Bible Memory

(Someone asked about Bible Memory and so I asked Amos if he would do a post on Bible Memory for those interested. Amos has memorized large portions of the Bible and loves to encourage others to do so. Thanks, Amos!)

Deuteronomy 11:18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

My siblings and I were first motivated to memorize large portions of scripture by competition at student conventions. However, when one memorizes scripture they find it has rewards far greater than human recognition or prizes! As we memorize the Bible we meditate on God's Word and thus learn what God wants us to do and are then enabled to be truly prosperous and successful.

To memorize a passage, first, we choose the text and read through it. Then we generally work on the first verse. We read it several times (preferably aloud) until we can repeat it from memory a few times. We break large verses into smaller sections at times. Some will emphasize a different word each time they read a phrase.

Next we memorize the second verse and then add it to the first. We normally will learn about five verses in a chunk and then learn another chunk of about five verses. We will add these sections together as we learn them or when we've made it through the chapter. At times I've learned all the verses in a chapter and then put them together.

We try to quote one chapter from memory at a time to another person to check us. Naomi, Isaac, Miriam, Hosanna, Rebekah, and myself, have each, by some similar method, memorized a number of chapters or books. Some of it we remember well, and much we don't recall, but it is all very familiar and easy to rememorize.

Some may think it vain to spend so much time if you will forget it. But, you can retain it all if you regularly review and even if you forget much you will remember some. It is excellent to read the Bible even though you remember little and how much richer is memorization? We find that the Holy Spirit often brings to mind verses that we have learned when we need them. Hiding God's Word in our hearts helps us do right and sin not; then God will bless and give good success!

Deuteronomy 32:47 For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go up to possess it.