How to Memorize Scripture for Life

Growing up, we would often inhale our meals in a few bites. To our parent’s astonishment, they would ask, “Did you even taste that?” It many years had to pass before I learned the difference between eating and enjoying food. The latter requires tasting, savoring, and experiencing the rich flavors of any given dish. If Augustine is right when he says that faith is the mouth of the soul, then we must learn the difference between eating and enjoying Scripture.

Andrew M. Davis provides for us the first step in savoring Scripture - memorization. Now, I know what many of us will say, “Zach, I can barely remember my phone number!” Yes! Our age of innovation has robbed us of that most important faculty; however, part of sanctification includes the sanctification of our memory. Being able to recall Scripture in everywhere from the doctor’s office to the dining hall allows us to savor the precious sweetness laden in each verse. Thus, our forefathers often compared Scripture to eating a grape. Piercing the skin is the mere reading of Scripture, but memorization allows us to enjoy the sweetness inside.

Coming in at a whopping 57 pages, Andrew Davis helps us regain the use of our memory. In fact, the subtitle of the book boasts a great feat - “From One Verse to Entire Books.” How is that possible? One verse at a time. After addressing the biblical command and benefits, Andrew Davis provides an easy-to-follow daily pattern for memorizing any section of Scripture. As one who has implemented this model to memorize the entirety of the Titus, I could not commend a better spiritual discipline. I rarely read a passage of Scripture of which I do not see a connection to Titus, and this has formed a mental concordance for me. Moreover, it has helped still my racing thoughts, calm bouts of anxiety, formed the substance of prayers, and provided much encouragement to others. I could not commend more this short, yet practical book.

You can buy it here.