The following is a simple systematic plan for learning and retaining scripture. The goal of this plan is to help Christians develop a habit of scripture memory for life. If it is followed carefully you will be able to learn and retain a great number of verses word perfect for the rest of your life. You will need to purchase some coin envelopes from a office supply store. They are the right size to hold the WOL memory cards. Each envelop can hold at least 10 cards.

Learning the Verse

You will need one coin envelop for this and write on it "Learning". On the top left side of each verse card write the numbers 25, 20, 15, 10, and 5. Learn the verse by saying the verse out loud for five days the 1st day 25 times, the 2nd day 20 and so on. This will take 5 days. As you do each day cross off a number as shown. When the card has been learned move it into "Daily Review".

 

Daily Review

You will need one coin envelop for this and write on it "Daily". Once the verse has been learned, review it once a day for 1 month. Put the date of the day you finished learning the card on the right side. When you reach one month from that date you move the card into "Weekly Review".

 

 

Weekly Review

You will need 7 coin envelops for this with each card having one day of the week (Monday-Sunday) written on it. Once the daily review is completed write the day of the week you will review that card on the bottom left of the card. On that day of the week you will review that card for 7 weeks. Once you have finished the 7 weeks of review move the card to your "Monthly Review".

Monthly Review

The last step is to create a pack with card for every day of the month, 1-28. You will need one coin envelop for each day of the month. Move them from the weekly review to monthly review. Evenly disperse the cards throughout your month and on the specific date of the month review those verses on that date for life. You will review every verse you have learned 12 times a year. Some who are using this system have over 1000 verses memorized and review them once a month. The following page gives you the layout of the envelopes.

 

 

Conclusion

The obvious advantage to this system is that it gives you a regular, consistent way to review your memorized scripture so that it stays in your heart and mind. You don't have to review every verse every single day, so it's not overwhelming. It does, however, take discipline and commitment to do it every day, or nearly every day, but nearly everything worthwhile or profitable in life does take discipline. If we are willing to be organized and disciplined about physical and material things, how much more should be willing to be disciplined about the things that lead to spiritual growth. Many passages of scripture encourage us to "be diligent" or "make every effort" (2 Peter 1:3) concerning things that lead to spiritual growth. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 compares spiritual discipline to physical exercise, and tells us to "exercise yourself unto godliness". Hebrews 6:11 says "We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised".

Scripture memory can add richness to your own personal devotions and Bible Study that you can't get any other way. As you read daily, you will read a concept and realize that you know a verse that is connected to that concept, enabling you to do your own cross-referencing. Scripture memory can also help you in times of trouble and depression, when you can't always get your hands on a Bible it can also give you TRUTH to counsel with when you are talking with needy friends. Psalm 119:11 teaches that it helps us resist sin. It is definitely worth the effort to keep God's word always in your mind, and in your heart!