There are many methods that can be used for memorization, and each person has their own techniques and routines that work best for them. Here is a compilation of some memorization methods and tips gathered from various NBB Alumni with years of NBB participation experience.
We pray that this will be a help to you, whether you are new to memorizing for the NBB or are just looking for new things to implement when trying to memorize in an efficient way that gives glory to God and helps you understand His Scripture more and grow closer to Him.
Memorization Methods
#1 – Rote Memorization
“I memorize mainly by rote memorization. I will take a verse or a section of a verse at a time and repeat it three times.
While I memorize that verse, I read it out loud and try to visualize the words on the card, so that I’m engaging in both visual and auditory learning.
Then, I will recite the preceding four verses along with the new verse I memorized. I repeat this process until the whole passage is memorized. I then have three review days for that passage.
Each day, I will review the passage until I can quote it word-perfectly. By the end of the third day, the passage is fairly solid in my long-term memory, and I can review it less frequently.
In addition, while I quote the passage, I try to “read” off the card in my head. By visualizing the passage this way, I am less likely to recite the passage on auto pilot or skip verses.
While I am busy doing other things, I will often listen to my verses on Verse Locker. I create playlists of verses I am currently working on and listen to them, so that even if I can’t pay attention to every word, I will at least subconsciously become familiar with the flow of the passage. Most importantly, I pray before and after I memorize. Scripture is the very words of God, so it is important to ask that He would use His Word to convict, instruct, strengthen, and grow us more into His likeness.”
(Hannah Smith)
#2 – Review, Read, Recite, Repeat
This technique works best with 1-2 verses at a time. Let’s use John 1:1–3 as an example.
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] He was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Day 1:
- Read John 1:1 ten times (read it each time to imprint the words in your mind).
- Then close your Bible and recite it ten times (I suggest reciting it aloud).
Day 2:
- Refresh John 1:1 and then recite it ten times by memory.
- Read John 1:2 ten times.
- Close your Bible and recite it ten times.
Day 3:
- Recite John 1:1 one time by memory.
- Recite John 1:2 ten times by memory.
- Read John 1:3 ten times.
- Close your Bible and recite it ten times.
And on and on. Review, read, recite, repeat. If you repeat a verse by memory once a day for one hundred days, it will be in your permanent long-term memory!
(Rachel Sheppard)
#3 – Phrase by Phrase and Verse by Verse
“I repeat sections of verses and anchor them onto each other by leaving off in a place that doesn’t make sense and I overlap my phrases so I don’t get stuck.
For example:
1) The reference: “Psalm 19:14” (repeat until I feel comfortable)
2) “Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and” (repeat)
3) “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of” (repeat)
4) “and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in” (repeat)
And so on.
I recite it from the beginning everytime I add a new phrase and I pay attention to my tone to make sure I’m not reciting it in the same rhythm. If I get used to a rhythm then lose it when reciting, I completely lose my spot. If I’m having a particularly hard time, saying it in a singsong or chant-like way does help, as well.”
(Brooke Sowards)
“I found that the best way for me to memorize Scripture was to read it and recite it in my head one verse at a time, until I had memorized the whole passage. I am an auditory learner, so saying it to myself was a great help and the best way for me to retain the passage.”
(Caleb Urdaneta)
#4 – Making the Most of Every Moment: Review and Reinforce
“There are many different methods to memorizing Scripture; however, it is important to find what works for you and stick with it. Consistency is key! There are several things that I implemented into my memorizing which helped greatly!
First, I always tried to allow my subconscious brain to have a chance to work on the verses before memorizing them. To make this more efficient, I used hours of the day when I needed to do other things such as chores, schoolwork, or sleeping. I would record my verses and play them over and over again. I found it helpful to only listen to verses I had memorized or that I was about to memorize within the next couple of days.
I would also play them at night while I was sleeping. I would also read the passages that I was going to memorize the next day several times before I went to sleep. This is allowing the subconscious brain to work all night long. Using the subconscious brain allows you to make all hours of the day work for you. It allows you to increase the amount and hours of studying exponentially.
Second, I would memorize early in the morning after I exercised. Exercise allows my brain to work better, retain more, and be more alert. This made so much of a difference. It increased the quality of the time spent significantly. During the 45 minutes of memorization, I was intentional to stay very focused.
Third, I would review the passage several times on ScriptureTyper (BibleMemory.com). This was very helpful. After this, I would recite the passage to someone. I would make sure to recite the passage the same day that I memorized it. It is essential to review it several times the day it is memorized in order to solidify it in your brain. I would continue to review using ScriptureTyper and reciting to others. I would use spare minutes to review on ScriptureTyper. For instance a 5 minute car ride or a 10 minute wait at the doctor.
Reviewing and reciting consistently is essential. Put in the time to this or you will end up having to spend time regaining your progress. This was a mistake I have made before. These are methods I used when I was a contestant to memorize! Ultimately, I used it as a time of worship and reflection to Jesus. It was a sweet and precious time in the presence of the Lord!! I felt so close to Him during those times. Press on when it is hard because it is so worth it!”
(Allison Doonan)
#5 – Memorize through song
“My favorite way to memorize Scripture is through song. We all know how easy it is for a song to get stuck in our heads, and you can often remember a song that you learned years earlier without much review in between. Music is a powerful tool, and it can make memorization much easier (and more fun!).
You can make up your own tunes for your passages — or you can use tunes from songs that you already know and substitute the lyrics with the words of your memory passage. The more unique or memorable the tune, the easier it will be to connect it to your passage in some way. Adding clapping or extra rhythm, or instruments if you play them, can greatly help with this! You can also often find many Scripture songs online that others have already made.
I learned many of my NBBC memory passages by singing them into a voice recorder and listening to them on repeat until I knew them by heart. This made the memorization process quite easy — all I did was listen to songs! The music would get stuck in my head, and I would often find myself singing or humming my memory passages throughout the day. I also found that it was much easier to retain the passages that I learned to sing than the ones that I memorized by repetition. I still remember some of the tunes that I learned my 2014 Summer Study memory passages to — and that was 10 years ago!
Memorizing to music is such a fun and helpful way to memorize — and what a blessing it is to be able to worship God by singing His very own Words as you hide them in your heart! (Eph. 5:19 & Ps. 119:54)”
(Sierra Ruga)
Distraction-Free Memorization: Preparing for an Efficient Memorizing Session
Preparing for memorization by removing distractions is one of the most important steps to successfully and efficiently memorizing and retaining a passage.
“When I’m memorizing, I generally find it helpful to remove devices and other people from me so I can focus on distraction-free memorizing. My favorite time and place is an abandoned hallway at my college that no one ever goes to at night.
Once I find a room where I want to memorize, I’ll pace across the room back and forth a couple of times before starting the memorization just to get into the groove. Then I read aloud the passage in its entirety about three or four times while continuing to pace.
Once I have a good feel for the passage, I’ll start to work on memorizing each verse individually and then string them together, all while pacing. I find it’s a great way for me to consistently memorize God’s word.”
(Samuel Moss)
Some memorize very well in a quiet and still environment, while others may need to incorporate some sort of movement, as Samuel mentioned above.
Others may also find it easier to memorize with instrumental music playing in the background, or in an environment with other people around. It may take time for you to decide what works best for you. You may experience some trial and error, but it will be so worth it!
A Word of Encouragement: Applying the Scriptures
Most importantly, stay focused on why we memorize Scripture. The Bible is the real, living word of God. It delights our Creator when we memorize, study, and internalize His Word. Memorization is a powerful way to have verses always on hand, to use in any situation, and share the Gospel with others. It is a way “to know God’s Word and make Him known.”
A few ways to dedicate your memorization and study time to the Lord include: “Pray before you start, meditate on the verses throughout the day, and recite the verses and share them with others whenever you have the opportunity.” (Grace Chen)
The Bible is a blessing from the Lord – use your time of memorizing for the National Bible Bee to glorify Him and to seek Him further, and to encourage yourself and others in the Lord!
Composed by NBB Alumna: Emma Fernandez
