Auditory Review

Whenever I’m asked about the specific techniques I use when memorizing Scripture, I make it a point to mention that there really is no right or wrong way to approach memorization. What works well for me may or may not work for you, and vice-versa. The exact routine that I tend to follow has been fine-tuned over the years based on a number of factors, including my work schedule, my learning style, and what I find enjoyable. Since these factors will vary from person to person, effective Scripture memorization will naturally look somewhat different for each of us – and that’s okay. With that said, I still believe there is some value in sharing specific methodology we have personally found to be helpful.

For me that means telling people about Scripture Memory Fellowship’s collection of memory books, memverse.com, and auditory review using an iPod or voice recorder. Since you’re probably already familiar with the first two methods, I’ll only take the time to expand on my approach to auditory review, which I have spent the last year or so perfecting. Of course the easiest way to review your verses auditorily is to use an old tape recorder and microphone to record the passages you'd like to study. You can then play back your recordings anytime you want, even if you’re busy doing something else. Although multi-tasking and Scripture memorization generally don’t go well together, this seems to be one exception to that rule. I’ve been amazed by how much my own accuracy has been improved by simply listening to my memory verses for a couple of hours each week. If you’d like to take a more advanced approach to audio review, then you can spend a few dollars on a decent microphone and record all of your memory verses one by one using a computer. Since I own an iPod and was already familiar with the ins and outs of iTunes, creating my own memory verse playlist seemed like the next logical step. Now I just tap “Shuffle” and am able to listen to a constant stream of random Bible verses during my daily commute. I can even use my wireless Bluetooth headset to listen to God’s Word when I’m at the office or running errands around town. If you don’t own an iPod and can’t justify the expense at this point, you can also consider putting your verses on a CD or smartphone. Just be sure to record each one exactly as you’d like it to be reviewed, since few things are more frustrating than realizing you should have spoken slower/louder, or included the references the first time around. Again, just decide what will work best for you and pursue that. Are there any specific methods of Scripture memorization that have proven to be especially effective in your own life? What seems to be the best approach for you when learning a new passage of Scripture, or maintaining previously learned verses in memory? Share any tips or techniques you think may be helpful to other memorizers, even if it's something as simple as memorizing at a certain time of the day when your mind seems sharpest. Anything that has helped you has the potential to help others.