How Do You Memorize Scripture? - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - June 3, 2023
To grow strong and mature in your faith, memorizing Scripture is a powerful tool that helps you break patterns of sin and mature in your relationship with God. By following simple steps such as choosing a verse that speaks to you, reading it aloud, and memorizing it exactly, you can start this journey of biblical growth today.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
If you want to grow strong and mature as a follower of Jesus, you have to memorize Scripture! God’s Word is truth—and planting it in the soil of your heart is a powerful tool for growth.
Psalm 119:1 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (NIV). Hiding God’s Word in your heart—memorizing it—helps you break patterns of sin in your life and mature in your faith.
If you’ve never memorized Scripture before, it may be intimidating. But you can do this! Maybe you think you’re not smart enough, or perhaps you’ve had trouble memorizing before. Here are some simple steps you can follow to start memorizing God’s Word today:
1. Pick a verse that speaks to you. Don't choose a verse because you think you should memorize it. Memorize it because you want to—because you believe it will make a difference in your life.
2. Say the Scripture reference before and after the text. For instance, with today’s verse, you would say, “Psalm 119:11, ‘I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.’ Psalm 119:11.” Sometimes the reference is the hardest thing to remember, so by saying it out loud before and after the verse, it becomes easier to remember.
3. Read the verse aloud, and read it many times. Many people remember what they say, not what they read. As you say a verse aloud, you’re recording it in your mind.
4. Memorize it exactly. Don’t try to manipulate the Scripture before you learn it. Learn it as it is in the Bible.
5. Start by memorizing one verse a week. In time you may be able to learn two verses a week, but start slowly. As I mentioned in a previous devotional, if you memorize one verse a week, you will memorize 52 verses in a year! If you memorize two a week, that will be more than 100 in a year. You’ll carry so much truth and wisdom in your heart and mind for you to recall later.
I know people who have memorized entire books of the Bible. They’re not geniuses. They just decided they were going to do it—one verse at a time.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Your Gift Brings Hope to the World
Thank you for helping restore broken hearts with the hope of Jesus!
I am so grateful to be on mission with you! Your gift today is a bold statement that you want to be a light in this world and make an eternal impact for Jesus Christ.
As thanks for your gift, we’re excited to send you the "Hope Is Born: A Christmas Scripture Collection" Scripture cards. This set of 52 beautifully designed cards brings the joy of the season to life, each sharing a powerful verse celebrating the hope and wonder of Jesus’ birth.
Request yours below when you give, and thank you for going on mission to reach our world with the love of Jesus!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of “current offer” materials you received from Daily Hope.
_638979300394061748.webp)
