Four Plans for Memorizing Scripture

Introduction

You are commanded to put aside the sinful practice of your old self, to be changed by a renewing of the mind, and to put on Christlike practices of your new self. Memorizing God’s Word is foundational to that process (based on Psalm 40:8; Psalm 119:9-11, 15-16, 24, 97; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:8-10).

The following are four suggested plans for memorizing Scripture. Although they are not the only ways by which you can memorize, these plans have proven helpful in the lives of many Christians. The important thing to remember, regardless of the memory plan you choose, is that God’s Word is to be treasured in your heart (Psalm 119:11). Ask God to give you understanding and wisdom for your life through the Scripture passages that you memorize.

Scripture Memory - Plan #1

Read the context of the verse in your Bible and meditate on it. This helps you understand the verse in its setting.

Thoughtfully read the verse through several times aloud or in a whisper. This will help you grasp the verse as a whole.

Include the reference as part of the verse by saying it before and after the verse every time you repeat it.

Print your memory verses neatly on individual index cards. Using a paper punch, you may also make a hole in the top of your card and use a ring clasp to keep your cards together. Carry them with you at all times by placing them in a packet or putting an elastic band around them.

Break the passage into natural phrases. Learn the reference and first phrase. The repeat the reference, first phrase, and second phrase. Continue adding phrases until the verse is memorized.

Take advantage of your spare time during the day to pull out your packet and memorize your verses. Use the time spent waiting in line, on the bus, doing dishes, mowing the lawn-any time your mind is not required for attention to detail. This habit will help to renew your thought life.

Review the verse frequently during the first few weeks after learning it. This is crucial to getting the verse fixed firmly in your mind. Many find it beneficial to review the previously memorized verses every day for at least six weeks before placing them in a box for periodic review.

Scripture Memory - Plan #2

Print verse and Scripture reference on an index card. Ask God for His help in understanding and applying this portion of His Word to your life.

Recite the week’s memory verse and reference five to ten times when you awaken in the morning and five to ten times before you go to sleep at night.

Carry your Scripture memory card pack with you throughout the day to review past memory verses. Insert your new verses into your Scripture memory card pack at the end of the week.

Review each verse in your Scripture memory card pack at least once per day for six weeks before placing it in a weekly review box.

Scripture Memory - Plan #3

Choose a number of places in your daily routine that you regularly visit (for example: a mirror, a briefcase, a purse, the bathroom, the kitchen, a favorite book).

Print the memory verse and its Scripture reference on as many index cards as you have places listed in your daily routine and post your Scripture memory cards in these places.

Whenever you visit your regular places each day, quote the verses and the reference listed on the card.

At the end of a week, remove your current memory verse cards from their posted spots and replace each one with a new verse (multiple verses can be posted while others are reviewed daily, weekly, or monthly).

Scripture Memory - Plan #4

Read the verse and its reference into a voice recorder, reciting it as many times as you want to repeat it.

Play back what you have recorded and, with the recorder, recite the reference and the verse at various times each day.

Recite your past memory verses and their references into your voice recorder. On a weekly basis, evaluate your retention of these verses by reciting them when you play back the verses.