Memorizing verses from the Bible is a wonderful way to connect the head and the heart, because memorizing the words of scripture makes it much easier to meditate on them throughout the day. The Navigators has put together a suggested list of verses to memorize, categorized by topic and numbering 60 verses in total, called the Topical Memory System, or TMS.

The goal of memorizing scripture is not to simply check off the verses as tasks as you memorize, but instead to internalize and connect deeper with God by repeating Scripture frequently, and thereby learn to meditate and pray using his words instead of our own.  

Techniques for memorizing scripture include:

  • Writing: copying down the verse and reference, and then re-writing multiple times, attempting each time to write as much as possible from memory.
  • Speaking: saying the verse and reference out loud multiple times in a row before covering the verse and attempting to recite it from memory.
  • Speaking (pt. 2): Also try starting with the last word of the verse and progressively adding words from the end to the beginning (e.g.: "God... of God... glory of God... the glory of God... of the glory of God... short of the glory of God... fall short of the glory of God... and fall short of the glory of God... sinned and fall short of the glory of God... have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23, NIV). 
  • Typing: use a website like ScriptureTyper to type out your verse regularly for practice (you'll have to create an account and enter the verses ahead of time, but this doesn't take long).

 

LIVING THE NEW LIFE

Christ the Center:   2 Corinthians 5:17  |  Galatians 2:20

Obedience to Christ:   Romans 12:1  |  John 14:21

The Word:   2 Timothy 3:16  |  Joshua 1:8

Prayer:   John 15:7  |  Philippians 4:6,7

Fellowship:   Matthew 18:20  |  Hebrews 10:24,25

Witnessing:   Matthew 4:19  |  Romans 1:16

 

PROCLAIMING CHRIST

All Have Sinned:   Romans 3:23  |  Isaiah 53:6

Sin's Penalty:   Romans 6:23  |  Hebrews 9:27

Christ Paid the Penalty:   Romans 5:8  |  1 Peter 3:18

Salvation is not by Works:   Ephesians 2:8,9  |  Titus 3:5

Must Receive Christ:   John 1:12  |  Revelation 3:20

Assurance of Salvation:   1 John 5:13  |  John 5:24

 

RELIANCE ON GOD'S RESOURCES

His Spirit:   1 Corinthians 3:16  |  1 Corinthians 2:12

His Strength:   Isaiah 41:10  |  Philippians 4:13

His Faithfulness:   Lamentations 3:22,23  |  Numbers 23:19

His Peace:   Isaiah 26:3  |  1 Peter 5:7

His Provision:   Romans 8:32  |  Philippians 4:19

His Help in Temptation:   Hebrews 2:18  |  Psalms 119:9,11

 

BEING CHRIST'S DISCIPLE

Put Christ First:   Matthew 6:33  |  Luke 9:23

Separate From the World:   1 John 2:15,16  |  Romans 12:2

Be Steadfast:   1 Corinthians 15:58  |  Hebrews 12:3

Serve Others:   Mark 10:45  |  2 Corinthians 4:5

Give Generously:   Proverbs 3:9,10  |  2 Corinthians 9:6,7

Develop World Vision:   Acts 1:8  |  Matthew 28:19,20

 

Growth IN CHRISTLIKENESS

Love:   John 13:34,35  |  1 John 3:18

Humility:   Philippians 2:3,4  |  1 Peter 5:5,6

Purity:   Ephesians 5:3  |  1 Peter 2:11

Honesty:   Leviticus 19:11  |  Acts 24:16

Faith:   Hebrews 11:6  |  Romans 4:20,21

Good Works:   Galatians 6:9,10  |  Matthew 5:16