by Brian Fleming

Created on: August 18, 2010

So, you would like to memorize some scripture.  Maybe there is one particular passage that appeals to you, or maybe you want to be able to help your friends and family by quick verse recall.  Whatever the reason, here is how you can memorize effectively.

1.  Find your passage

This may sound self-explanatory, but you want to find a passage that really appeals to you.  A passage that carries a message, encouragement, or moral that applies to your life or situation.

2.  Break the passage down into parts.

Many people get discouraged because they attempt to memorize the whole passage as one unit.  Current research in memory shows our brain stores information in chunks.  These chunks are three to four word phrases.  Therefore, let's say the passage you want to memorize is twenty-four letters long.  Break it down into manageable sections.

3.  Repeat in Sing-song Pattern

To aid in your memory creation, when you repeat the small chunks back to yourself, do it in a lyrical matter.  When you can work your way up to connecting the chunks into phrases, stay them back with a rhythm.  Generally, children's songs like "Mary had a little lamb" or "Hot Cross Buns" is the easiest.

It may help you to keep your mind set on the Why of memorizing scripture.  In order to memorize scripture and keep it memorized, you will need a strong motivation.  The world famous theologian John Piper shows some valuable insights as to why we should all be memorizing scripture.

There are also a myriad of resources online to help with your memorizing skills, motivation, and effectiveness.

Congratulations!  If you did all three steps and kept at it, you have just memorized your scripture.  Remember, to keep the scripture memorized, you must recall it and say it every once in a while.

I have listed below some scriptures I have memorized before in the past.  They have been a great comfort, challenge, and encouragement to me in my daily life.

John 1:1 In the beginning there was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.

1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from all sexual immorality.

Remember, the scripture you memorize must be important to you personally, otherwise your brain will have to work harder to make the words stick.

God Bless!

Learn more about this author, Brian Fleming.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.