The purpose of the questions on this worksheet are to help you figure out why your previous attempts at memorizing scripture either failed altogether, or did not have impressive results. While working through this worksheet, make sure that you think carefully and are honest with yourself.

This worksheet assumes the following things:

• That you have attempted to memorize scripture before and are not happy with the results.

• That you want to try again and you want to be happy with the results, and are willing to make the changes needed to do so.

• That you have read through the material on my web site for background.

• That you are willing to spend a few hours thinking about your last attempts with the intention of discovering the reasons why you were not as successful as you should have been.

Think about your previous attempts

1. Describe your previous attempts at memorizing scripture. This question may take some time, but it is important to recall what you have done before we go on.

   
   

2. Why were you not satisfied with the results? What were the results?

   
   

1. Determination and desire.

   You should be convinced that the Bible is the inspired word of God and is the primary tool God has provided for our spiritual growth. You should therefore have a constant hunger for more of the word of God. It is truth and can set us free from what binds us if we obey it.

   • Why did you want memorize scripture? Was it because you wanted to fill your mind with God's truth so you could experience its benifits? Perhaps you were forced to by your parents. Perhaps you were just part of a large group that wanted to do it.

     
     

   • Did you lose your desire to memorize scripture part way? It is easy for determination to fade, because determination is based on emotions, not the will.

     
     

   • Would you say that the memorization of scripture a neccessity, or an option if you have time? If you say it was an option, or even something that is 'good', then you can easily be distracted. If you determine that it is a neccessity for spiritual growth, then you are more likely to be successful.

     
     

   • Are you convinced that a regular intake of the word of God is a good thing for a Christian, or is an absolute necessity? Do you hunger for the word?

     
     

   • Have you spent some time defining your goals and writing them out? Have you made a written resolution to memorize scripture at that you will not fail?

     
     

   
   

2. Discipline and the usage of your time.

   Determination is a good starting point, but if need to have a clear idea as to how to memorize scripture. You need a workable scheme, the discipline and will to stick to it each day and a plan to make sure that you do not stray from it in the long run

   • Was the memorization of scripture a priority which received scheduled time or only when you happened to get to it?

   • Are you easily distracted by other activities? The other things we do can grow in size until they swallow up much of our free time.
     • Things that are a waste of time. (TV, certain hobbies, etc)
     • Things which are not bad, but should have a lower priority.

   • Do changes in your life make it difficult for you to keep your plans?

   • Do you have trouble scheduling time? Why?

   • Do you have trouble sticking to your plan? Why?

   • Are you a procrastinator?

   • Do you think you are lazy?

   
   

3. Memorization/review techniques.
   • Do you have a routine for review and memorization?

   • Did you try to learn new verses at the expense of properly learning the previous ones?

   • Do you have an accountablility buddy, someone you can work with on memorizing scripture?

   • Do you have good study habits?

4. Living up to what you have already attained
   • Did you make an attempt to understand the scripture you memorized?

   • Did you make an attempt to meditate on the scripture you memorized?

   • Did you make an attempt to apply the scripture you memorized to your own life?

   • Was what you memorized a source of pride and boasting?

   • Is there significant sin in your life which is acting as a barrier between you and God or you and other people? This will also keep you away from the word.

   • Are you happy with your life, or do you struggle with discontentment, impatience, frustration, anger, etc?

   • Are you growing as a Christian? Do you wish to obey him? Do you want to be like Jesus? Do you persue the wealth of the world or the wealth of heaven. You generally cannot do both.

1. Write out a brief paragraph or two describing the specific reasons why your previous attempts at memorizing scripture were not as effective as you would have liked them to be.

2. Given your new insight, what do you need to do to make your attempts to memorize scripture work better the next time?