Silent whispers spread like wildfire around the room as my high school English teacher handed out a list of the capstone requirements for our senior class.
One of the assignments: Memorize John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address.
“Wait a minute … you want us to memorize what?” a classmate asked in disbelief. “Do you realize it’s 27 paragraphs?”
The teacher nodded and I felt worry lines form quickly across my forehead. I’ve never been good at memorizing things. In Sunday school I had a 50 percent success rate when it came to remembering the weekly scripture. There’s no way I have the time or talent to memorize this. I thought to myself. I’m just not a memorizer. Ugh. What’s the point anyways?
It strikes me that how I felt about an assignment as a senior in high school is how many of us feel about scripture memorization as grown women.
We tell ourselves we don’t have time. We tell ourselves we aren’t any good at it. We tell ourselves it’s just for kids. We tell ourselves it’s not worth it. But those are all just lies the enemy wants us to believe. Here’s the truth — You and I are both capable of memorizing scripture.
Because I was motivated to get an A in my English class, I worked hard to memorize JFK’s address and eventually accomplished the goal. I use this story as an illustration to encourage you: If a girl who’d never had a good memorization track record was able to memorize JFK’s entire inaugural address, I promise you that bible memorization is within your reach.
Memorizing is not a matter of skill — it’s a matter of motivation.
So why memorize scripture?
When we memorize something, it becomes a part of us. It has the power to transform our thoughts.It can strengthen and comfort us in our time of need.
It’s been more than six years since I memorized JFK’s address, but there are still parts and pieces that come to mind and inspire me every now and then. Although it seemed like a silly high school assignment at first, ultimately, it was the catalyst I needed to see the benefits and effects of memorization.
Once I recited the address to my teacher, I began to take scripture memorization more seriously. I worked diligently to commit the word of God to memory just as I had committed the address to memory for a school assignment. Not because I felt like I had to, but because I wanted the scripture to become a part of me. I wanted to be able to recall the Word of God whenever I needed to.
The most wonderful thing about all of this? The more I meditated on God’s word, the more I was able to claim His truths; The stronger my faith became; The more prepared I was to deal with anything that came my way; The more I appreciated the beauty of God’s story; The more I wondered at the love of our Creator.
God doesn’t just want His children to open up their Bibles on Sunday. He wants His children to be filled with His word each and every day — and He wants to use His Word to transform us from the inside out.
If you are interested in memorizing scripture, here are the top 10 verses that have transformed my walk with the Lord:
1. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Life is unpredictable and it can get really messy, really quick. Whenever the rug feels like it’s been pulled out from under my feet, I reference this verse to remind myself that God’s working all things together for my good.
2. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:9
Every day brings along with it a deep longing for purpose and meaning. We all want to know our life has value. But we don’t have to strive for it; We just have to follow after our Father. God has showered us with grace and saved us through His Son Jesus, and He calls us to live holy lives for His glory — not our own fame.
3. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Anytime you experience anger, bitterness, judgment, hatred, jealousy or any kind of dirty-rotten feeling, it’s time to do a gut check. Where’s your heart? Are you bearing fruit or growing thorns?
4. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Raise your hand if you struggle with worry or anxiety. Great! Now that we’re being honest with each other and raising our hands — this verse is for all of us! Set your heart and mind on whatever is lovely
5. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
There is no greater love than the love of God, and there is power in the name of Jesus. Nothing can come between that. God’s love for us is stronger, deeper and wider than we can ever comprehend.
6. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14
7. She is more precious than rubies;nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:15
8. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
Verses 6-8 are what I like to call “keep-your-identity-in-check” verses. They remind us of who we are in the eyes of our heavenly Father. We are lovely; We are precious; We are loved; We are daughters of the King.
9. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
As a result of the fall, you and I are pretty needy people. Oftentimes we think we need something we don’t have, but what we don’t realize is that if we needed something, God would have already given it to us. He will provide us with everything we need to live according to His purpose and plan.
10. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
This is the verse I cling to whenever I feel like I’m getting too wrapped up in the things of this world. Life is not about a fancy house, car, job or perfect family. It’s about being the hands and feet of Jesus to a broken and dying world.
Lastly, here’s a bonus verse to memorize — a personal favorite of mine:
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3
Be sure to share these Bible verses to memorize with a friend!
Love this blog post? Get more faith inspiration by ordering my book Into the Deep: Diving Into a Life of Courageous Faith.
Betsy de Cruz says
Thanks for writing on scripture memory, Lauren! These are great verses, I’m heading over there….
dawn says
I love these verses that you’ve shared. You’re right, when we memorize scripture, it becomes a part of us.
Lauren Gaskill says
Thanks, dear Dawn! Do you have a favorite verse?
Debbie says
Love the verses you shared and I love memorizing scripture.
Lauren Gaskill says
Thank you, Debbie! I’m glad these verses could touch your heart.
Melanie Redd says
What a great list of verses, Lauren!
I love Romans 8:38-39.
Lauren Gaskill says
Thanks, dear friend! Romans 8:38-39 is a lifesaver.
Megan says
I went to a Christian high school and they forced us to memorize scripture. I remember it being such a pain at the time but now some of those verses come to me just when I need them.
Lauren Gaskill says
Megan, I can’t imagine what that must have been like. It’s one thing to memorize scripture on your own, but if I think back to my high school self, I can see how that would have been a pain. I am glad the verses stuck with you though! 😀
Kristy from Southern In Law says
yes yes yes to all of these! Romans 8:38-39 is one of my all time favourite verses! <3
Lauren Gaskill says
It’s a great one for sure! Thanks for stopping by Kristy!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
First of all, props for memorizing all of JFK’s inaugural address! I don’t remember having to do that in our high school. Love all the verses you shared, especially Philippians 4:8! I struggle with worry and anxiety, so that one in particular is one I need to meditate on. As always, you are an inspiration! Cheers, sweetie! xoxo
Sarah Donegan says
Great verses! I memorized a lot as a kid, and they come back to me now. Memorizing as an adult is harder, but not impossible!
Rev. Peter says
I recommend the app Bible Memory: Remember Me. Quizzes, flashcards, audio recording, playback and an intelligent review system help you to memorize your favourite verses from 44 Bible versions. It’s so easy to use it is even part of Google Play for Families.
Keri McCue says
Love these verses! I think #4 is especially important to remember for daily life. Thanks for sharing these 🙂
http://www.littlelightonahill.com
Lauren says
Yes! That verse is one of my favorites. Thanks for stopping by, dear Keri!
naranchimeg says
Thank you dear friend.Thank you so much.I need .How to do Quiet time with God with alone.I am Mongolian. My English very bad.Im sorry. I learning English little by little.Thank you.
Lauren says
Quiet time alone with God is so important! I will be praying that you can find ways to bring more of that into your life. <3
Yvonne De Jesus says
I’m 61yrs old and in my twenties I had a dream that God spoke to me to memorize the
Psalm 23rd. I got up and read it once. That’s all it took. Thank you for encouraging others to memorize scriptures. It is a fact of life and it will help us all through the journey and struggles of life. The Lord is truly our Shepard and He is in control when we speak His word. He leads us into His righteousness. God bless you.
Aragatmaitan.ag@gmail.com says
This verses are very encouraging and I was inspired to read and try to memorized it. In God we trust thank you for this blog
Darlene says
I was working with adolescent girls at a treatment center I have always lived
Norman Vincent Peal and read his books
The work was not easy but full filling
On my way home from work I would say the verses in a pamphlet Thought Confditioners
At the time I was not aware these were verses
From the Bible.!now I see clearly that this was God working in my life I see now the verses
Changed me thank you God and my
Niemeyer I always would say
When I die I can’t wait to meet my Normy
And to give him a big big hug. Bible verses did change me and I was not even aware that I
Was reading the verses from the Bible
Thank you all for being onnest and loving
Darlene
Suzanne says
Definitely an inspired list of verses! Thank you for sharing!
Vivian Lewis says
I just discovered you tonight, Lauren. Thank God. I’m learning more verses but still have a hard time. I’m working from my house doing weekly Prayer Cards to send out to the congregation. I may be using your blog if that is permissible. Please advise and let me know! Thank you and God Bless! Sincerely Yours In CHRIST!
Alice Y Ehiarinmwian says
Thank you Lauren I love this post, some of these verses have long been a part of my Christian repertoire. Thank you for encouraging me and, all women as we walk in faith.
Another of my favorite scriptures are 2 Timothy 3:16-17.