Personal Keys for Memorizing Scripture
If you watched the recent VBC Elder Info & Prayer Gathering, you heard Gary Darnell’s encouragement to capitalize on our “Shelter in Place” time by committing God’s word to memory. From my own experience with scripture memorization I can share three observations:
1) Hiding God’s word in my heart has been personally enriching and has given me an abundance of truth to share with others in need.
2) Committing scripture to memory can be difficult for many different reasons.
3) As with most difficult-but-worthwhile activities, these difficulties can be overcome through committing to a training process.
With these things in mind, this article outlines a simple process to begin selecting and memorizing meaningful passages.
Step 1: Selecting a passage
Okay, so you are ready to start memorizing, but where to begin? I commend these three approaches for selecting a passage:
Choose a passage that directly addresses a current need or issue. We want to be transformed to think like God thinks (Romans 12:2) concerning our most pressing issues. That must be at least part of the reason the Father is allowing this particular situation into your life, conforming you to the image of his beloved Son. (Romans 8:28-29)
Choose a passage that addresses an area of spiritual growth or something to equip you for ministry to others. A number of years ago I committed Titus 3:3-7 to memory. This short passage is power-packed, offering a clear, concise-yet-comprehensive gospel, specifying the work of the Father, Son and Spirit in the life of every believer. Powerful for personal encouragement, it is also wonderful for gospel-sharing and apologetics, particularly for those with a distorted version of the gospel.
Choose a passage that reveals the beauty and goodness of God. Passages like Exodus 34:5-7, 1 John 3:1-3, or Ephesians 1:3-14 are fuel for enjoying your love relationship with God. Like the photograph of someone you love, passages like these increase our affection for God, bringing specific details about who He is, what He has done, and what He promises to do into sharp focus.
Step 2: Read, write, & “chew on” your selected passage
Read through your passage several times. I find it helpful to physically write the passage out, sometimes more than once or twice. As you read and write, think through the passage, using questions such as:
Who is writing/speaking?
Who is the audience?
What is the context (read before and after the passage to find out)?
What’s the main idea of the passage?
What words seem to be important or confusing?
Are there any obvious things about the passage that standout (repeated ideas, words or phrases, contrasts, etc.)?
How do the parts fit together? Is there a “flow”? Why do you think the author arranged the passage the way it appears?
This step helps to saturate your mind and prepare you for the act of memorizing. It’s a bit like looking at the picture on a puzzle box: you can see ahead of time how the different pieces fit together.
Step 3: Think as you memorize out loud
Begin memorizing, speaking the verse out loud. Based on your study in step 2, think through the logic of the passage to help you when you get stuck. Once you are able to get through the beginning words or sentences without getting stuck or slowing down, add the next section. If needed, work through the sections by themselves but return to earlier sections and try to connect them without stopping.
Step 4: Share with a friend or family member
As Gary pointed out in his comments, accountability and an occasion to share the passage provides additional motivation to practice. In addition to sharing your memorization progress, share the first two steps to give a context for your listener. Share how the Lord is encouraging you through this particular passage.