Scripture memorisation is not something reserved for scholars, academics, or ministers; it is a discipline for every Christian.
Memory is an amazing thing. Occasionally, my wife and I go onto YouTube and watch old adverts from our childhood. It is incredible how, after all these years, the jingles, sayings, and even telephone numbers are still stored in our memory.
Yet so many people say they are incapable of memorising Scripture. We can memorise songs, sports statistics, general information, etc., but for some reason, when it comes to the Bible, we tend to think it is too hard.
It is certainly challenging, but if you apply yourself and discipline yourself, I am sure you can get a few verses locked away in your memory.
1) What Scripture Should I Memorise?
The Bible is a big book (actually, 66 books!), so where should you begin in memorising Scripture?
Since the focus of these articles is evangelism, I recommend memorising key verses about the gospel and the nature of God. These verses will be used time and time again while witnessing.
For instance, if you memorise 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, you will have a helpful outline that you can use when sharing the good news. In that passage, we see the key truths of sin, the cross, and the resurrection being declared as central.
If you want to talk about God’s love, you may commit John 3:16 to memory. If you wonder how to call someone to saving faith, memorise Acts 16:30-31.
There are many verses to remember, and ultimately, there are no wrong verses to commit to memory. It is all God’s Word!
A few years ago, I was speaking with Dr Alan Cairns about the evangelistic ministry of Ian Paisley. In that conversation, he mentioned a resource that Rev Paisley used: The Vest Pocket Companion for Christian Workers by R.A. Torrey. This little book contains hundreds of Scriptures and suggested types of people to share them with. I have found it to be immensely helpful as a guide for what to memorise.
2) Start Small and Build
We have probably all heard stories about people who have memorised large portions of Scripture: whole books of the Bible or Psalm 119. We can look at them and think, “I can’t do that!” That’s true; you may not be able to do that at this moment.
The memory is like a muscle; you need to work on building it up. Start small with your Bible memorisation. Perhaps start by memorising just one verse a week, or even one verse a month. Start slowly and build up. In time, you will be able to add more and more Scripture.
“Spending ten minutes a day memorising a verse of Scripture will add up over time. You will be amazed at how much you begin to remember.”
When you begin to memorise a verse, a good way to start is by saying the reference aloud, then reading the whole verse (out loud), and finishing by stating the reference again. Do this several times in a row and throughout the day.
Write down the verse on a card or put it in your phone so you can carry it with you and look at it several times a day. When stuck in a queue at the shop, read over the verse a few times (this time, maybe quietly in your head!).
Spending ten minutes a day memorising a verse of Scripture will add up over time. You will be amazed at how much you begin to remember.
3) Practical Tools for Scripture Memory
We are blessed today with a variety of tools that help us memorise God’s Word. On my desk, I have a pile of printed memory verse cards that I bought online. These are helpful because I can pick one up and read through it several times. They can also travel with me as I go about my daily routines.
There are also numerous apps you can get for your phone that will help you memorise Scripture. Some are free; others require payment. Browse the app store on your phone to find something that works for you.
Many books and programmes have been developed to help you memorise Scripture. A few I would recommend include:
An Approach to Extended Memorization of Scripture – Andrew Davis
Fighter Verses – Desiring God
The Navigators Topical Memory System
The MacArthur Scripture Memory System – John MacArthur
Ruth’s Scripture Treasures – Ruth Graham
There are many resources available, and the key is finding one that works best for you.
Conclusion
Scripture memory is a lifelong investment. What you put in today will help you in your Christian walk and witness. Start with one verse, then go and share it with someone.
In the next article, I will give you some practical examples of how to use your memorised Scripture in the open air.