MEMORIZING PASSAGES OF THE BIBLE
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Why Engage It?
Scripture Memory is an essential part of spiritual transformation. Many individuals memorize a single verse or a sentence that appears across two verse designations. This practice can provide someone with a key thought or solidify a truth about God. However, this practice can also result in a de-contextualized scripture, a passage that can easily be misconstrued.
A balancing element for memorization is to frequently read the passage as you memorize a verse. Even better, one can memorize an entire passage of Scripture; this may be a chapter in the Bible like Psalm 1, John 15, or Colossians 3 or a series of verses like Psalm 119:1-8 or Philippians 2:5-11. With these longer passages in memory, the follower of Jesus will have larger thoughts of God for meditation. Another benefit for having such passages in one’s brain is found in recognizing similarities of thought from various places in the Bible–even when the writers use different words.
How to Practice It
In order to begin memorizing a larger passage, you should read the passage multiple times over a short period of time. Reading the surrounding context can also help establish a setting for your memorization. During the week or two weeks spent memorizing a longer passage read it at least once per day. Instead of writing out single verses on a memory card, write down connected thoughts and complete clauses or sentences. The more you find connections within the passage itself, the greater it will connect within your mind and heart.
A great place to start is Psalm 1 where verses 1-3 and 4-6 express two distinct thoughts comparing two ways of living. Several parallel phrases stand out which should be learned together. Another great place to memorize is Psalm 119. This psalm consists of 22 eight verse sections, with each section focusing in Hebrew around a single letter of the alphabet. Each section also represents a complete thought or idea which also aids in the memorization process.
As you memorize, be certain to review every day to help solidify the passage in your mind. In addition, don’t always review from beginning to end. Review the thought passages, so with Psalm 1, you can review verses 4-6 first on some days, or with Psalm 119:1-8, you could begin with verses 5-6 or 7-8 instead of verse 1.