Scripture memory has been a part of my life for decades. I confess that I went in spurts in earlier years. Some years, I was faithful and memorized about 100 new verses. Other years, I slacked off. What I failed to keep reviewing, I eventually lost. I was probably about 50 before memorization became a permanent part of my routine. I’m now 69, and for years I have given the task my time regularly, settling into a weekly routine with Saturday reminders popping up in my to-do list phone app. For many years, two of the few resources on this blog’s Christian Resources page have been related to Scripture memory: a brochure I created with 100+ verses for anyone to use as a guide, and a phone app I have used for many years in my memorization. So, memorizing Bible passages is important to me, as it should be for all who want to grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and their relationship with and service for Christ.
That is why I was eager to read Andrew Davis’s little book, How to Memorize Scripture for Life, when a friend recently passed it on to me. She attended a conference where the author spoke on the subject, and I listened to a podcast last year in which Davis was the featured guest, discussing Scripture memory.
The book is more rightly called a booklet. It’s a small size and only 57 pages, but that is enough to communicate the why, what, and how of memorization. The author is known for memorizing entire books of the Bible, so the book’s subtitle is “From One Verse to Entire Books.” I realize that the thought of memorizing an entire book may seem daunting and impossible to many, but it really isn’t when done over time. My hope is to encourage you to consider memorizing any quantity, single verses or otherwise.
Following the preface that discusses what started the author on his journey of memorization, the sections discuss the following:
- Scripture Memorization Commanded
- The Benefits of Scripture Memorization
- Overcoming Excuses for Not Memorizing
- Memorizing Individual Verses and Memorizing Books
- Getting Started
- Daily Procedures
- Dealing with Challenges
- Kissing the Book Goodbye . . . to Learn Other Books
- Memorizing Long Books and Memorizing Faster
Following the book’s conclusion, there are two helpful appendices.
There are various sources of Scripture memory guides and varying approaches to the task. All of them at least include the reminder to be intentional, set aside time, be regular in your efforts, and review what you’ve previously learned to keep it in an inward place that is easily retrieved when needed. Davis’s book is no exception to such advice, but I especially appreciate his section on overcoming excuses. Many of us will see our present or former self in excuses such as, “I don’t have a good memory,” “It will take too much time,” “I’m too busy,” “I’m not very interested,” “I’ve tried before, and it never really worked,” “I don’t see the benefit of working on it that hard,” “If I read the Bible every day, why do I need to memorize it,” “I don’t know what translation to use,” “I might become prideful,” or “I don’t know how to do it.” Davis addresses all of the above excuses for not memorizing Scripture.
I also appreciate books that go the extra mile in providing specific, practical content, and that is what you’ll find in the appendices. Are you looking for a smaller Bible book with an approximate number of verses you’d like to tackle over the next year? Appendix 1 lists the number of chapters and verses for each book. Do you want to take the journey the author did in memorizing Ephesians? Appendix 2 tells you exactly what to work on to memorize the book over six months, including daily work on new content and review of previous content. Eating that elephant one bite at a time may not seem so daunting when you see the plan written out and divided over a long period.
The only disappointment I have with the book is its price. With a retail price of $9.99, I think it’s overpriced for something that small, but as I write this, it’s available at Christianbook.com for $7.98.
If you are not currently engaged in regular Scripture memorization, or if you struggle and need some help, I recommend this little book. You will surely glean some insights and inspiration from it to help you do what Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” That is my “why” for memorizing Scripture.
And don’t forget to check out the memorization-related resources on the Christian Resources page of this blog. They may help as well. May God use your efforts to hide His Word in your heart to bless you and others who may benefit from your sharing of it with them.
