8 Tips For Memorising Passages and Books of the Bible
There are a lot of reasons why memorizing passages and books of the Bible is so helpful. I remember reading about a Christian in China who knew she was going to end up in prison, so she spent time memorizing the Bible to be able to have it in her head. Memorising passages gives you the flow that came with it originally, the context of the individual verses, and it helps with meditation, understanding, fighting temptation and helping others.
But it isn’t easy! So here are some tips that might help you if you are considering doing this.
Pick a short book that you like which will be useful
It is good to pray and consider which book would be most useful to learn, and if you like it is so much more fun! It is also good to start out with a small book of a few chapters, like Philippians, Colossians or Ephesians, so that you don’t give up halfway because it’s too long.
Make a rough schedule
The first time I memorised Philippians I had no schedule and failed to finish. The second time I had a set amount of verses to memorise each week, knew roughly when I should finish, and got all the way to the end. It gives you a lot more hope and motivation to keep going if you have a finishing date in sight.
The way to do this is to add up how many verses are in the book. You would then figure out how many verses you want to learn a week – for example 5. Then you divide the total number of verses by 5 to get how many weeks it will take. That will give you a finishing date, but it is a good idea to add a few weeks to give you some pad.
Make it easy for yourself
I would suggest not writing out every verse, unless it is a short passage or psalm! You could memorise straight from your Bible, but what I do is photocopy a smallish Bible, or print it out from the online version. I then cut out and staple the pages together so that I have a little booklet which I can put on my microwave, stash in my handbag or keep in my pocket. There are also apps for iPhones and other online resources which you can use.
Learn the references
The first time I memorised a book I didn’t learn the references, and later regretted it because I’d need a verse for someone but couldn’t remember whereabouts it was. So now I always learn the references too, even though it takes longer. The way I do it is like this: One One (for the verse of chapter 1 verse 1), then the verse, One Two, then the second verse, and so on.
Learn it out loud
It can even be just mouthing the words – but learning and reciting the verses out loud makes such a difference to how easy it is. That’s why I have always enjoyed memorising things on my bike, because I can be as loud as I want and no-one notices!
Memorise on the run
You don’t have to do this, but since I have very little extra time I do all my memorising on the go. I tend to do it while I’m cooking, washing dishes, folding laundry or driving. The shower is a good time to review, but not so good to memorise as your Bible or paper would get a bit wet!!
Review old stuff first
One thing I learned from reading Dr. Andrew Davis’ booklet on extended memorization, was that it is best to review the things you have already learned before starting on the next verses. So typically I will go over yesterday’s verses a few times first, then all that I have learned of the book so far (up to 4 chapters) and only then start learning today’s verses. I have tried doing it the other way around, but then it is harder to make myself review the old.
Have fun – try reviewing different ways
What I do is first read the verse out loud slowly a few times. Then I try to read it without looking, and check back to see what I got wrong, repeating until I’ve got it. Then I recite it a few more times trying to focus on the meaning of the words in the verse.
I then play around with different methods of repeating it, like going backwards or picking out the first few words of each verse. The most useful method for me has been to recite the most recent verse, then the one before plus that one, then the last three and so on. Then at other times in the day I will randomly try to recite different parts.
So anyway, it is doable – and I would encourage you to try it if you haven’t! Even though it takes hard work and discipline it is really rewarding!
Can you share how you have been blessed by memorising scripture?
You share some great tips. I’ve found that memorizing a chapter is just as easy as memorizing a set of random verses. But it took me a long time to get brave enough to try it. 🙂
Yes I have found the same 🙂
It never occurred to me to try reviewing it backwards! What a clever idea!
Thanks for visiting Patti! Practicing backwards is like pulling teeth sometimes, but definitely helps me know it better 🙂
HI! I found you through another blog…and am glad I dropped by. I never thought about memorizing scripture until two years ago…and since then, it has truly changed my life…because I am able to hear God’s words throughout the day….I have a link on Weds. I co host with another Mom and would love for you to drop by and join us, ifyou would like. We have no rules…you don’t have to mention usi n your post or put our button…it’s all about God and encouraging others.
I am so thankful I found your blog and will be back often!
Thank you for visiting, Rebecca. Memorising scripture has also changed me a lot!