Why Memorize Scripture?

On the one hand, we can say that memorizing Scripture is important simply because God commands that we should do so, and he knows what is good for us (Deut. 6:6-9; Prov. 2:1-7; Col. 3:16)—on the other hand, there are many blessings that God promises we receive when we store his word up in our hearts (Ps. 119:11)! The first Psalm, which sets the tone for all the rest of the Psalms, says that someone who “meditates day and night” on Scripture is “blessed.” Psalm 119:11 shows how memorizing Scripture helps to guard us from sin. James says that right meditation on God’s word leads us to obedient action (1:24-25). Practically, it also makes sense that the better the framework of Scripture we have stored up, the better we’ll be able to interpret an individual passage. It takes discipline, but the more Scripture memory you practice, the easier memorization tends to be, and the more you will grow to enjoy it!

One of the things Moses tells the Israelites to do is to “write [God’s commandments] on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deut. 6:9). One practical aid to Scripture memory is simply to keep it in front of your face. All the time. You could carry around flashcards, write the initials of the verse on your hand, or set it as your phone background. Be creative! Draw pictures based on verses. Utilize websites or apps such as biblememory.com. Find artists who put the words of Scripture to music (“The Corner Room,” “Verses Project,” “Verses,” etc.). Keep God’s word in front of you as often as you can! At the same time, it is important not to memorize simply out of uninterested obligation. All over the Prophets, we see that God delights not in empty worship practices done for their own sake, but in genuine worship to God from the heart. Choose verses that remind you of God’s goodness, so you can praise him; verses that help you repent of sin, so you can draw closer to him in holiness; verses that “revive your soul” and “rejoice your heart” (Ps. 19:7-8)!

Don’t limit yourself to single verses, either! It can be incredibly helpful to memorize whole passages of Scripture, as to understand greater context and to have “swords” of the Spirit at the ready, and not just “daggers.” Here are some suggestions for verses to memorize:

• John 3:16

• Matthew 28:18-20

• Psalm 46:10

• Romans 1:16

• Roman Road (3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9)

• John 15:5

• Philippians 4:6-7

• Psalm 1, 23, 139

• Ephesians 2:8-10

• Isaiah 57:15

• Romans 8