Everybody learns differently. I will gladly share with you what has worked for
me and would encourage you to find what works best for you. While I have never
pursued such a huge undertaking as this one, I have memorized a few passages in
the past and know what has worked well.
1. Desire and Persistence. I
believe that if you're going to have success memorizing Scripture, you have to
first want to do it! It is much easier to learn anything when
you are motivated and have a positive attitude. (Thankfully, God not only gives
us the ability, He also gives us the desire! Phil. 2:13 "for it is God
who works in you to will and to act according to His good
purpose.")
2. An Overview and Understanding. I first read through the
passage several times and try to understand its meaning. I often look up verses
in a commentary (I use John MacArthur's) or do a word study on important
phrases. This helps me to connect with what I'm learning and it becomes much
more personal and real to me. When I'm meditating on the meaning of what I'm
memorizing, there is a much greater chance that I will have the ability to
recall it in an applicable situation.
3. Read and Re-Read. I read the
passage over and over and over again. I try to read it in the morning (after I
have taken a shower and am feeling awake and attentive) and again in the evening
before I go to bed.
4. Rote Memorization. After I'm very familiar with
the passage or group of verses, I begin to memorize the old-fashioned 'rote'
way. I close my eyes or cover up the words and say as much as I can. I peek
back down when I can't remember, then start over. And over, and
over.
5. Constant Reminders. I often write the verse(s) out on index
cards and post them around in various places. Above the kitchen sink, on my
dresser, on the fridge, on the treadmill, next to the computer, and (my
favorite) in the bathroom. I do NOT suggest posting a Bible verse on your
steering wheel.
6. Including Senses. I learn best by seeing and
hearing. I really look hard and study the words until I can see them in my mind
without looking. I even know where the words are on the lines and the
appearance of the page. I also say the words aloud so I can hear my voice.
Speaking it aloud is a good test because often I feel like I know it well but
when I try to recite it, I realize I'm not as confident as I thought. I'm not
in the car a lot, but a good suggestion is to record your voice and listen to it
while you drive to and from work.
7. Constant Review. The times that I
have had the most success memorizing have been when I've reviewed the verses
several times throughout the day. I start with going over the passage in the
morning. Then I keep a copy in my pocket and pull it out at odd times during
the day. Even as busy as we think we are, there are often brief moments of free
time. (Waiting in line, during a meal, while the kids are playing) If we learn
how to recognize these moments and seize the opportunity, we can quickly
multiply the amount of time we spend practicing.
8. Routine. I am a
very organized and routine-oriented person. Once I choose to work something
into my schedule, it gets done. I do my Quiet Time at a specific time each day
and incorporate the bulk of my memorizing at that time. If something comes up
and I miss a day or two, I am resolved to get back on track and continue when my
schedule goes back to normal.
There are so many wonderful resources out
there. Below are a few that you may find helpful as well. Regardless of our
method or how we go about memorizing, the important thing to remember is that
God is on our side! He wants us to do this! If we are in His word, we can know
with 100% certainty that we are in accordance with His will. And when we keep
our focus on Him, we can enjoy His most abundant blessings on our lives as we
reap the fruit that has been rooted in our hearts.
Extra resources for
tips on memorizing:
Click here for tips from Pastor John Piper. I
find it encouraging because he assures us that significant amounts can be
learned if we are just consistent in investing only a few minutes a
day.
This article from The Navigators and is nice
because it emphasizes connecting with the verse on a deeper level of
understanding through prayer.
This blog suggests a lot of the same ideas I
stated above.
To read a very exciting and encouraging blog from someone
who already memorized the book of John, click here!
