Some Practical Ways to Implement Scripture Memorization

Here are some practical ways to implement the discipline of Bible memorization into your own life.  I have tried several ways to memorize Scripture and found these to be some of the most effective.  You might find other ways that work best for you.

1. Start by reading a passage of Scripture over and over (out loud) until you become very familiar with the passage.  Make sure you say each word accurately out loud.  
2. You might even try recording yourself reading or quoting a verse.  Then play it back to check yourself.  This is a great way to study by yourself.  
3. Make sure you understand the meaning and context of a verse.  When a passage becomes meaningful to your own life, it will be easier to memorize.  Remember that these are the very Words of God.
4. When you memorize larger passages or even whole chapters, the meaning and context of a verse will become clearer.  Understanding the context is extremely beneficial.  As you are reading or memorizing the Bible you must remember that the verse and chapter markings were added later, so the entire context may extend past the chapter and verse markings.
5. Start small.  Do not be overwhelmed. Start with 1-4 verses a day or as much as you make time for.  Memorize the Word of God in “bite-size pieces”.  
6. Learn a verse phrase by phrase.  Sometimes, even learning the punctuation along with the verse can aid you in recalling a difficult section of Scripture.  
7. Listen to or quote Scripture as you are falling asleep at night.  Let God’s Word dwell in you richly.  Colossians 3:16 says: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”  Use bedtime as a time to focus fully upon the Word of the LORD.
8. Have family member and/or friends “quiz” you on verses that you have learned.  This is an especially great activity to do with siblings to help develop you relationship with them.  Also, a second pair of eyes can help you catch mistakes you may have missed in quizzing yourself.
9. Write or type out a section of Scripture.  Try to write out as much as you can without looking.  Then check yourself!  Do this several times and you will find that each time it will become easier to recall.  This is another wonderful way to study by yourself.
10. Regularly review the verses and passages you have memorized.  The diligent review of Scripture keeps the Word fresh in our minds.  What good is it if you memorize an entire chapter but cannot remember it a month later?
11. Did I mention, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW?
12. Finally, keep pressing on to the high calling to which the LORD has called you.  Do not become discouraged.  As Isaiah 40:8 states: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”  This is the precious Word the LORD has commanded us to hide in our hearts!