Emily emailed the following question:
“My son recently celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and it made me realize how little I know about Scripture. I want to start studying myself and I’m having difficulty memorizing anything for long. Do you have any tips? I will be doing it in English, not Hebrew.”
Mazel Tov, Emily, to you and your son—for his accomplishment and your willingness to learn. Just for the record, I am by no means a Biblical scholar. I can’t quote Scripture at the drop of a hat, but there are a few passages I know by heart (and many more I hope to learn one day!). Here are a few concrete ideas that have helped me with memorization:
1. Repetition
The more you study something, the easier it is to remember. Start with a single verse that resonates with you on personal level and say it over and over. Add new ones in slowly and after a while, you should be able to remember at least a handful. This can be done anywhere—driving in the car, in the shower, etc.
2. Write it down
Just as saying a verse many times can commit it to memory, the act of physically writing it out on paper helps, too. The writing can be in a note book or made into flash cards, but make sure it’s pen and paper as opposed to a computer.
3. Display
Try taping your verses to a corner of the bathroom mirror or bedroom wall—any spot you’ll see regularly. This can be a great reminder.
4. Listen
Some people truly learn best by ear. There are many audio programs about the Bible. Try to find 5 or 10 minutes daily when you can lie down in a quiet space, close your eyes, and really absorb the words. Another idea is to listen right before bed. I’ve also known people that play soft music in the background as they study. This has never worked for me personally, because I get distracted, but it might work for you.
5. Be consistent
Learning Scripture is like learning anything new: If you don’t use it, you lose it! Instead of working really hard one day and then taking a week off, do a little everyday (and I do mean little—even a minute is enough time to recite a single verse).
6. Join a group
If possible, find some like-minded folks to learn with. A while back, I attended a Women’s Bible study group that met once a month. It never really got off the ground due to conflicting schedules and childcare problems, but when we did get together, it was fun and informative.
While it may be hard at first, do know that memory can be sharpened. In that way learning Scripture can be a double blessing, enriching brains and hearts.
Anyone else have tips for Emily or about memorization in general? Share away!
