Memorize Scripture!
We know it’s important to meditate on God’s Word and apply it to our lives, and memorizing Scripture can make a difference in our lives, as well as in our ability to share truth with other believers and with non-believers. If you need to make it a habit to memorize Scripture, here are some ways that can help:
Audio Bible:
Listening to the Bible on audio is helpful for thinking on God’s Word as you’re working or falling asleep. Normally, we might listen to whole books at a time, but it can also be helpful for memorizing a single chapter. Play one chapter on repeat, as many times as you need to, until you have it memorized.
You can search by chapter or book on Youtube, or download your own copy here: https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/audio-bible-resources/recordings-database
Verse memory app:
This is a helpful Bible memory app that asks you to type the first letter of each word, and removes words: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.millennialsolutions.scripturetyper
As you type the words, say them out loud. That is not only for memory itself, but also for keeping your attention and momentum.
Topical studies:
Reading topical studies like those from Days of Praise can help you remember specific verses that apply to your obedience and situations in life. You can get Days of Praise in print form or online here: https://www.icr.org/articles/search/
Study specifically about God here:
Songs:
I regularly have my kids listen to Bible songs, and often I end up learning the songs subconsciously, just by hearing them in the background. Search on Youtube for a specific verse you are trying to memorize (for example, “Proverbs 15:1 song”). If you are a parent of young children, Bible Songs for Kids albums #1-7 are very helpful! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxUXD0EyoeIkkhFP5WNKZrw
Sword drills book:
Improve your memory of references by regularly studying a “sword drills” book so you become familiar with matching verses with their references. Here is one that we own: https://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=24244
This site also has a nice overview of verse references you might want to learn: https://www.navigators.org/resource/topical-memory-system/
Single verses on display:
If there is a certain verse you know you need to meditate on and take to heart, hang it in your house or make it the background on your computer. If you use your phone a lot, you can design a simple verse picture for your phone’s background.
Most of all, make sure that you are not simply a “hearer” but a “doer” of the Word (James 1:22)!