Thy word have I hid in my heart…
Psalm 119:11
When I was younger, I could memorize a Bible verse in a matter of minutes. It didn’t mean I retained it long-term, but some of them I did, probably from years of learning the same verses.
However, as an adult, memorization has been hit or miss. But many of the methods are the same.
It’s also not as easy, but neither is it impossible.
Are you looking for the best way to memorize Scripture?
Let’s look at what Scripture itself says about having its words in your heart and consider five methods that have worked for many.
Table of Contents
What Is the Best Way to Memorize Scripture?
The best way to memorize Scripture is whatever works for you. And what works when you’re younger may or may not be the best way later in life. Maybe combining several different methods will be the most beneficial. Such as putting the words to music or recording yourself saying the verse. Or you could make notecards or write the Scripture repeatedly with or without drawing pictures. Please know that there is a way that will work. The key is to practice and not give up because hiding God’s word in your heart will never be a waste of time.
Why Memorize Bible Verses
Memorizing Scripture is important.
I remember a few weeks ago when someone asked me what I would do when the government took all the Bibles away. I said no one could take away what you’ve hidden in your heart.
I don’t know if the day will come when all the Bibles are confiscated, but that doesn’t make what I said any less true.
The Scripture you memorize can’t be taken from you.
Other benefits include:
Helping you not to sin
Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee…
Knowledge, Obedience
Deuteronomy 11:18a, 22a You shall impress these words of Mine on your hearts and on your soul…for if you are careful to keep all this commandment which I am commanding you…
Colossians 3:16a Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you…
Psalm 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip.
Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God; Thy law is within my heart.
Remembering
Psalm 119:16 I shall delight in Thy statutes; I shall not forget Thy word.
Joy and Delight
Jeremiah 15:16a Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart…
Guidance, Protection, and Communication
Proverbs 6:21-22 Bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you.
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path.
Other Reasons to Memorize the word of God
God’s word is living and active
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of would and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
All Scripture is inspired by God
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
As I said, memorizing Scripture is important. But so is reading and studying your Bible and praying. In fact, we are told to pray without ceasing.
RELATED > > > > > What Happens When You Stop Praying? – Pray Without Ceasing
5 Methods to Consider
Although there are more than five methods for memorizing Scripture, I am naming the ones I have successfully used.
- Write or type it out, and read it. Do this repeatedly until you can do it without any help.
- Write out each word (or a group of words) on separate note cards. Mix them up, put the verse together in the correct order, reading it aloud. Do this several times. Slowly remove cards and continue quoting the verse.
- Put the verse(s) to music. Either make up your own tune or use a familiar one, such as The B-I-B-L-E or Mary Had a Little Lamb. Sing the verse while looking at the words and sing it without looking until you get stuck. Continue until you can sing it without looking at all.
- Record yourself saying the verse(s) 3x and start by listening to the recording several times, Next, say the verse aloud along with the recording until you think you can quote it without. Last, try saying it without the recording.
- Draw images of keywords and write out the other words. You will be surprised how much easier your mind will remember the image and even where you drew it in relation to the surrounding words. Practice saying the verse over and over until you no longer need to look.
I often use multiple ways and am trying to memorize two verses each week for eight weeks…all from Romans 8. The key for me is practicing daily and using different methods.
However, you may not find any of these ways helpful. In that case, feel free to check out 14 Ways for Adults to Memorize Scripture by MinTools or 5 Creative Ways to Memorize Scripture (geared for kids) by Horizon Community Church.
What is the Easiest Way to Memorize Scripture?
Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading “What is the Best Way to Memorize Scripture?”
Hopefully, between what I wrote, the links, or the video, you have found something that will help you to hide God’s word in your heart.
The Bible itself talks about why you should do so. Knowing Scripture will:
- Help you obey and not sin
- Give you knowledge and help you remember what it says
- Bring joy and delight to your heart
- Give you guidance and protection
And there of plenty of methods from which to choose. I named five:
- Repeatedly write or type the verse(s) out until you can do it without any help
- Make note cards with each word or group of words. Put them together in the right order.
- Put the verse to music and sing it over and over until you don’t need to look at the words.
- Record yourself saying the verse at least 3x. Listen, then listen while saying it, and finally, say without listening.
- Draw pictures of keywords, write and practice saying the verse while recalling the pictures.
The key is repetition and practice.
So, as long as you are serious about memorizing the Bible, you will not be disappointed.
What verse are you currently memorizing?