Memorizing by Reading

Here’s the second installment in a series of practical methods of memorizing Scripture.  Many of these are more laid back, almost as if you aren’t actually memorizing.  Such is the case with today’s method: read it.

When reading a verse, remember; don’t just mindlessly read over the passage. You have to really think about what you’re saying, or else you’re just wasting your time.

Try reading your verse or passage once a day.  Don’t forget to include the reference before and after your read the actual verse.  This whole process may take a while, but eventually you will notice that you have the verse memorized.  If you’re looking for something a little less time consuming and pressured, this is a good option.

Try writing the words with different colors and styles and then reading it off of that card.  In John 3:16 you could highlight all the references to God in say, blue; all the references to death or blood, red; all the references to mankind, yellow, and so on.  The crazier it is, the better it will stick in your mind.  You can write verses using all kinds of wild fonts, colors, and sizes.  As you read this card over and over again, it will soon become embedded in your mind.

Another reading-based method for memorization is from Dr. John Mitchell. In January 2012 Kenneth Berding from Talbot School of Theology explained the Mitchell method: to read the passage 50 times over, out loud, with great emphasis, while looking at the words.  In this way, he could memorize a verse without really trying to memorize it.   Adding to his ideas, I would suggest that once you’ve read it over 50 times while looking at the words, recite it 25 times without looking at the words, so that you really have it solidified in your mind.  The key principle here, again, is to be thinking about what you’re reading, not just reading it.  I can read something over a hundred times and still not get it, because I was not paying attention to the words.

Also, try writing the verse on sticky notes, or index cards, and pasting them somewhere you’ll see them often.  Here’s my list of suggested places:

Shower

Car

• Washboard
• Windows
• Seat in front of you

Bathroom

Doors

Table

Water bottle

Above sink

On a box you use frequently, such as a toolbox

You can put it in a,

Purse

Briefcase

Wallet

A book as a bookmark

Pocket (I’ve done this one often)

Lunch box (or any other sort of box)

Phone (as the cover or background)

Computer (put a sticky note on it, or put the Scripture in a background image)

Then, whenever you walk by the verse or see it, you can read it. 

As a final tip, read your verse or passage AOAP, as often as possible.  :)  Eventually you will find, that without really trying, you can recite the verse completely from memory.  God’s blessings be upon your memorization!