A couple of weeks ago I decided to implement a plan to help me memorize scripture. While I love reading and studying the Bible I believe it’s extremely important to have scriptures memorized. But it can be difficult so I thought I would share my process.
A few things I’ve found helpful, is to start with scriptures which you’re drawn to, start with shorter scriptures, and memorize one scripture per week. Since the first day of the week is Sunday for me, that’s usually when I will start and try to end it on the Sabbath. Of course, there are exceptions and if for some reason you find yourself straying from the process don’t beat yourself up, just start over.
First, Pray to God asking for help memorizing scripture then I use a large spiral notebook with lined pages and write the scripture location as the heading. Example, Luke 4:8
Next, I write the actual scripture in the lined body portion of the page underneath the heading.
And Jesus answered and said to him, Get behind Me, satan! For it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God and him only you shall serve. Luke 4:8
But to actually help me memorize the scripture, after I’ve written it down the first time, I will skip one line and rewrite it. I do this process over and over for a whole week on the same page I started with, the front, the back and even the next blank page if needed.
If for some reason I’m still having difficulty with this scripture I will change things up and go to a new one. If I still have time left within the week I will go back to the one I was having difficulty with and continue the same process as before. And if I still can’t get it I completely back away from it and return at a later date.
But there are other ways to help you memorize scripture you just need to find the one which works best for you. For me it’s writing the scripture then rewriting it over and over until it’s cemented into my brain. For you it maybe;
Using index cards. Write the verse on one side and the location on the backside.
Record your voice reading the scripture than while studying, relaxing or sleeping listen to your recording.
Meditate on the scripture during your one on one time.
Turn the scripture into a song. Now you don’t have to write your own music, use a tune that sticks in your head and apply the words. Select music that is catchy or upbeat to make the process easier.
But why should we memorize scripture anyway?
One of the main reasons to memorize scripture is because Jesus Himself, the Word of God, quoted scriptures throughout His ministry. It also helps us fight temptation by putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). It helps us live in obedience to God by following His word since we’re told to let the word of Christ dwell within us (Colossians 3:16). And of course, memorizing scriptures makes us a better witness to non-believers (1 Peter 3:15).
But I believe there’s another reason, because I believe a time is coming when the Bible will be a crime, Christian Churches will be closed down, and Christianity will no longer be tolerated. It will be a crime to own a Bible, a crime to mention the name Jesus and a crime to attend a Christian Church. And when you look at Bible Prophecy, specifically, the Book of Revelation it says;
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood? Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been. Revelation 6:9-11
See what I mean? There will be more persecution, and this is another reason to memorize scriptures so that you can stand strong in your faith if and when that time comes.
Plus, memorizing scriptures reaffirms our faith, gives us peace of mind, gives us hope knowing the Lord Christ Jesus is coming again…..
Jesus the Righteous Path 