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There are really only a few ways to memorize scripture quickly and make it stick for the long-term.

You can use either:

A Memory Palace NetworkMnemonic imagesRote RepetitionFlashcardsSpaced-repetition softwareCloze testsA combination of all the above

On this page, I’ll walk you through each of these options.

You’ll learn how to create effective associations to use within your Memory Palaces if that’s the option you choose.

And you’ll get my best secrets for all of the other methods, including the bad memory habits you must avoid.

Are you ready?

Great �� let’s get started!

How to Memorize Scripture: 7 Proven Approaches

Before you start memorizing scripture, please consider following my P.E.A.C.H. formula ().

is possible. But you have to set aside the time to do it. And it’s very important not to let yourself get interrupted.

For best results, explore each of the methods on this page in a well-thought out study place and a time when you won’t be disturbed.

One: The Memory Palace Network for Memorizing Scripture and Verse Numbers

Many people are aware of the and related like the and the .

It works simply. You take a familiar location, like your home or a neighborhood. Then, you assign a path, strategically following a journey where you will place that help you remember verses and their numbers.

For that reason, it helps to have a numbered Memory Palace, like this:

For best results, I suggest you sketch your Memory Palaces and keep these in a Memory Journal.

Then, as you’re learning to use the technique, you have a self-created visual reference to work with as you place mnemonic associations in the Memory Palace.

For some people, it will be easy to memorize multiple words at the same time. For others, it will be necessary to encode the verses with an image for every word.

When it comes to memorizing the verse numbers specifically, you’ll want a number memory technique like the or the . I’ll give a detailed example further down showing you how all this works.

Two: Mnemonic Images without a Memory Palace

Some people do not want to use Memory Palaces. They wonder if they can simply create associations to scripture and have them float “in the void of their mind.��

On of my students just did that. In fact, on the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast. But as we discovered in our conversation, he still used a certain level of spatial memory. You can contract his experience with those of , who joined me to discuss how he memorized and delivered an entire Psalm to his congregation.

The reason most of us prefer to use a Memory Palace is that it helps reduce the cognitive load. Using a familiar location to place images is like having a canvas to paint on. It helps you look back at a reference point and reconstruct the target verses you want to recall.

Three: Rote Repetition

Of course, it’s worth noting that you’re perfectly welcome to simply repeat the verses until they stick. This approach is traditionally called .

It doesn’t work very well for many of us. In fact, it can be downright destructive because it’s often frustratingly boring.

That said, it’s worth experimenting with in order to see how it compares to using other mnemonic techniques. Often people are pleasantly surprised and come to realize the benefits of the mnemonics provide compared to rote.

Four: Flashcards

I just mentioned “active recall.”�� One of its most important principles is that you need to personalize the associations you make when memorizing scripture.

Obviously, this is not possible with rote learning. That approach involves literally repeating the same thing over and over again.

But let’s say you want to memorize the by name. This is a great way to use .

For example, I drew this to help me remember the name Zephaniah:

I know. I’m not a great artist.

But the zipper helps me remember that the word starts with ‘Z.�� And Shaniah Twain helps me remember the sound of Zephaniah.

The trick here is that the exact name of the Bible is nowhere on the card. I have to use the way I’ve personalized the mnemonics as a clue that triggers the target information. This is what active recall is all about.

Notice something else: The card is itself a kind of Memory Palace. Even without looking at any individual card, you can simply and ask, “What was happening on that card?��

By thinking of your drawing on the card, you’ll improve your rate or recall substantially.

Five: Spaced-Repetition Software

People often ask me about apps for memorizing the Bible.

Personally, I don’t recommend them.

That said, is an app that follows the scientific principles needed for proper .

What’s spaced repetition?

It’s tactically (not randomly) revisiting the verses you’ve worked on committing to memory over time. If you prefer not using software programs, you can combine spaced repetition with flashcards by using the .

Six: Cloze Tests

Some softwares for Bible memorization help you by restricting certain parts of the Bible verses you’re committing to memory. Like this:

I ____ the ____ I have for you,�� ________ the Lord, “plans to ______ you and not to ____ you, plans to ____ you ____ and a ______. �� ________ 29:11

This kind of memory strategy is called a .

Again, you don’t need a software to do it. You can write out scripture and leave out some of the key words and phrases. Then, when reading back the scripture, mentally fill in the blanks or us a pen and paper.

This approach isn’t for everyone, but it’s well worth experimenting with as you commit scripture to memory.

Seven: Combine Strategies

You’ve learned that active recall works best when personalization is involved. Another aspect of active recall is getting in lots of variety. This principle ties together with , which shows that we learn faster when we combine multiple approaches.

For this reason, I recommend you that you don’t get stuck in a rut with just one of the strategies I’ve discussed above. Try them all and rotate through them on a regular basis.

It might seem a bit much at first, but as you continue to weave the activities together, you’ll likely find yourself remember scripture with greater ease.

A Detailed Example of Memorizing Scripture & Verse Numbers

Now let me give you an example of . Let’s focus on one of my favorites:

Proverbs 18:13 (NIV): “To answer before listening �� that is folly and shame.��

First, I suggest that you sort out the keywords. That’s because your mind will typically fill in a lot of smaller words. The keywords I chose when memorizing our example verse were:

AnswerBeforeListeningFollyShame

Next, I asked myself��

Who do I know who relates most closely to either the form of the verse or its meaning?

My friend’s sister Andi comes to mind. She served as an mental association.

Then, using a Memory Palace based on Andi’s brother’s home, I imagined her typing out an email while a bee floated around. Something like what you see in this illustration:

To help with memorizing the full verse, I didn’t have Andi memorize just any kind of email?

Rather, I imagined her writing an email in response to an episode of Faulty Towers she’s just seen on television. She does this before she even heard the end of the sentence that offended her, and as a result, Andi feels ashamed.

Why Faulty Towers?

Because it has a sound similar to “folly�� in it. Note that I thought of and chose Andi as my “Bridging Figure�� for this verse because I was focusing on the first word “answer.��

The “an�� in Andi and the “an�� in answer “magnetically�� attract each other. Weave these associations together in a Memory Palace and one will “trigger�� the other.

By looking for natural parallels that are already in your memory and imagination, you can often come across just the right set of images. This happens much more quickly than if you try to create abstract associations.

Abstractions in your associations must be avoided as much as possible.

They’re difficult to recall, create weak associations and cause more frustration than they’re worth.

How To Memorize All Those “Little Connecting�� Words

Now, you might be thinking that you’re still a beginner. What about “to,�� “before,�� and “is��?

Before you spend time memorizing them, stop and think it through.

Do you really need to memorize them? Or can you allow your mind to fill in the blanks?

In my experience, most people do fine with letting their mind fill in the blanks, provided they follow the rest of the steps I’m sharing now. As you’ve learned, Cloze tests actually involve getting yourself to fill in missing words from scripture that you want to memorize, so it’s actually a good thing not to have an image for each and every word.

But if you need to come up with associations for all these little words, I suggest you consider creating a “stockpile.��

If you use a tutu for “to,�� always use that same association.

If you use a bee driving a forklift for “before,�� always use that every time you need this word.

Don’t worry. It’s unlikely that your mind will mind the repetition. The Memory Palace will provide more than enough differentiation.

The important point is that you’re drawing upon information, ideas, people and objects already in your memory.

That’s where the real memory magic happens. And sadly, this is a point that is too often missed by many memory experts who otherwise mean well.

How To Remember Verse Numbers

I mentioned above that you can use either the Major System or a PAO System to memorize verse numbers.

Let me give you an example of this technique. Once you’re set up with these number systems, you’ll find it simple to create little associations to precede the associations you use for the verses themselves. If you feel like you need more help after going through this example,  feel free to go through my tutorial on the .

For now, have a look at this:

For Proverbs 18:13, for example, I see a large TV set that I actually owned vacuuming J Edgar Hoover using a Hoover vacuum.

Weird and memorizable, right? It is!

But why these images?

Because 18 for me is always represented by a few things, one of which is a TV set.

Not just any TV set, but a particular TV set that has meaning for me.

And when you know the Major Method, you’ll know that there’s a very good reason that it’s a TV and not some other object.

Likewise with J Edgar Hoover with a Hoover vacuum.

It represents 13 because I’m following this simple chart based on the Major:

Sometimes for 13, I see Hoover vacuuming on the Hoover Dam. There’s actually a way to make that dam a Virtual Memory Palace that I’ll talk about in the future. For now, here are you can learn about to enhance .

In any case, having multiple images to draw upon is the Magnetic Memory Method Principle of Compounding. It’s part of the joyful science of creating and using a “Magnetic 00-99 P.A.O.�� Learn more in the MMM course on .

I know that this process might sound complex.

It really isn’t once you get into it. After all, as Jeannie Koh explains in her , using these techniques helped her reach her goals immensely:

And it’s a skill worth having for more than just memorizing verse numbers. It makes committing all numbers fast, easy, effective and fun.

What matters most is that you associate everything with information that already exists in your mind and that is meaningful to you.

Following Up: What To Do After Your Memorize Scripture Verses

Now comes the fun part.

What you want to do is mentally walk through your Memory Palaces one at a time.

Do this as many times as it takes to . Be sure to recall them both verbally and in written form. There are a few more tips on this practice below.

How many times exactly is a question no one can answer. At least 5 times the first day and then 1 time per day for a few weeks is a good rule of thumb derived from .

As you develop your skills, you’ll find that different verses enter your memory at different rates and each presents its own form of brain exercise.

The varying levels of challenge is a good thing. It keeps you on your toes, keeps things interesting, and in fact, you don’t want it to be easy. If using memory techniques suddenly became easy, they’d be boring and you would stop using them.

It’s very important to set a time aside for practicing recall to ensure that you do it.

I suggest using a Memory Journal to gather all your Memory Palaces and record your recall.

There’s no perfect journal, but one I recommend is called . It has just enough space for an effective Memory Palace drawing and lets you create 10-day “sprints�� over the course of 100 days.

How To Recall One A Verse-By-Verse Basis

As you go, “trigger�� off the associations you made and let them bring back the information.

For example, I would start with the specific Memory Palace and the specific station.

How does one remember that?

If you’ve correctly planned and organized your memorization activities, then the answer will be known to you without any stress or strain.

Remember:

You create the Memory Palace Network to serve the outcome you want. This process alone will help you remember what is memorized where.

If you’re properly numbered each Magnetic Station as taught in the free course, then you’ll have even more “autopilot familiarity�� with your Memory Palaces.

How the Memory Palace Tells You The Right Word Order

And if you are memorizing verse numbers and memorizing the scriptures in verse order, order itself acts as a clue. It will tell you where in your Memory Palace the information is located.

Next, I would recall Andi and simply ask myself: “What was she associated with?��

Asking questions during recall is important because you’re encouraging your memory to do a bit of work.

Sometimes the entire line will blast back at you, almost like magic. Especially if you complete these powerful .

Other times, you’ll have to piece it together, word for word.

In all cases, if you have a pen or pencil in hand, recall the verse first, then write it down. Say the line out loud as well.

At more advanced levels, you can certainly remove the writing part, but I don’t recommend it. Even when I’m , I almost always write them out in my Memory Journal.

This simple, 1-2 minute practice ensure that I receive the full benefits for my memory and successful recall.

The Big 5 of Learning For Long Term Memory

In full, these are:

ReadingWritingSpeakingListening……from and into Memory

Visualized, the for memory looks like this:

I’ve just mentioned writing out what you’ve memorized and speaking it out loud.

Writing automatically leads to reading, and you’ve already ready read the verses before, during and after memorizing them.

However, it’s good to also read interpretations by multiple thinkers where possible.

Plus, there are often more comprehensive commentaries available that you can read on various scriptures that will give your mind more context to help create deeper connections in both your imagination and the physical structures of your brain.

A Solo Way To Hear Memorized Verses Out Loud

It’s also important to also hear the verses spoken by others, so try to find recordings that you can listen to and recite along with them.

You can also record yourself and listen back to your own voice.

I also suggest making memorization a family or at least a community occasion.

Reciting with others and hearing others share what certain passages mean for them is very useful for creating long term memory impact.

The Biggest Levers You Need For Memorizing Scripture

In brief, you’ve got to commit to creating the time for memorizing scripture.

Logical, isn’t it? If you really want to get something done, you’ll make the time.

How much time do you need?

No one can honestly say just how long it will take for you to reach your goals. But you can start by gathering your and then assessing how much time you’ll need for each. After that, schedule the time.

Once you’ve started, chances are the question of how long it will take to commit various passages to memory will no longer be very interesting to you.

You’ll be enjoying the process itself too much and become completely satisfied that each new verse gets you closer to the goal. The journey will become so much more important than the destination.

And when those destinations are reached, you’ll be excited and want to create new ones. The benefits for the will be very clear to you.

Common Questions And Answers About Memorizing Scripture Quickly

Does The Length Matter?

Yes and no.

I recommend starting with short verses in the beginning. The sooner you develop the skills needed to quickly and accurately memorize short verses, the sooner you’ll be able to tackle longer verses.

The trick is in seeing that longer verses are usually just shorter verses fit together. In such cases, it can be very helpful to spend more time ensuring that you understand the gist of a long verse before committing it to memory.

Should you use flash cards and sticky notes?

No, I don’t recommend this because it doesn’t create the needed skills of memorization that a Memory Palace and association develops.

These forms don’t create brain exercise either. The only exception to the rule is if you are memorizing individual words or terms and don’t have the answer on the back of the card.

Instead, feature the Magnetic Imagery you created on the opposite side of the flash card or sticky note. In this way, you’ll ask your brain to do a bit of memory work and jog itself into action. The benefits of doing this will be incredibly rewarding.

And as soon as you can, leave the index cards and sticky notes behind.

Why You Shouldn’t Memorize Scripture From Online Sources

Many people want to memorize from online sources such as the Scripture Typer app and Bible Memory Kids.

To be honest, these Bible apps look great on the surface. They’re clean, well-organized and perhaps even fun to use.

But they’re also creating .

If you must source your scripture from a screen, at least write it out in your handwriting and memorize from that. This practice will deepen the importance of the verse to your mind and is a win-win from the get-go.

What Scripture Do You Want To Memorize?

At the risk of being repetitive, knowing why you want to memorize scripture does matter.

For myself, I like to memorize the odd line from the Bible. But overall I prefer scripture from the non-dual tradition, Advaita Vedanta.

In this memory demonstration, you’ll see me recite 32 verses from a text called the Ribhu Gita: 

Although I didn’t memorize a verse every single day, I rarely spent more than 5 minutes on any single verse. It just isn’t necessary when you have these skills.

Also, if you’re concerned about age or various conditions with your brain, keep hope. As mentioned above, my student Matt Barclay completed the course and gave a 12-minute recitation from the Psalms in front of his congregation after spending hardly any time memorizing it. You can see the demonstration and our discussion about how he memorized the Psalm here:

Ultimately, what really matters is that you learn the skills and ground the project on a solid reason why you want to commit the scripture to memory.

And remember:

Long-term memorization is a marathon, not a sprint. You just need to .

Plan, show up consistently, and enjoy the multiple benefits as they increase, one verse at a time.

Thanks so much for reading and if you’d like more help with the memory techniques discussed, please register for my free memory improvement course:

I think you’ll find it just as helpful as who have experienced much joy and fulfilment as a result of bringing themselves closer to God through verse memorization.