helpful in memorizing scripture, but in thwarting the darts of the evil one! I have heard myself rebuking the devil with scripture just like Jesus.
Blessings 🙂