12 Best Bible Verses to Memorize [With Scripture Cards]

You CAN memorize Bible Verses this year! I bet you even have some memorized already. How about this one- “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” You probably can also tell me where it’s found in the Bible. I’m going to guide and encourage you through the process; giving you the 12 best Bible verses to memorize for this year.

Why is Memorizing Scripture Important?

We have Google and Bible apps at our fingertips, so why bother with Bible verse memorization?

Here are a few important reasons to memorize verses:

 ~There are many verses that direct us to keep God’s word in our hearts. Here’s one: “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds.” Deuteronomy 11:18. (Maybe this verse is a good place to start?)

God asks us to treasure His Word and to keep it in a place of prominence in our daily lives.

And another: “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Colossians 3:16. 

We should let Scripture “dwell in us richly,” anchoring to Him so deeply that it automatically flows from our hearts into our thoughts and speech.

~Bible verse memorization fights against sin, unbelief, doubts, discouragement, and sorrows. The enemy loves to tempt us in these areas and the best way to resist him is with Biblical truths that immediately come to mind.

If you need any more convincing, Jesus used Scripture to counter the devil’s temptations in Matthew 4:1-11.

 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11. Keeping God’s word in our hearts is a deterrent to temptation. What a perfect reason to memorize Scripture!

~Do you awaken at night, mind racing, unable to fall back asleep? Scripture has a lot to say about His comfort and presence in the night. When you memorize these verses, your mind is “stayed on Him” and sleep can come again.

I found this verse comforting: “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8.

~Do you have a favorite Scripture that helps you through a personal struggle? Memorizing it instantly equips you in the battles you face and keeps your focus on God’s love and care.

~Do you feel inadequate in sharing your faith with others? Peter urges us to always be ready to give a defense for our everlasting life in Christ-

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”1 Peter 3:15.

Memorizing Scriptures that have led to our own understanding of the Gospel message can lead us to share them with others quickly and easily. Take some stress out when sharing your faith!

Obstacles to Memorizing Verses

Do any of these sound like you?

Time Restraints

Maybe you think you just don’t have time to add one more thing to your busy life. Memorizing Scripture should not be a burden, but the perfect way to store up comfort, protection, and strength when you need it. 

Do you have just one minute per day to work on memorizing Scripture?

You already have other things memorized- important dates (i.e., birthdays and anniversaries), phone numbers, some passwords, addresses, song lyrics, sports statistics, etc.

I guarantee you CAN memorize Scripture and when you do, you WILL reap the many benefits!

Feeling Inadequate/I have a Bad Memory

Maybe you’ve tried and failed at memorization. Remember this most important truth- we possess the power of God through the Holy Spirit, who will “teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26. 

This is a promise from Jesus, and He always keeps His promises. We have a Wonderful Counselor to be our “tutor” and an incredible brain we can use to memorize His Word!

It’s too Hard for Me

God wants us to know Him by knowing His Word. God promises to equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and the effort you invest will deepen your relationship with Him.

I’m going to give you 12 best Bible verses to memorize (one for each month!), but of course, pick what you need. Maybe you’re craving His protection. Do you need to know His comfort?

Are you worrying too much? Maybe you just want to feel closer to God. There are vast quantities of verses that speak to your need.

The following are quite popular Bible verses you may already know and be familiar with. They are a great starting point in your Scripture memory journey. If you are new or hesitant to Bible verse memorization, perhaps the best way to start is with a short Bible verse from this list.

Memory Verses

The Importance of Obedience-

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28

Giving Glory to God-

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthian 10:31

Encouragement for the Christian Life-

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.

The Spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in our lives-

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23.

God’s own love-

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1

Spreading the Good News-

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19.

Worshipping God-

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:19.

God’s Protection-

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10.

God’s Perfect Peace-

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Prayer-

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16.

God’s Strength-

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1.

Our New Life in our Lord, Jesus Christ-

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

How to Memorize Scripture

Here are some tips and ideas on how to overcome any concerns.

~Make this process your own. Read different translations of the verse. Some wording makes it easier than others. Many of you have a favorite translation; use what you like! Are you working with children?  Find one that helps them understand what they are memorizing.

If you don’t want to learn where to find your verse in the Bible, you don’t have to! 

~Start small. My verse memorization practice didn’t happen overnight. I started out learning one at a time and in brief spurts of time- about one minute per day.

My end goal was to recall these verses day or night, whenever I needed them the most. I was persistent, but not stressed about my progress.

~Partner with a friend or family member (child? grandchild?) for encouragement. 

~Writing out the verse you are trying to memorize is a proven help in memorization. 

~Speak the verse aloud in distinct tones of voice, in a whisper and loud, fast and slow. Visualize your words going back to Him. He has marvelous plans for the words that you write on your heart!

~ Practice daily and be consistent. Repetition is a key to memorization no matter what avenue you use. Don’t get discouraged! There are no “prerequisites” needed or time frames to memorizing Scripture. Let it come from a heart centered on your love of God and the Holy Bible. 

~Notecards can be helpful to make Scripture memorization cards. I created Scripture cards of these verses (in a folder) and have many others available on my free Resource Page, including blank cards Take them with you on a walk, in the car, put them in your purse, use them as bookmarks, etc.

Similarly, sticky notes placed on your bathroom mirror, near the sink where you do dishes/wash your hands, in your car, etc. keep your verses front and center during your day.

~Sing the verse to a simple song (Happy Birthday, the doxology, “Holy, Holy, Holy”…) I taught a children’s class the name of the Minor Prophets using song and I can still recite them to this day!

~I came across this Bible Memorization app recently, and it may be helpful to you. They have a children’s version, too. https://biblememory.com/

Scripture is a Two-Edge Sword

“The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword; it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the hearts.” Hebrews 4:12.

The Bible is not just a collection of words or a historical record, but His way of communicating ideas. It is life changing and powerful as it works in us.

God wants us to make His Word an integral part of our everyday lives. We need to work at keeping it front and center of our hearts and minds.

Bible Verse Memorization takes a bit of your time and persistence, but it’s not an insurmountable task. 

 Ask God daily to write His Word on your heart and mind. It will give you spiritual strength and allow you to pass it on to others!

The world constantly bombards us with messages contradictory to the Bible. Memorizing Bible verses keeps us focused on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8)

Blessings!

AnnMarie

All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.

Photo Credit: Canva