how i memorize scripture

           My faith is my rock and it has remained my only constant. And for me, having scripture memorized is like wearing a suit of armor for whenever I may feel anxious or lost. As a part of being a Christ follower, I really like the idea of always having God's word with me - for example, I have a spare bible in my car, and a bible app on my phone, but sometimes even that doesn't equip me for every moment. Over the years, there have been many times I've felt overwhelmed when all I had to do was recite the word of God to myself and I found peace.

          When I find verses I'd like to memorize, I actually only do a few things. And it's so unbelievably simple, I'm surprised I haven't seen more people use this technique...

HOW I MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE

Step One: I GET TO KNOW THE WORD

          Personally, I will always pick a verse from a book or theme of the bible that I familiarize myself with first. I also try to wait for the verse to find me, because for whatever I am going through in my life, God has the answer and he will give it to me. Side note, I also learned in psychology, that context does help memorization. So when you have the backstory behind the verse, you can remember it better. It may take on infinite new meanings on how it applies to your life, but you know it's roots.

Step Two: I WRITE IT DOWN

          I always make sure to write the verse down on paper. I'll stick it on my mirror, my dashboard, anywhere I am a lot and will see it. I'll also save it to my notes app on my phone. That way I have a constant reminder.

Step Three: I TURN IT INTO A LONGGGGG ACRONYM

          Lastly, and this is the key part to how I memorize scripture, I'll take a pen and write down the first letter of every word from the verses I'm memorizing. Personally, I write it on the back of my hand, but paper works too. Every verse I've ever done this with, I've learned in a day - almost effortlessly. I like to keep at this technique for a few days, however, so I'm sure the verse is in my long term memory and I can recall it whenever I need it.

         Take James 1:27 for example...

 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: 

to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep 

oneself from being polluted by the world.

         Like the picture above, I'll write on my hand RTGOFAAPAF... and so on. As I'm reciting the verse, I'll refer to these letters when I get stuck. And that is how I memorize scripture!

With love, S.