We can’t expect the Bible to teach us how to do everything it says we ought to do. As C. S. Lewis quipped in Mere Christianity, “When it tells you to feed the hungry it does not give you lessons in cookery.”
When it comes to memorizing Scripture, however, we find not only multiple cases for the importance of memorization, but also several suggestions of how to memorize it. Can we open up to the book of “2 Mnemonic, Chapter 1” and find step-by-step instructions? No. But we can open up the book The Bible by Heart where the author, Dr. Kenneth Berding, shares a compelling collection of memorization strategies straight from the Bible itself. Or, as he has subtitled the book, “The Bible’s Own Method for Scripture Memory.”
A Buffet of Memorization Strategies
If you’re looking for a guide with steps to follow, this is not that resource. The table of contents plays more like a Bible-based buffet than an Ikea furniture assembly guide. Chances are, you have already dabbled in one or more of these methods, but probably not all of them. The idea is, if a method resonates with your learning style, lean into it. If not, don’t struggle unnecessarily.
The Most Important Piece
If there is one “strategy” Berding elevated above the rest, it’s his first and foundational chapter: Value. While “value the Bible” feels like an unnecessary reminder for any of us who are endeavoring to memorize it, it does provide a vital heart check: “Memorizing Scripture is not simply about getting the Bible into our heads. Our hearts are crucial to long-term memorization success.” Simply put, if we don’t truly value the Word of God for what it is, we won’t be motivated to put in the long hours required for this discipline. And frankly, the rest of this book won’t matter.
With that foundation securely in place, Berding invites us to tune into the surprisingly-prevalent ways Scripture is memorized in the Bible itself. A chapter is dedicated to each one, and each offers biblical examples before suggesting some practical ways to incorporate the method into your own memorization process.
Memorization Strategies from the Bible
The early chapters of Reading [out loud] and Listening demonstrate the importance of getting out of our silent heads.
For the musically-inclined memorizer, Berding provides several examples of songs being used to bolster memorization—both in the Bible, and in the modern day. This chapter, Sing, will inspire you to consider what verses you still know simply because you learned a song in Sunday School decades ago—and maybe even compose a new song.
Visual learners will resonate with the chapters on Display and Write. It’s not about writing a verse fifty times on a piece of paper (though, that might begrudgingly get the job done), it’s about keeping the Word of God physically in front of you as you go about your life, as God instructed His people long ago.
The chapter Pray may sound like instruction in a different discipline, but Berding points to multiple occasions where Jews—even Jesus, Himself—prays Scripture as a reflection of their heart and circumstance. Praying the words of Scripture is not a more holy way to pray, but it does provide a chance to connect with the Scripture (especially the Psalms) in a much more emotional (and memorable!) way.
Share challenges us to go about this work of memorization in community. Find a friend or a group of friends. The accountability, fun, and maybe even competition, found in community will push you to memorize more than you would alone.
Meditate steers away from the Eastern connotations of the word, back to a biblical definition of what it means to meditate on God’s Word. This chapter will encourage you to slow down and let God’s Word steep in your heart a bit longer.
The final chapter, Review, is not simply a review of what has been discussed, but is actually a method in itself, a nod to the tried-and-true practice of repetition. Not in the rote sense of writing the verse fifty times on a chalkboard, but rather faithfully revisiting and solidifying what has been memorized.
By way of extra resources, Berding offers a brief discussion on choosing translations, rounding out an already quick read.
A Book for Beginners and Veterans Alike
To the beginning memorizer, The Bible by Heart is an approachable exploration of various techniques into which they can dip their toe.
The veteran memorizer will be encouraged by the biblical precedent for some of their favorite strategies, be inspired to tread some less-worn paths, and maybe even be challenged to sharpen some of their favorite tools. For example, reading entire books of the Bible out loud is the foundation of my ministry, and I thought I was being pretty thorough in my preparation when I would read the book ten times out loud. I swallowed hard when Berding referenced a friend of his who, in preparing to teach through a book, read the book—not ten times—fifty times out loud! I had to admit I was not forging a new trail; I was on a well-worn road, and travelers further ahead were waving me forward.
Part of an Age-Old Community
That’s where the value of this book shines. Berding’s nimble handling of Scripture, along with testimonies of his own experience and examples of friends and former students, combine into a small but potent guide that helps you recognize you—and your efforts to memorize Scripture—are part of a larger calling and community that dates back thousands of years. When you put to music Psalm 22, you find yourself in the company of King David. When you speak it aloud, you’re in the company of Jesus Himself on the cross. And when you meditate on the words in your heart, you join with the countless thousands who continue to experience living comfort and hope today.
You can get Dr. Berding’s “Bible By Heart” here.
Mike Domeny is the founder of Outloud Bible, helping Christians have “Aha!” moments with the Bible through excellent readings of Scripture and practical steps to live it out. Learn more about Outloud Bible’s podcast, live experiences, and resources at outloudbible.com.
Find more bible memory resource reviews here: book and ministry by Simon Camilleri, “Public Bible Reading;” book by Jeremy Kluth from Scripture Alive, “Power to Remember;” book by Dakota Lynch from Scripture Memory Fellowship, “Remember the Words;” ministry and book by Piercing word, “Warriors of the Word,” and Scripture Speaker Rachel’s own book, “Speaking Scripture: How to Memorize and Recite with Purpose and Delight.”
Scripture Speakers 