Can I offer some help for memorizing Scripture?

I realize that memorization can seem intimidating. Honestly, I’ve struggled with it my entire life. But along the way I’ve learned two things that are key to being successful.

 

Consistency

 

A few minutes every day will provide long-lasting results. Don’t think you need to spend hours (or even half-hours) each day to be successful. A few minutes of repetition is sufficient. Think creatively about how you can find those minutes near the beginning of every day. You’ll be glad you did.

 

Repetition

 

Repeating verses several times in succession is the best way to plant God’s Word into your heart. Repetition is also a primary means of meditating on Scripture. Think about and pray about the words you are committing to memory. This experience is not vain repetition, but is a means of hearing and understanding God’s Word.

 

A Simple Method

 

Try this out each week:

Day 1.  Read the verse out loud in context of the surrounding passage. Ask God to give you both understanding of the bid idea of the passage as well as help in committing this passage to memory.

Day 2.  Review any previously memorized verses by reciting them out load from memory. Then read the new verse out load 10 times. Then repeat the new verse 10 times more without looking (peek if necessary).

Day 3.  Review any previously memorized verses by reciting them out load from memory. Then recite the new verse 10 times without looking.

Day 4-7.  Review any previously memorized verses by reciting them out load from memory. Then review the new verse 1 time without looking.

Plan to review previously memorized verses every day for at least 50 days. After that time review them every week or two. It’s a good idea to choose one day each week for your long-term review.

 

God bless you as you memorize and meditate on Scripture this year!

In Christ,

Michael