How to Memorize Scripture for Life: From One Verse to Entire Books

By Andrew M. Davis

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How to Memorize Scripture for Life: From One Verse to Entire Books

By Andrew M. Davis

... Show All

A Simple, Proven Method for Memorizing Long Passages of Scripture

When God’s word abides in believers, it overflows with blessings for everyday life. Many Christians have individual Scripture verses “stored up” in their hearts, but there can be even greater spiritual benefit to memorizing long passages—even entire books—of the Bible. Unfortunately, this is often dismissed as impossible or too time consuming.  

Andrew M. Davis helps readers commit to extended Scripture memorization so they may grow in holiness, resist temptation, and share the gospel with others. In this brief guide, he offers an accessible, time-tested pattern for studying Scripture that includes simple daily procedures and tips for long-term retention. By building up a storehouse of biblical truth in their hearts, readers will strengthen their prayer life and intimacy with Christ as they prepare to share God’s truth with others.  

  • Has Helped Thousands Memorize Books of the Bible: Proven, daily plan for extended Scripture memorization and retention
  • Encouraging: Offers a strong, biblical defense for memorizing Scripture and empowers believers to develop this important spiritual discipline
  • Applicable: Helpful for growth in godliness, evangelism, conviction of sin, and powerful daily prayer
  • Previously published as An Approach to Extended Memorization of Scripture

Read Chapter 1


Author:

Andrew M. Davis

Andrew M. Davis (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina, and the founder of Two Journeys Ministry. He is also a visiting professor of church history at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a council member of the Gospel Coalition, and a former trustee of the International Mission Board. He is the author of several books, including The Power of Christian Contentment. He and his wife, Christi, reside in Bahama, North Carolina, and have five children and three grandchildren. For more resources from Andy, visit twojourneys.org.

Product Details

Category: Christian Living
Education
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 72
Size: 5.0 in x 7.0 in
Weight: 2.51 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-9103-0
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-9103-7
ISBN-UPC: 9781433591037
Case Quantity: 148
Published: January 16, 2024

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1: Scripture Memorization Commanded
Chapter 2: The Benefits of Scripture Memorization
Chapter 3: Overcoming Excuses for Not Memorizing
Chapter 4: Memorizing Individual Verses and Memorizing Books
Chapter 5: Getting Started
Chapter 6: Daily Procedures
Chapter 7: Dealing with Challenges
Chapter 8: Kissing the Book Goodbye . . . to Learn Other Books
Chapter 9: Memorizing Long Books and Memorizing Faster

Conclusion
Appendix 1: Number of Chapters and Verses in Each Biblical Book
Appendix 2: Ephesians Memorization Plan

Endorsements

“I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I wish that every Christian would read this book and do what it says, because I am confident that doing so would transform our lives, families, churches, and the world around us for our good and God’s glory in ways far beyond what we could ask or imagine.”
David Platt, Pastor, McLean Bible Church, McLean, Virginia; Founder, Radical; author, Don’t Hold Back

“This may prove to be the most important book you read this year. For if you put it into practice, you will find yourself on a long-term course of Scripture memorization that will fructify your mind and heart for the rest of your life, and for all eternity.”
D. A. Carson, Theologian-at-Large, The Gospel Coalition

“I recall listening spellbound to the testimony of a missionary who had recently been freed from prison in a country closed to gospel work and notoriously brutal in its treatment of Christians. Regularly beaten, often deprived of sleep, food, and water, this brother spent more than a year alone in a tiny cell. How did he survive emotionally and spiritually? He testified that it was Scripture that strengthened him and reminded him that he was never alone. Yet, he had no written copy of God’s word. Instead, it was the words written on his mind and heart that carried him, the words he had committed to memory over his years as a disciple. In How to Memorize Scripture for Life, Andy Davis emphasizes the vital importance of Scripture memorization for obedience to the teachings of God’s word and for growth as a disciple. He also provides practical instruction on how to carry out the Bible’s explicit admonitions and encouragements toward memorization of its teachings. In our day, when retained knowledge has been replaced by an online search engine and the discipline of memorization largely forsaken, Davis’s book is a gift to the church. Whether we are alone in a prison cell, standing to deliver a carefully prepared sermon, or doing the hard work of discipling a young believer, the Scriptures we have committed to memory will be the voice of God speaking to us and through us for his glory, our good, and the advance of the gospel.”
Paul Chitwood, President, International Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention

“I love Andy Davis and his Scripture-soaked ministry. In this book, he reveals his ‘secret’ behind a lost art in Christian circles—Scripture memorization. He is the right guy to write this book. He loves the Scripture, and he bleeds God’s word in how he preaches, encourages, and talks. Reading this book will make you love the Scripture more too. Davis will show you how to get it in your mind and heart in ways that will transform your life.”
J. D. Greear, Pastor, The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

“Andy Davis is my Scripture memory hero. He is a devoted husband and father of a large family. He pastors a large church. He writes books. And yet somehow in the midst of his busy life he has managed to memorize (at this writing) nearly the entire Bible. This little book contains his secret. It is life-changing.”
Donald S. Whitney, Professor of Biblical Spirituality and John H. Powell Endowed Chair of Pastoral Ministry, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; author, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life; Praying the Bible; and Family Worship

How to Memorize Scripture for Life is soul repair for the weary, battle armor for the war-torn, and a lifeline for backsliders. May the Lord use Andy Davis’s life-changing book to raise up a generation of Christians who defy the trendy lies of the devil with the word hidden in their hearts. All Christians should read this book and practice its wise counsel.”
Rosaria Butterfield, former Professor of English and Women’s Studies, Syracuse University; author, The Gospel Comes with a House Key and Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age

“​​Memorizing Scripture takes you deeper in your walk with the Lord and makes you better prepared to point others toward him. There are no shortcuts, but my friend Andy Davis has outlined some principles and suggestions that will help get you started and keep you on track in this profoundly rewarding journey.”
Kevin Ezell, President, North American Mission Board, The Southern Baptist Convention

“When many of us think of Andy Davis, we think of Scripture memory. Memorizing whole books of the Bible has been momentous for the whole of his Christian life and pastoral ministry, and he has long been a contagious and capable advocate for others doing the same. But perhaps even more impressive, when many of us think of Scripture memory, we think of Andy Davis. Few voices today, if any, rise so clearly to the top as both skilled teachers and practitioners of such an eternally significant topic.”
David Mathis, Senior Teacher and Executive Editor, desiringGod.org; Pastor, Cities Church, Saint Paul, Minnesota; author, Habits of Grace

“Andy Davis is one of the most disciplined men I’ve ever met. So when I learned that he had much of the Bible memorized, I was not surprised. Still, I decided to quiz him. True to form, he went through the Scriptures from memory in a way that made me want to know Scripture like that! What you hold in your hand is what Davis has learned throughout a lifetime of Scripture memory. I can attest that it is helpful. So if you’ve wanted to memorize Scripture in larger portions and in a manner that you will remember, pick up this book and get to work.”
Juan R. Sanchez, Senior Pastor, High Pointe Baptist Church, Austin, Texas; author, Seven Dangers Facing Your Church

“I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I wish that every Christian would read this book and do what it says, because I am confident that doing so would transform our lives, families, churches, and the world around us for our good and God’s glory in ways far beyond what we could ask or imagine.”

David Platt

Pastor, McLean Bible Church, McLean, Virginia; Founder, Radical; author, Don’t Hold Back