How to Memorize Scripture for Life: From One Verse to Entire Books

by Andrew M. Davis

A Simple, Proven Method for Memorizing Long Passages of Scripture When God’s word abides in believers, it overflows with blessings for everyday life. Many Christians have individual Scripture verses “stored up” in their hearts, but there can be even greater spiritual benefit to memorizing long passages―even entire books―of the Bible. Unfortunately, this is often dismissed as impossible or too time consuming.   Andrew M. Davis helps readers commit to extended Scripture memorization so they may grow in holiness, resist temptation, and share the gospel with others. In this brief guide, he offers an accessible, time-tested pattern for studying Scripture that includes simple daily procedures and tips for long-term retention. By building up a storehouse of biblical truth in their hearts, readers will strengthen their prayer life and intimacy with Christ as they prepare to share God’s truth with others.  

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

72 pages, Paperback

Published January 16, 2024

About the author

Andrew M. Davis is pastor of First Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina, and a visiting professor of church history at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Chairman of the governance committee of the Gospel Coalition, Davis has written articles for TGC's popular website and has spoken in plenary and breakout sessions at TGC's national conference. He is the author of An Infinite Journey, named by Tim Challies as one of the top ten books of 2014.

Reviews

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a day in the church when Scripture memory was expected. Something happened around the turn of the century. The emphasis on Scripture memory began to decline, both among children and adults. How to Memorize Scripture for Life by Andrew M. Davis is a book that will help recover a passion for hiding the Bible in our hearts.

Davis first establishes the foundation by arguing that Scripture memorization is mandated. Citing John 15:7-8, the author says, “For me, this is the strongest passage in the Bible on the role of Scripture memorization.” He cites several passages that bolster the case for making Scripture memory a regular part of a disciple's life.

Next, the author includes several advantages for memorizing the word of God. At the heart of the argument is sanctification. Davis writes, “The word of God must enter us through our minds - through our understanding - to change our hearts.”

Another advantage of Scripture memory is evangelism. The discipline of memorizing the Bible helps bless people and presents God’s word in clear and revealing ways. Having the Bible memorized is a powerful tool when defending the faith or pressing the claims of the gospel on our hearers.

Dr. Davis includes a helpful chapter that overcomes objections to memorizing Scripture. He cites several well-known objections and skillfully dismantles them all.

Much of the book is devoted to helping readers develop strategies and skills that help them memorize Bible verses. The author makes a strong case for memorizing large chunks of Scripture. More than that, he argues that memorizing entire books is well worth the effort. Readers will be fascinated to learn the various techniques that Davis includes. He is a gracious instructor who leads his readers well.

My hope is that this book will gain a wide hearing. More than that, I anticipate that many people will accept the challenge to memorize the word of God. The blessings will bear much fruit and will glorify the great God of the universe!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Emma Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is more of a testimony. Despite being in a lifestyle where I’m surrounded by His Word, I’ve been starving myself of the richness of meditating on His Word. I’ve filled my heart with mindless things that aren’t bad, but fill me nonetheless, and leave me full before I even come to the Word (listen to Matt Chandler’s sermon “For Us and Them”). These things lack any spiritual nutritional value and have left me empty while also feeling apathetic and unfulfilled in my time in the Word. I haven’t been obedient to store up His Word in my heart and let it transform me as I meditate on it. I knew this was what I’ve been missing and I was reminded of this little book. I finished it in 30 minutes as it ministered to me about the beauty of the Word and how I want my life to be saturated with it. This book gives great Truth and practical help, but it won’t change your life. If you’re starving for more than the bread of the world, look to the Word of God. This little book can help you start the journey of memorization, but only the Holy Spirit can sustain it and give you a desperation for it. I guess this review is also a new commitment to faithful memorization and to ask for your prayers and accountability in the journey.

[Ben Omer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful guide to memorizing scripture. Andy spoke at the holiness conference on June 22nd, 2024 at first Baptist church on the upper west side in Manhattan. I don’t think I’ve ever been more captivated by a preacher than when he spoke

He seriously had a hard time getting through a sentence without using a scripture reference word for word. I guess that’s what happens when you’ve memorized 43 books of the Bible. I was truly inspired by his example of scripture memory

#1 takeaway: what better way to have the mind of Christ than to have his word memorized in your brain and quick on your tongue?

[Shawn Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appropriately short. Very good.

[Connor Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just began using his method and I’ve been amazed at its effectiveness. The method is simple. The benefits are unquantifiable. Prone to distraction, the memorization process has opened the door of access for me into rich meditation. Thank you, brother, for helping me hide the word of Christ in my heart and so have more of him each day.

[Gabie Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and straight to the point!!! I would love to implement these strategies to memorize scripture, especially whole books. I think every Christian could benefit from memorization for the strengthening of their faith and giving a defense for the hope that is in them.

[Emily Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great practical read on this spiritual discipline.

Encouraged, convicted, and ready👏🏽to👏🏽go👏🏽

Colossians..here we come.

[Keeley Paraskevas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. A short but incredibly in
impactful and practical guide to scripture memory. What a gift we can memorize the living and active words of God. I have been encouraged to pursue this daily knowing God has given me the ability to do so through His Spirit!

[Blake Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful game plan and encouragement for memorizing Scripture. I say this: the work of memorization is hard because discipline is hard. But all things are possible with God.

I’m encouraged by Davis’ opening chapters of what kind of blessings you will receive if you give yourself to memorization. Not only will you benefit and grow spiritually, but you will also be equipped to teach and admonish brothers and sisters for their benefit!

[Cole Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful work on scripture memorization. The author uses the same method I’ve used in the past, so there was not a lot of new information for me here, but it was a timely reminder of the value of storing scripture in the heart and mind.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear! I am convicted and I am encouraged to memorize scripture and this book gives me the tools to do it!

[Ryle]

TIME TO MEMORIZE THE WHOLE BIBLE

[Kevin Thumpston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memorizing Scripture can be a daunting concept for most, but Davis gives good reasons to take the challenge, as well as, a model to not only learn verses but whole books of the Bible. If you have excuses, he addresses those too. We hide lots of things in our hearts, but nothing as valuable as the Word of God. Time is ticking. Go for it.

[Brooke Witte · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s really only one way to memorize scripture (as this book points out) and that is to be consistent, disciplined and put the time in! But, if you are new to scripture memory or are a person who likes a plan to follow, this book is a great resource. I’d also like to shoutout the three women who helped build a foundation of scripture memory in my early childhood- thanks Mom, Mrs. Love and Mrs. Patti!

[Ryan Elkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Helpful reminder of the basic theology and importance behind Scripture memorization as well as the author’s practical methods.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, practical book that will light or relight your desire to memorize Scripture. It did that for me. It's a very short book, 64 pages. He sets out a method and provides a sample of how to go about memorizing Ephesians or Matthew. It's simple enough to follow.

The book starts out with why it is so important to memorize scripture. Davis states, "Extended memorization of his flawless words will be the greatest and most eternally productive discipline you can embrace" (location 35). He goes on to point out all that the Word does and how valuable it is to have that word hidden in our heart.

Here's what got me really excited. He said that after you've memorized a book or chapter and have recited it 100 days, to "kiss it goodbye" and go on to another book. What? This has been one of my hangups in the past. It takes so long to review what I've memorized that I get discouraged and quit much less work on new material. He says, "the goal is not so much to retain the books you've memorized as to learn in depth as much of Scripture as you can" (location 335). You may remember those verses for life and you may not but that's okay. He states that you'll always be extremely familiar with the book and will understand more of its message and a lot of the parts because of all the time you spent memorizing it. "The truths are still embedded deep in my mind" (location 338). I don't have to feel guilty for what I can't remember.

Years ago, I memorized Philippians. Today, I can recite parts of it but not most of it. But I know what this book says. I'm very familiar with it. Davis helped me see the value in that time I took to memorize it even if I can't recite it today. How freeing!

Thanks to Crossway for providing a free e-copy of this book. I'd highly recommend it. All opinions are my own. Now I'm off to work on memorizing Jude. (I'm starting small.)

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful, short read on the why and how of memorizing scripture. Davis encourages us to transcend from memorizing short sections and individual versus to entire books of the Bible. I myself can speak to the immense power of this kind of memorization having done so with the book of Ephesians myself.

This book is *extremely* short, it took me about 45 minutes to read (not including the appendixes). It could almost be treated as a blog post or an essay.

Davis advocates for an approach to memorizing that includes only retaining verses that are 100 days old. In his system, you would cycle having memorized different portions of scripture every 100 days. This approach would be in contrast to one where you are committed to retaining all of the scripture you have committed to memory. While I can see the pragmatism in this approach, I am not sure I am entirely convinced. I think there is value to retaining certain large portions of scripture that are particularly important to you, though, I’m sure Davis would agree with me on this even though he didn’t explicitly spell that out.

In conclusion, this is a great read for someone looking for a concise and simple approach to memorizing scripture, along with encouragement for common obstacles.

(P.S. with a Crossway+ membership you can grab this for only like 6 bucks and also get a free ebook version)

[Zachary Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small book may be the most practical and helpful book I have read on the topic of Scripture memorization. It is Scriptural and pastoral in tone. It took me a total of 30 minutes to read the whole thing.

I have memorized Ephesians, Philippians, Jude, 1 John, Romans, and 1-2 Timothy since 2021, and this book has refreshed the desire to strive for retention and also to memorize more whole books. I highly recommend this book.

[Hannah James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Please read this book. You will be inspired and convicted to memorize the Word and (speaking from experience) his methods really do work.

[Zachary Cowie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short helpful book. The author lays out a clear path to memorizing scripture, especially long sections. Would like to give this method a try.

[Aja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so short, you can literally listen to the whole thing in an hour. The brevity of it is great because it gets to the point, and the last thing you need if you’re really motivated to start memorizing scripture is to read a book that drones on forever and kills the momentum your desire has conjured up.

Here’s the basis of memorizing books of the Bible:
•Repetition over a period of time rather than over one day
•Memorize verse numbers as if they’re part of each verse to help prevent you from missing verses and help with recall
•Memorize with your eyes: reread the verse over and over again. You’ll often be able to recall where on the physical page of your Bible this verse is
•Say the verse out loud
•Recite yesterdays verse 10 times, then old verses altogether 10 times, then new verse 10 times.
•Physically read what you’ve memorized once a week to correct any places where you’ve been making errors
•Spend extra time on rough spots
•After 100 days of memorizing kiss the book goodbye and move onto other books. You most likely will not be able to recite it like you were once able, but when you reread the passage it will come back, and you’d be surprised what the Holy Spirit will be able to pull out of you!

This method is best for smaller books of the Bible such as the Epistles (he uses Ephesians as an example). Once you get the hang of memorizing books and want to memorize more than 1 verse a day, he has a formula for that as well. Pneumonics and other memorization tools are helpful for harder passages!

[Alyssa DeLeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good little book. Covers things like: has God commanded us to memorize Scripture…benefits of memorization….excuses “ie: I’ve tried and it doesn’t work.”

It had good advice and truths and inspired me to do more memorization. I agree with other reviewers that Davis comes across strongly that his way is the way to do it, while not taking into account that people learn in many different ways. I actually tried his way a few years ago for ONE verse, and it took me a good couple weeks to get it down. Tried another verse and I simply had to write it a few times and it stuck. Davis gives a good guideline, but don’t feel bad if it doesn’t work for you. Memorization is important, but you can get there any way that works for you.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davis has written a concise, practical approach for Scripture memorization. This is a practice I've been wanting to start for quite some time, beyond just memorizing random verses here and there. I enjoyed the realistic method presented, as well as the sectionndismantling common excuses for not prioritizing memorization. The included plan, with description, for memorizing Ephesians is very helpful as well.

For a more in-depth book on this topic, I also recommend Memorizing Scripture by Glenna Marshall.

Format: Book, owned physical
Rating: 5 stars
Book 83 of 2024

[Maddox Mosher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a great short read that anyone can complete in a day or two, and still gain a lot from. It starts with explaining the importance of scripture memory, then moves to practical ways to aid in memorization. The author even goes as far as to give a guide over how to memorize the whole book of Ephesians. The one part of this book I struggled with is the idea of having to let certain passages go. By this the author means to move on to other scripture to memorize, which makes sense but it’s hard to grapple with the idea that you can’t have a large chunk of scripture memorized fully for the rest of your life.

[Joshua Bremerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone can read this book in one day. It is incredibly accessible, thorough, and easy to put into practice. I plan to use a variation of this method that builds on what I have been doing, and I think small groups of Christians should consider how they might hold one another accountable in this area of life. In our modern age, slow, methodical, meditative memorization would prove counter-culturally productive and immeasurably beneficial.

[Donald White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouragement to Start Memorizing Again

Here is a good book to encourage people to memorize Scripture or to start memorizing it again. It also contains some good advice on how to memorize large portions of Scripture.

[Chloe Chessher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pumped to get started

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy listen. While not bad, if you've read anything about Bible memorization before, most of this is going to be repetitious. Also, it could have used a little more personal touch, like how this practice has impacted the daily life of the author.

Overall, a good, basic book on memorization.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Memorize Scripture For Life was a short read. It seemed like a good chunk of it was on the importance of memorizing Scripture and then it turned to how he recommends memorizing. It was interesting to read, although I will say memorizing whole books of the Bible sounds daunting...but profitable and something I would like to try to do eventually.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew M. Davis has written a small but valuable resource on how to memorize Scripture. How often can we recall a song from childhood and the song's recollection brings with it the emotions that spung up fresh once again. I have heard stories of Christians on their deathbed remembering with comfort the song Jesus Loves Me. It was because that song was sung multiple times with a comfort so enmeshed. Scripture can be that to us and not only on our death bed. Davis realizes that and so gives us a relatively sure-fire way to get us going on the road to storing up Scripture in times of need. But Davis first puts into words that reasons we've put off Scripture memorization convincingly. Then using Ephesians were are coached in the how-to which we can then implement for years to come. A well-timed resource as many will be resolving to memorize more Scripture.