Making Memorizing Scripture Easier

Years ago I attended a Precepts Training Worship on Structuring  that opened up a whole new way to study Scripture. Just using this simple technique I was able to easily break down complex verses and recognize the flow of thought within verses. While structuring has transformed how I now study the Bible, it has also proven invaluable in memorizing Scripture. By simply structuring my memory verses, I can at-a-glance recognize the flow of thought, identify repeated words or phrases, and  see the logical structure of the verse. Most of which I would probably would fail to see simply by only reading my verses, and not taking a closer look. 

Since I'm memorizing Psalm 71 right now with the great community of believers at Do Not Depart, let me show you how this works using Psalm 71:5 as an example. I memorize from the NKJV so here’s how I structured this verse. 

⁵ For You are my hope

                       O Lord GOD

You are my trust

                                   from my youth

At-a-glance I can see:

• The logical flow of thought 
• The theme of this verse 
• The repeated words (I bolded them to make them more obvious to me when I read through my verses) 
• The breakdown so I can more easily wrap my brain around this verse making it easier and faster for me to hide this gem in my heart.

If you can make it to a Precept Training Workshop, I highly recommend their Structuring Workshop. However if you are like me and  live in an area that only has precept trainings every few years, then the next  best thing is Kay Arthur’s The New How to Study Your Bible: Discover the Life-Changing Approach to God's Word where she goes into detail about how to structure your Bible verses. 

I have this book and loved reading all the wonderful tips and techniques she lays out for how to study the Bible. A book I reference time and again. (My other favorite book on how to study the Bible is Tim LaHaye’s book, How to Study the Bible for Yourself. It is my favorite book between the two, although just know you wont find anything in his book about structuring.) 

To help make memorizing Psalm 71 easier for me, especially some of the more complex verses, I've broken it down through structuring. If you would like a FREE printable of what Psalm 71 looks like structured, click on the links below:

Psalm 71 Structured (NKJV)

Psalm 71 Structured (ESV) 

In both of these PDF documents, I have bolded the repeated words and yellow-highlighted additional words within a repeated phrase so I don't leave out that extra word. For instance, in Psalm 71:12 

¹² O God, do not be far from me

O my God, make haste to help me

I pray these ideas and examples make it easier for you as you seek to hide God's Word in your heart. God bless you richly!

Questions for you: Do you use structuring in studying your Bible or memorizing Scripture? What are your tips for making memorizing Scripture easier?

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links on this site are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

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Copyright © 2013 Brooke Espinoza.