The psalmist wrote,

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

(Psalm 119:11)

There are so many good reasons for memorizing Scripture. For one, the Bible tells us that Scripture guards our hearts against sin. Jesus tells us that out of the heart, the mouth speaks. Whatever we meditate on, whatever we pour our hearts into, will come pouring out of us. Shouldn’t Christians be known for pouring out what is honoring to God and useful to others. And not just useful — life-giving! That’s what happens when we have Scripture in our hearts.

But how should we go about storing up God’s word in our hearts?

Here’s a simple method for memorizing one short passage or verse of Scripture each week.

Day one: Pray. Read the passage aloud 10 times; then, without looking, say it out loud 10 more times.

Day two: Without looking, say the passage aloud 10 times.

Day three: Without looking, repeat the passage once.

Day four: Repeat the passage once.

Day five: Repeat the passage once.

Day six: Repeat the passage once.

Day seven: Repeat the passage once.

Review that passage every day for 1 month. Then review it once a week to retain it in long-term memory.

You can add a new verse or short passage every week using the same method. And make sure to take advantage of the time you have while riding the bus, sitting in a waiting room, etc.

Keep at it and you will begin planting seeds that will bear much spiritual fruit!