Aids to Memorization

It must be understood that memorization of scripture is not an easy task. Those who think it should be simple give up quickly, deciding they can't memorize. Instead, it requires diligence. If hearing about the power of God's Word has encouraged you to memorize, but you don't know how, here are some things that have helped me.

It takes time. Set aside time to memorize, about 15 minutes, at least five times a week. Allow yourself at least six weeks to learn a passage of 20 - 30 verses.

Choose a version. Choose one Bible from which to memorize. You can use any version with which you are comfortable. I like the NIV or NLT because they have a nice flow, but I still have many KJV verses in my brain from childhood.

Choose longer passages. I would encourage you to try a longer passage rather than just one or two verses. Not only does it broaden your understanding by giving you the context of the verses, but it is also easier to remember an entire chapter, than many individual references.

Begin by reading. Before starting to memorize, I like to spend a week just reading over the passage. Reading it out loud three times each day helps you remember because both your ears and eyes are taking in the information.

Next is the actual memorizing. When you are ready to memorize read the whole chapter. Next review a smaller section again and again, until you can say it without looking. Then, finish off by reading the whole passage through again. Hopefully, you will find that by the time you near the end of the chapter, the flow of the words will be so familiar that it is easier to remember.

Index cards are useful here. Just pick the verse or short passage you want to memorize, write it down on an index card, and read it aloud several times. Then try reciting it aloud without looking at it, until you get it right. Do it from memory several times, checking your performance against what you have written down after each time. Then, as you have opportunity, test your memory of the verse over the next several days and continue to test it periodically. If you write the verse on one side and the chapter and verse reference on the other, you can use the index card as a sort of flash card to quiz yourself.

Keep on repeating. To retain a passage once it is memorized, say it often. Use quiet times of highway driving, “shoveling snow,” or before you drift off to sleep at night, to say the verses quietly in your head.

Meditate on the Word. Do what it says. You will be successful and will prosper. (Joshua 1:8)

Significance of Scripture Memorization

Montana Gary responded to “Bible Bored” with this comment: “It always amazes me just how much more I see in a passage when I write it out longhand. It is so easy to take computer shortcuts but I find so much more when I am forced to write each word. It may not be quick or easy but it is worthwhile if we really want to know the Word.”

I’ve mentioned the Significance of Scripture Memorization previously; however, as my capacity to memorize is dwindling, I’d like to challenge you all to consider memorizing the Bible (if that is not a part of your regimen.)

We are told in Psalm 119:11 to treasure God’s Word by hiding it in our hearts so that we will not sin against God. In memorizing Scripture, we are cultivating a biblical sense of the presence of God and developing a resource that will be used by the Holy Spirit to bring relevant thoughts or insight, to mind (for ourselves and for others.)

The Bible is the spiritual nutrients that energizes and empowers us. “I have not strayed from God’s commands. I have treasured His words – they are more essential than my basic need for food.” (Job 23:12) The words of Scripture are used by God to penetrate and transform the hearts of His people.

In tomorrow’s post, we’ll discuss again the healing impact of memorizing Scripture.

Scripture Memory 2

This is what happens when you don't memorize Scripture. You go blind, get your front tooth knocked out and grow weird whiskers. :-) Thanks, Barry for your artistic contribution to this blog!!!

Thanks to the folk who responded to the last blog, indicating that they as a small group were considering joining Theresa and me in memorizing Scripture together. That email was very encouraging.

Theresa and I are embarking on a quest to determine if we should initiate the formation of retreats. We have our separate outreaches. We use our home considerably for ministry. We mentor. But it seems like the Lord is leading toward ministry through a retreat set-up. To discern His will, we have begun our own marital retreat. We’re beginning small and see if it builds to something more extensive.

One day a week, we meet for two hours with phones off. No interruptions. We pray, read Scripture, talk, and memorize. Sometimes she plays the piano and I the trumpet. Our two hours at home is followed by going to the church for the prayer and fasting meeting there. We’ll see if this develops into a retreat situation where other people join us, like for a weekend. A significant aspect of our thinking is the value of memorizing Scripture. We’re looking at why Scripture memorization is so essential to the Christian life.

Value of Scripture Memorization Adapted from John Piper.
Faith Builder: Memorizing Scripture strengthens my faith because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ, and that happens when I am hearing the Word in my head.

World View Shaped: Memorizing Scripture shapes the way I view the world by conforming my mind to God’s viewpoint.

Error Filter: Memorizing Scripture guards my mind by making it easier to detect error—and the world is filled with error, since the god of this world is a liar.

Understanding God: I have found that hiding God’s Word in my heart somehow allows it to grow something there and bear fruit in my understanding of the passage, and thereby in my understanding of God.

Conformity to Christ: Paul wrote that “we all... beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” If we would be changed into Christ-likeness we must steadily see him. This happens in the Word. Bible memorization has the effect of making our gaze on Jesus to be steadier and clearer.

We'll list more tommorow.

Scripture Memory

Bella Rose and Barron Olaf, our precious youngest grandchildren.

Exercise is so important, especially the older we get the more our bodies need consistent exercise to thwart dis-ease of many kinds. However one of the most helpful exercises we can perform for mind, body, emotions and spirit it memorizing Scripture. This week I’d like to challenge us to this exercise.

My wife and I are memorizing Psalm 37:3-5, 7-8 for the week. Trust, Delight, Commit, Rest. Will you join us? Here is what some important and knowledgeable people are saying.

Dr. Frank Minirth, world renown Christian psychiatrist, gives us some insight into transformation as he writes in Christian Counseling Today, "Simple behavioral Scriptural techniques are so powerful. I think they have the ability to change the brain's chemistry. What we see comes into the eyes, into the frontal lobe. It will rearrange the neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters rearrange secondary messenger systems that store memory. So who we are to some degree is controlled by what we take in. Therefore, the more Scripture we take in, especially loving it and enjoying it, really changes the very essence of who we are."

Dr. Minirth goes on to say, “So the emphasis, I hope, in the future will be to get people to memorize more Scripture so it can change them. The more Christ-like we become, the more He can remove symptoms." Symptoms like: anxiety, fear, unhealthy anger, depression, poor self esteem, etc. that are often caused by wrong mindsets. Mindsets not corresponding to the mind of Christ. The mind is the ruling member of our whole person. What we do with our minds affects the whole body.

Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote, “Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That’s where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization.”

Chuck Swindoll wrote, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture... No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.”

More tomorrow on the value of memorizing Scripture