Scripture Memory

“Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That’s where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization.” Dallas Willard

Why Memorize Scripture?

God’s word is alive and active (Heb 4:12). It is breathed out by God himself (2 Tim 3:16). It feeds our souls (Matt 4:4), and lights our way (Psalm 119:105). Throughout the scriptures, we are instructed to hide God’s word in our hearts (Psa 119:11); to cling to it (Psa 119:31); to delight in it (Psa 119:14). In the words of Martin Luther, “The soul can do without everything except the word of God, without which none at all of its wants are provided for.”

Scripture itself instructs us to store God’s Word up in our hearts (Psa 119:11) like a great treasure that is better than gold and silver (Psa 119:72). We are told to memorize it and talk about it at all times (Deut 6:7).

Memorizing scripture –

Helps us fight against sin (Psa 119:11)
Equips us for everyday life (2 Tim 3:17)
Supplies us with Godly counsel to share with loved ones (Pro 25:11)
Gives us the words to communicate and inrernalize the Gospel (1 Pet 3:15)
Arms us against the evil one (Eph 6:17)

Scripture Memory Resources

Having trouble memorizing scripture? You wouldn’t be the first. Here are a few resources that may help.

Articles

Apps

Bible Memory: Scripture Typer
A great bible memorization app that uses a 3-step memorization process, Type It—Memorize It—Master It.
iOS | Android

The Fighter Verses App
The Fighter Verses app is a fantastic tool to help you keep track of the passages you’ve memorized, and it provides quizzes and games to help you review them.
iOS | Android

Dwell App
Dwell is a beautiful designed Bible audio app that also has a feature that allows you to play certain verses, chapters, or playlists on repeat to aid in Bible memory.
iOS | Android

Scripture Memory Tips

Resist the urge to see simple memory as the goal. Learning the text by heart is secondary; taking the text to heart is primary.
Set aside 5-10 minutes a day to focus on memorization.
Don’t tell yourself that you’re not good at memorization. We all unconsciously memorize all kinds of things every day – stories, addresses, conversations, etc.
Try taking your first verse, read it ten times, and then close your eyes or shut your Bible and say it ten times.
Write the verse on one side of an index card and the verse reference on the other. Carry the card around with you so you can work on memorizing it during wait times.
Write the verse by hand. Rewrite the verse over and over, or use hand-lettering and other creative illustrations. Utilizing fine motor skills engages your brain. The more of your brain you can employ while memorizing, the better the information will stick.
Set your computer and phone background images to verses. You’ll be surprised by how quickly you have it memorized!
Tape your verse to the bathroom mirror and work on it as you shave or fix your hair in the morning.