Scripture Memory Techniques

When your daytimer overflows with demands, when the kids (or the line supervisors) are hollering, when the boss is raving, it's hard to imagine how to pack one more item into your brain. However, those are the moments when Bible verses may take on a whole new meaning!

"This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.'"
(Isaiah 30:15, NIV).

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
(Psalm 91:1)

"I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip; He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."
(Psalm 121:1-4)

Busy adults can't always take time to leaf through the pages of Scripture to find the verse they need - in a crunch! That's why it is essential to commit favorite Bible verses to memory. That way, God can remind you of His promises - right when you need them!

Think you can't memorize Bible verses?

Not long ago, I was teaching a small group leader training seminar at our church. Our curriculum included weekly Scripture memory work.

Several participants voiced their difficulty in memorizing Bible verses. They claimed this is easy for children, but difficult for adults. A few folks said they had lost the ability to memorize, as they grew older.

"My kids keep me so busy!" one mom wailed. "How can I possibly memorize Bible verses?"

"My boss has me working double shifts," another groaned.

"OK, let's try a little game," I said. We handed out blank notebook paper. I asked everyone to list her home phone number, cell phone number, spouse's cell phone number, complete address and zip code, social security number, spouse's social security number, children's names, children's ages, children's birthdates, wedding anniversary, siblings' names, siblings' ages, siblings' birthdates, and two additional phone numbers (of their own choosing).

Within less than five minutes, each participant had completed her list.

"Gee," I said. "You guys are smart! You sure can memorize a lot of details! And this stuff is not nearly as interesting or meaningful as Scripture."

The room became very quiet for a few moments.

The following week, guess how many class members knew their verses?

After this revealing exercise, we brainstormed and came up with several creative ways to commit Bible verses and other vital information to memory. Here's what we listed.

Tips for Memorizing Scriptures and Important Quotes

Memorizing Scriptures and other quotes can be fun. Here are some great ways to get started.

Hand-write the verses you want to memorize. Do this several times, and you will have it!

Type or write the verses on index cards or sticky-notes. Place the notes on your bathroom mirror.

Tape the verses to your steering wheel or the dashboard of your car.

Memorize the verses together as a couple or family, or enlist your circle of friends to work on them together. Practice reciting the verses at the supper table, in the car, or other times when you are together.

Entire families can learn verses together. Everyone benefits!

Play Scripture choruses on your stereo or MP3 player and in your car. A catchy melody will quickly make its way into your memory.

Sing Scripture-based songs with your children or friends.

Make up your own songs to go with the verses you intend to memorize. Or, pick familiar melodies to go with the words.

Write out key verses, and put them in your family's lunchboxes. By hand-writing the quotations, you may be surprised to find that you have learned them too!

Say the verses out loud several times. Use a mirror, if that helps.

Rap it out. Recite the verse in rhythm. Stomp your feet; clap your hands, or bounce a ball in time with the words.

Create or download coloring pages containing the key verses or quotations.

Draw a picture to illustrate the verse you want to learn.

Make a refrigerator chart for the entire household. Give stickers or gold stars for memorization success. Include children and adults to make it fun.

Remember to review previously memorized material together!

Have fun increasing your brain power by filling your mind with blessings and good things!