In a previous post giving a personal testimony about Scripture Memorization I wrote that I would give some ideas for how adults can memorize Scripture.  This is my list of ideas.  You should be able to find something that fits you … your learning style, personality, etc.  Incorporating variety into the way you memorize Bible verses should help keep it from getting boring, from being mere routine.  Who said Scripture memory can’t be fun?

1. Use a Scripture memory system like the Navigators’ Topical Memory System or  The MacArthur Scripture Memory System.  (The links will take you to one of our affiliate stores.)
2. Make your own set of verse cards on three by five cards or printed on cardstock.  Take them with you where ever you go.  Keep rotating through them.
3. Use a buddy system where you learn Scripture together and hold each other accountable.  Small groups, not just one-on-one relationships, can be a good place to employ the buddy system.
4. Use music.  There are plenty of Scripture memory songs for children out there. (The link will take you to our affiliate store.)  Although designed for children, this music could be an easy way for us adults to learn as well.  Scripture Release offers some free downloads of songs based on Scripture verses that are geared more for adults. 
5. Get creative and make up your own song using a Scripture verse for the lyrics.
6. Write it out on a chalk or white board and erase a word and then another and then another, each time trying to say the verse with the missing words.
7. Get some how-to books used for children’s ministry and make it fun for yourself using some of the game ideas suggested in them.  One book in our affiliate store is 52 Ways to Teach Memory Verses.  Who said adults can’t memorize verses using games and other activities?
8. Use a computer program.  You can find programs on the internet by using a search engine, with keywords like “scripture memory program” or “scripture memory software.”  Tack on the word “free” and you will find plenty of freebies.
9. Find an app for your cell phone like the VerseMinder Topical Memory System App for iPhone.  (Link is to iTunes, one of our affiliate programs.)
10. Work with the same verse or passage in a variety of ways.  Read it silently.  Read it aloud.  Study it.  Write it out. 
11. Put some rhythm into it.  Say it with emphasis on different words or syllables, clapping or tapping to each word, etc.
12. Make symbols or draw pictures to represent words or phrases, either literally on paper or with mental images.  Use these images to guide you through recall of the verse.
13. Each time you say the verse aloud, do it differently (i.e., regular volume, a whisper, loud, fast, slow, normal speed, etc.).
14. Make a recording of verses you want to memorize and take it with you in the car to play on a continuous loop as you travel.

The Experiences I Have Had with Memorizing Scripture

I remember the Scripture memory contests in Sunday School when I was a child.  I recall many times cramming right before class so I could go in, say the verse and get the prize.  And, that is as far as my memory goes on those verses.  I also remember times when teachers were more creative in their approach and made it fun to learn the verses.  We did it together, in class, sometimes for prizes but often not.  Those are the verses I still remember. 

Consequently when I began teaching children’s classes, and writing lesson plans incorporating Scripture memorization, like Children Learn to Worship using Psalm 100, I wanted to do it in ways that built positive attitudes toward memorizing Bible verses. 

Ten helpful principles for teachers to do that are in the Effective Scripture Memorization Worksheet.  

As I grew older physically into adulthood but also spiritually, I began to memorize verses that related to my life situations, sort of as a spiritual discipline, but more because I simply wanted to know them.  I memorized for the intrinsic value of it, not for some extrinsic reward.  What a difference!

The Means I Have Used to Memorize Verses

I have found that variety works best for me.  And I like to have fun doing it.  Why can’t memorizing Scripture be fun?  I do believe the best way to memorize Scripture is to do what fits you … your learning style, your personality, etc.  I’ll give some ideas in another post for how adults can memorize Scripture.

But, let me say that what helps me the most, and what I believe we all need to do, is to understand the meaning of the passage and not merely memorize the words. And, of course, much repetition and review has also been necessary.

The True Rewards I Have Received Because of Scripture Memorization

As a result of having God’s Word in my heart through memorization, I have had an arsenal in times of spiritual warfare (Matt. 4:1-11, Eph. 6:10-17).  But, even through the course of every day life experiences, especially the tough ones, these verses will come to mind and bring the comfort, encouragement, or conviction I need in the moment.  At times, it has been instrumental in keeping me from sinning against an awesome and holy God (Ps. 119:11).  I have found these verses coming to mind when talking one-on-one with people or when teaching in the classroom setting in response to questions.  This recall has been a great tool in ministering to others when I either did not have a Bible handy or did not have time to search for answers.  And, sometimes when I am laying in bed at night and can’t sleep, I can meditate on God’s Word in the darkness without a Bible in hand.  What a blessed time that can be!