How to Memorize a Bible Verse

There’s no such thing as a "one size fits all" approach to memorizing Scripture. Each of us has been gifted with a unique mind and a distinct learning style, meaning successful Scripture memory routines will naturally vary from person to person. It's been my observation, however, that certain techniques seem to be universally reliable and form a good starting point for most people. This is certainly not intended to be a rigid step-by-step guide that must be followed perfectly, but merely a list of humble suggestions based on my own experience and the testimony of others I’ve been privileged to meet. Always keep in mind that there are no rules to break, and so the best way to memorize Scripture is to utilize whatever methods work best for you.

• Take time to study the chosen Scripture, and pray for Divine enlightenment (Ps. 119:18). Aside from the fact that a proper understanding of God's Word is an essential part of applying it properly in everyday situations, the task of memorizing is made much easier when you grasp the meaning of the verse you're learning.

• Read the passage aloud seven times, including the reference. Some memorizers may benefit from identifying any natural breaks in the text and reading it rhythmically, or with emotion. As you read, occasionally look away from your Bible and try to "fill in the blanks" from memory.

• Write out the passage on an index card. This is equal to reading it four times and forces you to concentrate carefully on each word. When you're done, place the card on your desk or anywhere else you'll see it often.

• Take a break. Once you feel confident in your ability to recite the verse accurately, go do something else and come back to it later in the day. Because our minds consolidate the day's memories as we sleep, reviewing new verses again just before bed is a good way to make sure they are kept in long-term memory.

• • Follow a review schedule that works for you. Just as repetition is a crucial part of learning a new verse in the first place, it's also the key to retaining it permanently in memory. I recommend memverse.com, but feel free to be creative and formulate a unique system of your own.

What about you? Do you have a specific method of memorizing Scripture? If so, do you alter this technique when learning a full passage (such as a complete chapter) as opposed to individual verses?