How to Memorize Large Sections of the Bible with Ease
by Pastor Steven L. Anderson
There are 3 primary methods that will revolutionize the way you memorize the Bible:
The first method I discovered was the one contained in this link which explains how to retain what you have memorized: You can memorize the New Testament in 5 years.
The second method is the secret repetition method. This involves chanting verses in your mind while performing everyday tasks. It is called the "secret repetition" method because no one around you is aware that you are quoting your verses.
The third method is my variation on the "secret repetition" method which is breaking chapters and verses down into very small parts which allows me to memorize verses even when my mind must be occupied with other things. It takes almost no mental effort to quote very short phrases, and if these short phrases are quoted hundreds of times, putting them together into chapters later is very easy.
Here is an example:
If I were memorizing Acts 5:42, I would break it down in this way:
- And daily in the temple..., And daily in the temple... (about 100X)
- ...and in every house..., ...and in every house... (about 100X)
- ...they ceased not to teach and preach..., ...they ceased not to teach and preach... (about 100X)
- ...to teach and preach Jesus Christ., ...to teach and preach Jesus Christ. (about 100X)
Notice the overlapping of sections 3 & 4. This is very helpful.
At this rate I would have the verse memorized in 8 minutes. This may seem like a long time, but remember, this can easily be done while you are about your daily tasks. If you can keep this rate up for only 4 hours, you will have memorized 30 verses! 29 verses is the average length of a new testament chapter.
A day spent memorizing verses this way (use 3x5 cards) and also quoting chapters you've already learned is like spending an entire day reading the Bible except it takes almost no time out of your schedule.
Meditating in the word of God day and night will revolutionize your soul-winning, Bible knowledge, preaching, walk with God, etc.
Here are a few of God's promises associated with memorization/meditation:Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Psalm 1:2-3 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. |
Here are a few more resources:
You must right-click on these files and "save target as" to download them to your computer.
Pastor Anderson preaching the entire book of Hebrews from memory at Faithful Word Baptist Church
"Bible Memorization Techniques" Sermon mp3 preached on 3/18/07
"Thou Shalt Meditate" Sermon mp3 preached on 6/14/09
"Bible Memory" Sermon mp3 preached on 1/2/11
"Psalm 119 (Aleph - He)" Sermon preached on 11/22/15
Monthly quoting/reading schedule I use - DOC - ODT - PDF
Template for printing note cards for Bible verses (You can paste verses from E-sword, The Word, or other Bible programs into this template)
List of foods that will help or harm your memorization of the Bible
Check back for more memorization methods, charts, etc.
