How to Memorize Bible Verses in 7 Simple Steps

Some people have a very easy time memorizing things, especially verses found in the Bible. Maybe you’re like me and you have to really work at committing Scripture to memory.  Don’t be discouraged. With a little effort and a smidge of commitment, you can begin memorizing God’s Word.

First, begin by praying to God for help in this important endeavor. In Deuteronomy 6:6, we read “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.” I believe that this is speaking to the high value God places on our committing His word to heart.

Dallas Willard, spiritual teacher and author says, “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.”

If we are to think of the things of God, memorizing Scripture seems like a perfect place to start. How can you memorize Bible verses?

Step 1: Begin with verses that are familiar to you. For example:

7 Familiar Bible Verses

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

John 11:35

Jesus wept.

Matthew 28:19

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…

Romans 3:23

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Revelation 1:8

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Step 2: Once you have chosen the verse you are going to memorize for Week One, write the verse on an index card (either 3 x 5 or 4 x 6).  You can use colored ones if you like. The important thing is to write the verse down.

Step 3: After you have written the verse down, read the verse out loud. Be sure to include the verse address. For example, “Jesus wept”-John 11:35. Repeat this process at least 4 times. 

Step 4: Once you have read it out loud, close your eyes and repeat as much of it as you can remember.

1. Stop at the point you forget or stumble and re-read the verse out loud again.

2. Break the verse into smaller bite size pieces if necessary.

3. Repeat this at least 4 times, or until you can repeat the verse from memory.

Step 5: Carry the index card with you, either in your pocket or your purse. Pull the card out throughout the day and read and re-read the verse. Try to say repeat it either in your head or out loud.

Step 6: During your breaks at work and/or lunch break, take 10 minutes to read your verse. Try to repeat it without looking at your index card.

Step 7: At home, without looking at the verse written on your card, try to repeat it out loud. Try to enlist memory aids like the verse address or a tidbit about the verse. For example, for John 11:35, “Jesus wept”, it might help you recall that this particular verse is often called  the shortest verse in the Bible. Again, repetition is key so do this at least four times each go around. 

Continue this process daily until you have the verse memorized. Give yourself a week for your first verse. Reassess and tweak as needed. If you keep after it, in the course of a few weeks you’ll be well on your way to committing your favorite Bible verses to heart.

I’ll be praying for you.