Since I’ve been encouraging my readers to join me in the “Got Truth?” Challenge, I’ve decided it’s important to give you some pointers on how to effectively memorize and integrate Scripture into your heart and life.
I have to admit I’m a bit rusty at the discipline, since it’s been well over a decade since I avidly and consistently pursued Scripture memorization.
However, here’s what’s been helping me to get back on track …
Tip One – Memorize the “address” or where it’s found first.
Often we launch into memorizing the verse because we long to hold the content close to heart, but overlook or downplay the reference. I’ve been guilty of that for sure!
But we can’t really hide God’s word in our hearts and not know where to find it—especially when others ask us or need to see it for themselves!
I’m still working on creative ways to improve my ability here, since the “address” in some ways is often harder to memorize than the verse. If you have any ideas, please share with us below!
Tip Two – Set specific times to read over, rehearse and memorize the Scripture each day.
Since I already have a set time for my Bible study and prayer time (usually in the morning), I’ve decided that’s an excellent time to incorporate going over my verses.
I also have printed out and posted the verses on a spot that I look at regularly in my kitchen. So when I am fixing dinner (something I do most evenings), I look over my verses and memorize while I chop, bake, wash or sauté!
I also have a reminder set in my phone’s calendar to review my verses before plugging my phone up to charge for the night.
Tip Three – Display the verses in various places for easy access.
As I mentioned, I work on my verses during my devotional time, which means I have the verses in the document where I do my prayer journaling.
You could also store it somewhere in a quick access cloud system like: iCloud, Googledocs, Evernote or even Dropbox, just to name a few.
I also put my verses in a list on my phone’s “Note app.” This also provides quick and easy access for when I’m out and about.
You could also display the verses on a chalkboard, whiteboard, or print them out on decorative paper and hang it somewhere noticeable.
One more thing I do is write them out on index cards and have them handy at my bedside, in my purse, or car console.
Tip Four – Write out/type out the verse repeatedly.
As I mentioned above, as you put your verses on index cards or type them out in a document, you are rehearsing the verse in a very visual way. This helps you to retain it better.
There are also lots of Scripture memory apps that will help you to hone the verses like, Scripture Typer and Bible Memory Verses. Their ease of access gives you the chance to memorize while waiting in a doctors office or while in line at the store. Look for these golden opportunities!
Tip Five – Find an accountability partner.
Like any new habit we want to develop in our lives, doing it with a friend who is also working at the same task adds extra motivation and consistency.
Hi, Marie! 😉 (That’s my accountability partner!)
You and your friend can text each other weekly to see how you are doing and/or text your verse(s) and ask your friend if you got it right. Then your friend should try to do the same back to you.
What other helpful tips would you add to my list?
What’s a verse you’d like me to add to our “Got Truth?” Challenge?
If you’d like the printable of the last three plus this week’s verses in the Got Truth? challenge, you can snag it here.
I can’t move on without mentioning Navigators and their incredible resources for memorizing Scripture (also see Topical Memory System). I hope you’ll check out their site for more tips!
Linking up with – Marriage Mondays, The Weekend Brew, Making Your Home Sing, Mondays @ Soul Survival, Sunday Stillness, Sharing His Beauty, Spiritual Sundays, Words with Winter and Playdates with God
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