Last Sunday Luke Safford, the lead pastor at Terrace Heights Baptist Church, challenged his congregation to memorize a verse from the text of his message. It’s a verse which comes from King David’s response to God’s promise to build David a dynasty. It also reminds us that in Christ God has done so much for us, which gives us courage to pray to Him.

I decided to memorize the verse, too. The ESV puts it, “For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him. Therefore your servant has found courage to pray before you” (1 Chronicles 17:25).

As I thought about memorizing the verse this week I realized that maybe not everyone feels confident to memorize Scripture. It can seem a little bit intimidating, especially for those of us who have a hard time remembering such trivia as our wife’s birthday or wedding anniversary.

Well, if you want to be a Scripture memory stud, follow the steps below and start doing what the Psalmist did: “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

Step 1 (Day 1)

Read the verse 10 times out loud.

Recite the verse without reading 10 times out loud.

Step 2 (Day 2)

Recite the verse without reading 10 times out loud.

Step 3 (Day 3)

Recite the verse without reading 10 times out loud. (Are you beginning to see a pattern?)

Step 4 (Day 4-7)

Recite the verse from memory every day.

Step 5 (Day 5+)

Recite the verse every day for at least one month. Then recite the verse once a week so you’ll never forget it.

Remember to say the reference every time you recite the verse. Don’t give up! If you miss a day, go back and review and continue to make progress.

You’ll find that by following these simple steps you will begin to store up God’s Word in your heart. His promises are your ammunition against sin as well as your comfort in every circumstance of life.