Why Memorize Scripture?

 

But why, exactly, should we memorize Scripture? 

Chuck Swindoll wrote, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.”

 

For much more on why we should memorize Scripture, see what John Piper has to say on the subject.  He quotes Dallas Willard, who writes entire books on spiritual formation and spiritual disciplines as saying “Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That’s where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization”

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My own "whys" are simple.  I regret that I didn't start memorizing verses before.  How beneficial has it been?  I always imagined that being able to quote an appropriate verse at an appropriate time to others was the only real benefit.  And I have certainly done that.  It is so much more effective to be able to actually quote a verse rather than to say "Well, the Bible has something or other to say on the subject, somewhere or other."  But it turns out that is not the biggest benefit.  The biggest benefit is being about to quote Scripture to myself in times of need.  I do it daily.  Did not Jesus quote Scripture to Satan when being tempted in the desert? 

Yes, there are lots more benefits to memorizing Scripture, but for me, two will do: for my personal use and for using in conversation with others.

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Need more persuading?  Consider the following:

Top 5 Reasons to Memorize Scripture. 

If 5 isn't enough, how about Ten Biblical Reasons to Memorize Scripture. 

Or you can keep it simple, from someone who doesn't find it easy: Hiding God’s Word in Your Heart.   

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But do we really need persuading?  Most of us know that memorizing Scripture is a good thing, that Scripture tells us to do so and that we would benefit greatly by doing so.

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How to Memorize Scripture.

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I tried memorizing Scripture years ago as part of a course called Basic Training.  We were given a verse to memorize each week.  All of us would madly try to memorize the verse at the last minute, and then we would promptly forget it as soon as we recited it.  As part of the Navigators Discipleship training course I took (see earlier link) I finally succeeded in actually memorizing.  The key, of course, is repetition.  We didn't just learn a verse or two for a week, but we kept having to repeat them again and again.  And they stuck.

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You can always freelance it.  But if you feel you need some help, consider the following.  If you have a system that works for you, let us know about it.

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From Charlotte Mason (very big in the homeschooling world).  All you really need are index cards with a box or two, and index dividers.  Recommended verses along with dividers can be printed from templates available at this website.

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Topical Memory System from The Navigators.  You can order a product from them, but this page offers suggestions on verses to memorize, by topic.  We have our own page where you can download memory verse cards for the TMS.

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memverse.com  This is an online application (free, no software required) that keeps track of your verses, how you are progressing and more.  You can take their demo out for a spin before signing up.

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Scripture Typer Bible Memory System.  This is an app available on a lot of platforms.  It appears to be free.  You can certainly try it out for free.

 

 

What to Memorize?

 

It is largely up to you.  Some of the apps / websites above will provide you with verses to memorize, or offer suggestions.

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Why not get started with the verses included in the Navigators Discipleship Training?

Navigators 2:7 Series - You won't go wrong here.  These have the virtue of not only being a great selection, but you can download the verse cards!

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