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Spiritual Disciplines: How can I memorize Scripture?

By June 15, 2025ANC Blog

When I first became an intern at All Nations church, when I was 19, one of my assignments was to read and memorize 10 scripture verses. I scoffed, trying to figure out the need for even memorizing Bible verses. But I tried, i did a little bit of work, and then the test came. I had maybe 2 down pat, and the rest were a little bit more rough. As I’ve gotten older though, I realized some of the wisest Christians I know have memorized piles of Scripture. So, I decided to ask some of them how they have memorized so many verses and I’ve put pieces of their advice below. But first, why should we be memorizing verses?

1. It changes how you think.
Romans 12:2 reminds us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Scripture gives us new patterns of thinking—truth to replace lies, hope to combat fear, and perspective when life feels overwhelming.

2. It strengthens you in moments of weakness.
Jesus quoted Scripture when He was tempted in the wilderness. Not a commentary. Not a podcast. Scripture. When you’re struggling with anxiety, temptation, doubt, or discouragement, having verses hidden in your heart becomes a powerful weapon.

3. It helps you encourage others.
There’s something meaningful about being able to speak a word of truth into someone’s life—not from your own wisdom, but from God’s. Memorized Scripture allows you to be ready, whether in a coffee shop conversation or a late-night phone call, to bring comfort and direction.

4. It deepens your relationship with God.
When Scripture moves from being read to being remembered, it starts to form your inner dialogue. You begin to hear God’s voice not just in church or through sermons, but in the quiet of your own mind.

How Do You Memorize Scripture?

1. Make it part of your routine.
One person told me they attach a verse to a daily task—like brushing their teeth or making coffee. Every morning, that verse is in front of them until it sticks.

2. Use your phone as a tool.
Several people mentioned using Scripture memory apps like Verses, Bible Memory, or simply setting a verse as their lock screen. If you’re going to check your phone 100 times a day, you might as well use it to hide God’s Word in your heart.

3. Start small and stay consistent
Don’t feel like you need to memorize a whole chapter. Start with one verse a week. Write it on a sticky note. Repeat it out loud. Pray through it. And give yourself grace—it’s about soaking in God’s Word, not passing a test.

4. Put it to music.
A few people said they remember Scripture best through song. There are entire albums and playlists designed to help you memorize verses through melody. (Think Seeds Family Worship or Shane & Shane’s Psalms albums.)

Final Thought

I used to think Scripture memory was for kids in Sunday School or seminary students. But now I see it’s for all of us—for the everyday Christian trying to follow Jesus in a noisy, confusing world.

God’s Word was never meant to sit on a shelf or live only on an app. It was meant to live in us, to shape our hearts and steady our steps. So if you’ve never tried memorizing Scripture—or if, like me at 19, you’ve scoffed at it—maybe today is the day to try again.

Pick one verse. Write it out. Speak it often. And let it begin to take root.

It might just surprise you how much it will grow.

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