The Art of Bible Memory

Memorized Scriptures can be like powerful time-release capsules. In the midst of depression or despondency they can be drawn to mind to ease a difficult situation. Many Christian leaders have testified to the life-changing power of memorizing the Bible. Dallas Willard, for example, once said, “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.”

1. Learn: Seek Fresh Approaches

Try new things. Listen to what works for others. Discover what works best for you. We remember what we learn creatively.

2. Love: Grow Through Relationships

We need learning, loving, missional communities to really grasp and memorize the Bible. We remember what we learn together.

3. Linger: Form New Habits

Set aside time each day to memorize (discipline), review what you’ve memorized each day (active recall), do lots of repetition (rote learning), and get creative. We remember what we learn through habits.

4. Links: Make Creative Links

We learn through our whole bodies and senses and beings. The Bible finds its way deep into our hearts not only through repetition but also through beauty, art, poetry, story, nature, and more. We remember what we learn through imaginative links.

5. Live: Apply Your Learning

The verses are in our minds, they are changing our hearts, and they are leading us to imitate and follow Jesus Christ. We show that this isn’t just head knowledge; this is what we truly believe! We remember what we apply and put into practice.

6. Lean: Lean on the Spirit’s Inspiration

Jesus will help you recall the verses and live them out for the sake of His mission and Kingdom and for the Father’s glory. Ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you with these verses. We remember what inspires us and what the Spirit empowers us to recall.

Content taken from Hide This In Your Heart: Memorizing Scripture for Kingdom Impact by Michael Frost and Graham Joseph Hill. Copyright © 2020. Used by permission of NavPress, represented by Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved. For purchases please visit navpress.com.