On Memorizing Scripture

Upon reading the chapter on Scripture from John Piper's Desiring God, our group felt convicted to be more disciplined in our Scripture memorization.

Our first challenge is to have a verse (at minimum) memorized to share with the group on Wednesday, March 16th... how's it going so far?!

Here are some wonderful tips on Scripture memorization from our pastor, Kyle:

Preparation...

1. Choose your translation. I suggest memorizing from a more literal translation, but the best is probably whatever translation you read and study in regularly. You know my personal favorite is the ESV.
2. Ideally, choose not just a verse, but a passage so that you can memorize in context. Perhaps even a whole chapter or book.
3. Be committed to memorizing exactly as it is written. Don't create your own summary, by changing words and leaving stuff out. Be precise.
4. Decide your pace. One verse a week isn't enough. A verse a day is a great minimum to start with, but don't underestimate how much you could actually do over time. Pick your pace and protect however much time you need to keep it up.
5. It is your choice as to whether you will also memorize the reference numbers. Some are big on this because it is so helpful for using the verse later on. Others opt not to because they were added later on and are not part of the text, not to mention...it's hard to keep up with! Your call on this.

Daily Process (at least five days each week)...

1. Begin by quoting what you've memorized up to that day. If you don't review them, you will lose them.
2. Read your first verse of the day 10 times very slowly, stopping your eyes on each word as you say it out loud. Your brain will want to go faster, but only go as fast as you can while still stopping your eyes on each word as you say it, taking a picture of it with your mind.
3. Now, quote that verse 10 times, glancing back at the text as necessary if you get stuck, or to make sure you're saying it correctly. This ten-times-twice procedure will help you meditate on the meaning as you'll notice various words and insights as you go over and over them.
4. Repeat these first two steps with your next verse (if you're doing more than a verse that day)
5. Before proceeding to your third verse (if you're a beast and doing multiple verses each day), say your first two from that day 5 times together. After doing the ten-times-twice thing with your third verse, say all three 5 times together.

Long-term review...

1. Once you complete the passage you set out to memorize, quote it daily for a month.
2. Then, park it on a particular day of the week, and quote it every Thursday (for example) for the rest of your life. After quoting it daily for a month, you'll be able to do it weekly like this without looking which means you can do it in the shower, or while dressing, or driving to work, etc.
3. Occasionally, have someone check you with an open Bible so that you can make sure you haven't started substituting a word here and there or leaving something out.

Final thoughts...

1. Learn! A lot of learning can take place through this process and that is key. You don't want to do this without soaking up the Scripture.
2. Pray! Ask God to open your eyes as you do this so that you truly value the Treasure of God's Word.
3. Obey! Don't spend weeks memorizing something that you are not living out.
4. Be humble! Guard yourself against pride when you are memorizing well and condemnation when you are struggling.