Are you wondering how to memorize Scripture and what the key is? Let me tell you what one of the keys is. Variety! True, one method may work well for you, but it’s also easy to get stuck and not keep making good progress. That’s when it is good to switch things up and try something new. We’ve already had 6 simple Scripture memory tips, and now it’s time for 6 more that you can add to mix things up!
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
1. Read Aloud Over and Over
Repetition is one of the biggest keys to Scripture memory. Reading or listening to a passage over and over will be one of the most helpful things you can do. But, it’s even better if you read or recite it aloud some of the time.
There are three different ways that we learn: seeing, hearing, and doing. When you read aloud to yourself, you are making use of all three methods! This could easily be incorporated into your devotions by reading over a verse or short passage a few times.
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
2 . Have Someone Quiz You
One of my favorite methods of determining where I am at in the Scripture memory process is to have someone quiz me. They can follow along with me while I try to quote as much of the passage as I can. Sometimes they need to prompt me when I can’t remember what comes next so that I can make it even further. It helps to have them give you the first word of the next verse if you are stuck. Often, you will likely be able to keep going further and be encouraged by how far you have come.
If you have a Scripture memory buddy who holds you accountable, you might could also get them to quiz you. My sister is usually the one who quizzes me, and sometimes I do the same for her. It’s nice for us both to know that we are memorizing Scripture together, even if we are working on different passages at our own paces.
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
3. Quiz Yourself
While it is nice to have someone quiz you, that may not always be an option. You may sometimes want to be quizzed when no one is available, or you may want it more times than you want to ask. When this happens, you can just quiz yourself!
Take a little piece of paper, (a bookmark works well), and cover up the chapter. Quote one verse to yourself, then move the paper down and see if you got it right. Then continue on. If you get stuck, pull the paper down one line to give yourself a hint. See how far you can go this way!
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
4. Write it Out
Another way to memorize is to write out the verses you are learning. You could write out a whole passage, or just the verse you are currently working on. If you want, you can write it on a sticky note or index card and then put it somewhere you will see it often.
Do you enjoy Bible journaling or hand-lettering? You can combine it with Scripture memory! Enjoy the process of writing out the verse in a pretty script, focusing on the words as you write. To keep yourself focused on the words, it may be helpful to say them aloud as you write.
Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
5. Set it to Music
This option may not be for everyone, but if you are musically inclined, you may find that you love it! Try setting your Scripture passage to music. You could write your own melody, or take a familiar melody and sing or play your Scripture passage to that tune. It may be helpful to write out the music and words so that you can sing or play it on your instrument without having to figure it out each time.
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
6 . Review What You Memorize
I have found that some of the passages I memorized as a child have not stayed with me as well as I would have hoped. There are some exceptions though. I memorized Psalm 119 set to music, and my sister and I continued singing that together long after we were done memorizing. We can still sing quite a few of the sections together.
It’s important to review what you memorize and not just assume that once you know it you will never forget it. This is especially true for long passages and chapters. Audio is a good way to review passages. You can listen to them as you work on other things. It would also be helpful to occasionally read over the passage and quiz yourself to see how much you can still remember.
And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
You should also practice meditating on the Scripture that you learn. One of the important reasons for memorizing Scripture is so that we can have it in our minds and meditate on it. You can do this in the shower, in bed, or while you are going about your daily activities. Focus on not just the words but their meanings as well, and let God apply them to your heart. Emphasizing one word at a time in a verse is a good way to think deeply about it. Pray, and ask God to help you hide and keep His Word in your heart!
Simple Takeaway
- What is one of the biggest tips for how to memorize Scripture? Use variety rather than sticking to one method!
- Read the passage aloud to yourself. Set it to music and sing it Write out the passage or verse, and think about it as you write it.
- Quiz yourself and get someone else to quiz you. Once the passage is learned, continue reviewing it and meditating on it!
Let’s Chat!
What is your favorite way to memorize Scripture? Do you have any suggestions on incorporating Scripture memory and Scripture meditation into your daily life?
Until next time, hide God’s Word in your heart and think about it, making it an integral part of your life!
In Christ,
Bethany
Great tips!!! I’ve found writing it out and having someone quiz you like you mentioned above is my best way of memorizing. I used to think “ah, I’m waiting all this paper!! I need to find another way to memorize!” But seriously, memorizing God’s Word is priceless and worth all the paper you may use memorizing it. 💕
Thank you for commenting, Rachel! Oh, it’s so true!! There is nothing more important that we can write than God’s Word!! This week, I’ve been doing some writing on 1 John 3. I got stuck with my Scripture memory, and Hannah suggested I write it. I found a little notebook from the dollar store that wasn’t being used, and it’s perfect for writing in. An inexpensive way to write Scripture, and even though it’s a little book, it should last a while. I’m so glad that you have found Scripture writing and being quizzed to help you! Hannah and I quiz each other, and I’m guessing maybe your sisters do the same for you. 🙂