Scripture Memorization

Written by Kristin DeKay

Connecting Your Brain to Your Heart

The Bible is full of passages encouraging us to memorize scripture. It tells us to “hide God’s word in our hearts,” to “abide in Him,” and to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” These alone are reasons enough to start a scripture memorization practice! But if that’s not enough, studies show that targeted brain training, such as memorization, can improve thinking skills in adults, and these gains can last for years, helping people perform everyday tasks more easily and supporting a better quality of life. Why not do something that will benefit your heart, your brain, and your soul all at the same time?

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Memorizing scripture can help you…

  • Recall the comforting words of Jesus in times of trouble or anxiety.
  • Continually fill your mind and thoughts with His beauty.
  • Understand scripture better and articulate your thoughts about it more clearly.

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Scripture

Before beginning this practice, take a moment to read the scripture below.

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I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11 (NIV)

Tips on Memorization

  • Repetition is key.
  • Start with just one scripture and add another one as you memorize them. Starting small and working yourself up to longer passages is key to building a sustainable practice.
  • Write it down and keep it in front of you at your desk, in your car, etc.
  • Sing it!
  • Try mnemonics. Music students across the world would be lost without “Every Good Boy Does Fine” in order to learn their E-G-B-D-F music notes.
  • Use an app. Biblememory.com is a helpful tool.

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Questions

Return to these questions after doing the practice. Take your time thoughtfully answering each question. You may want to write down your answers, ponder them quietly or even talk about them with someone else.

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  1. What do you find most challenging about this practice?
  2. Have you felt that your mind is more focused since choosing to memorize scripture?
  3. Do you think memorizing scripture is helping you remain close to God throughout the day?

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