5 Quick Tips for Memorizing Scripture

5-tips-for-memorizing-scriptures
Hey Bible-reading champs! How’s the 30-Day Bible Reading Challenge coming? For those of you that started with us on the 1st, there’s less than a week left! You’re nearly there! 🙂
Now, you’re reading the Word, but have you ever considered taking it with you? We don’t mean on your iPhone though… With smartphones, it’s so easy to tote your Bible with you everywhere you go, but let me tell you: it’s no replacement for memorizing Scripture. You’ll find tons of articles boasting the benefits of memorization for mental health (increased creativity, neural plasticity, increased focus, preventing cognitive decline, etc…), but let’s talk spiritual health!
Whether you want to be better equipped for prayer, learn to make wiser decisions, or draw closer to the Lord, memory verses can prove to be an enormous boost for your faith. And it’s not as hard as you think it is! Let’s me walk you through 5 easy tips to memorize Scripture:

1. Learn It Well

Nothing is more embarrassing than quoting a Scripture out of context. So before you start memorizing the passage/verse, take the time to learn what the writer intended it to mean. (Here are some great ways to avoid common Bible reading mistakes.) Know what the verse is referring to and what the writer was going through at the time so you can connect with God’s Word personally.

2. Read the Verse in Different Translations

8-mistakes-when-reading-bibleDon’t worry, we’re not asking you to part ways with your beloved KJV or NIV. Reading  and comparing various translations can be a multi-faceted way of understanding a passage or different words.
You never know what you might find, and that makes this tip particularly exciting! You might decide to dig into the Hebrew or Greek to find that “love” in your memory verse is “agape” or “storge.” Each of these words holds a very different meaning.
As they say, “you don’t know what you don’t know,” so do yourself a favor and get an educated perspective! It can only help!

3. Learn Your Memory Verse Bit By Bit

Don’t try to memorize your verse/passage all in one go! Especially if the verse or passage is long, this might just leave you grumpy and frustrated (in case you weren’t sure, no, these are not fruits of the spirit).
Learn the verse in phrases, or if you so choose, word-by-word. For instance: once you’ve memorized “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet” go on to remembering “and a light unto my path” and so on, adding each phrase to your recitation.

4. Say It and Write It Down… Everywhere

red-earphone-673487-mRepetition is an ally when it comes to memorizing anything. Depending on what type of learner you are (visual, auditory, etc…) it may be helpful for you to see or say the verse/passage. If you’re in the car, or going for a walk, start reciting the verse/passage in your daily life. You’ll be surprised to see how this can transform your faith!
Post-It Notes are great for sticking your memory verse in your most frequent-locales:

  • Print it out and stick it to your refrigerator
  • Spend a lot of time by the computer? Tape the verse on your monitor
  • Write the verse on your mirror with a dry-erase/whiteboard marker
  • Print it out and frame it on your desk at work or in your living room
  • Set it as your smartphone’s wallpaper or your computer’s screensaver

If you’re an auditory learner, consider getting an audio-Bible and listening to it on your way to work!

5. Share It

playing-with-daddy-838397-mI’ve found this method to be incredibly helpful, and it also benefits others! Sharing Scripture gets you thinking about how you can use the Word to help, encourage, and exhort others. Whether you’re copying down the verse in a card, on a friend’s Facebook wall, or reciting it to someone on the bus, sharing Scripture is a terrific way to get God’s Word into your heart and mind. You get to engage others in the gospel and powerfully put Scripture in context and to incredible use!
Teaching is a dramatically effective way to solidify understanding. If you have children or grandchildren, learn and memorize simple memory verses with them. By doing this, you’ll have a little buddy to keep you accountable too!
But don’t go away just yet…

BONUS TIP: Put a Tune to It!

For those of us that have volunteered at vacation Bible school, we know how cheesy the music can be… especially after listening to an entire week of it, hand motions and all. I can’t deny the fact that I will NEVER forget Proverbs 3:5-6 after a sweltering summer of Christian macaroni art, sticky fingers, and enough games of tag to remind you how old you are. Whenever someone begins to read or recite Proverbs 3:5-6, my brain can automatically finish the verses (melody included) and it just happens to be one of the most powerful and comforting Scriptures to my life personally. There is power in song!
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You may not be Mozart, so you can utilize popular tunes like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, The Farmer in the Dell, or Mary Had a Little Lamb to simplify things. It’s great when you want to learn Scripture alongside your kids or grandchildren! But if you’re not crazy about that idea, we understand: there are always classical hymns that are Scripture-based.
Now that you’re equipped with 5–no, 6 tips for memorizing Scripture, get ready to watch it bear some incredible fruit in your life! Share this post and inspire your friends!

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