The art of memorizing Scripture

by Rick
(Battle Ground, WA)

Years ago, I decided to memorize the book of Revelation; and, while I don't consider this "finished," I probably can recite most of the book from memory. (I have a life-long interest in Daniel and Revelation, so this one was a natural for me.)

More recently, but also, I think, a few years ago, I decided to work on Hebrews. I believe I started with chapter 2, for reasons I don't recall. At present, I could probably recite most of chapters 1-8 and perhaps 9; some of chapter 10, and bits from the remaining chapters. (I've had all the later chapters memorized but have allowed them to fade.)

Why memorize Hebrews? Not sure. Perhaps because of what it says about the role of Jesus as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. A benefit I've found in memorizing is that it causes me to focus my mind on the text and perhaps understand it better than I would from a simple reading.

Also, of course, it's helpful in study to have the text in one's mind, rather than only in print.

In addition to Hebrews, I'm also refreshing some of my memory work in Daniel.

My approach to memorization is, unfortunately, largely by repetition. If I'm having trouble with the exact wording of a particular text, I will usually devise some sort of arbitrary mnemonic for myself, and that will often do the trick.