A few weeks ago, I joined Josh Summers for an interview at Bible Memory Goal about my recently published book, The Bible by Heart: The Bible’s Own Method for Scripture Memory. In the past few years, Josh has become an influential Bible-memory coach to lots of people through his online presence (HERE, HERE, and HERE) and through a really helpful book he published on memorizing Scripture. I reached out to Josh to see if he would be willing to do a short interview with me on the topic of memorizing Scripture.
Ken Berding (KB): Why did you start memorizing?
Josh Summers (JS): I didn’t start memorizing Scripture because I thought I had a great memory or because I was especially disciplined. In fact, it was the opposite. I started because I realized how quickly I forget—especially the things that matter most.
There was a moment in my life when that reality became very clear. I was detained and questioned while doing ministry in a foreign country, and during that time one of the things taken away from me was my Bible. It was one of the scariest experiences of my life, and in that moment, I realized how dependent I had become on access to Scripture instead of actually carrying it with me internally. That experience forced me to confront a simple question: What remains when everything external is stripped away?
Memorizing Scripture became less about accomplishment and more about identity. I wanted God’s Word to be so embedded in me that it shaped how I think, how I respond under pressure, and the lens through which I see the world around me. Over time, I’ve come to see memorization not as the end goal, but as the starting point for a deeper journey of internalization, meditation, and ultimately transformation.
KB: What learning methods have you found most useful?
JS: The biggest shift for me was realizing that memorization doesn’t have to be monotonous repetition. God designed our brain to respond to visual cues, spatial signals, and especially understanding. When you understand a passage—its context, structure, and meaning—it becomes significantly easier to remember.
One of the most effective approaches I use is what I call a “big to small” framework. Instead of jumping straight into memorizing a passage, I start by repeatedly reading the entire book or passage over the course of a month to understand the big picture. Then I break it down into sections or an outline before focusing on individual verses. This creates mental “hooks” that make recall much more natural.
From there, I layer in specific techniques depending on the situation. The first-letter method is one of the most practical tools for daily review: create a printed version of the text showing only the first letter of each word, including capitalization and punctuation. It gives you just enough structure to recall without fully relying on the text. I also use imagery and memory associations, especially for longer passages, because the brain tends to remember pictures more easily than words.
Finally, spaced repetition is essential. Memorization without review is temporary. If memorization is planting the seed, then consistent review is the watering that allows it to take root and grow over time.
KB: What’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to memorize Scripture?
JS: The most common mistake is jumping straight into memorization without first building understanding. People pick a verse, repeat it over and over, and then get frustrated when it doesn’t stick. The problem is that the brain doesn’t retain isolated information well. If a verse feels disconnected—if you don’t understand the context, the flow of thought, or why it matters—it becomes much harder to remember. It’s like trying to memorize a random sentence from the middle of a book without knowing the story.
Another mistake is choosing passages that are unnecessarily difficult, especially at the beginning. Romans 8 is a wonderful passage to memorize, but if it’s the first step in your memory journey, you might get easily discouraged. Not all parts of Scripture are equally easy to memorize. Starting with something more narrative (a parable or story in the Gospels) or rhythmic (e.g. a psalm) can create early wins, which builds momentum and confidence.
Ultimately, memorization works best when it’s both strategic and sustainable. If you focus on understanding first and build on small wins, the process becomes much more natural—and much more effective.
KB: How has memorizing Scripture impacted your spiritual life?
JS: Memorizing Scripture has fundamentally changed how I interact with God on a daily basis. I’m developing a deeper understanding of the word “meditate” and what it means to do so “day and night” as in Joshua 1:8.
When Scripture is internalized, it surfaces naturally throughout my day—in moments of stress, decision-making, temptation, or even ordinary conversations. It has also deepened my prayer life. When you have Scripture readily available in your mind, it can become the language of your prayers. You’re no longer just expressing your thoughts—you’re aligning them with God’s Word.
But perhaps the most important impact is subtle: it changes what I think about when my mind is idle. Over time, memorized Scripture has become the default soundtrack of my thoughts. And that quiet, ongoing meditation is where real transformation happens.
KB: Where can I go to get encouragement and support in my Scripture memory journey?
JS: One of the most overlooked aspects of Scripture memory is community. I used to assume that memorizing Scripture was a solitary discipline, something I was supposed to do quietly by myself and rarely share with anybody else to avoid appearing spiritually superior. Over time, however, I’ve realized that not only is it incredibly difficult to sustain without support, but reciting Scripture can also edify and encourage others!
That’s why I always encourage people to find or build some form of accountability. This could be as simple as one other person you check in with regularly, or a small group that meets consistently to recite and review together. The key is creating a rhythm where memorization isn’t just personal—it’s shared.
There are also structured communities designed specifically for this purpose. For example, within Bible Memory Goal, we’ve created spaces where people can memorize together through virtual live sessions, small groups, and shared goals. What makes a difference isn’t just the tools—it’s the encouragement of seeing others stay consistent and make progress.
If someone is just getting started, I’d say: don’t try to do this alone. Find people who share your passion for Scripture and then connect to sharpen and encourage each other. Memorization is the gateway, not the destination. The goal is meditation, understanding, and transformation over time, which is much more gratifying when done with other brothers and sisters in Christ.
KB: Thank you for allowing me to interview you about memorizing God’s Word. I hope many people follow your example and commit to learning God’s inspired Scriptures by heart.
JS: That’s my hope as well. Thank you for allowing me to join you today.
Pick up a copy of Josh’s book: Memorize What Matters: 12 Proven Strategies to Memorize the Bible. You can download one free chapter (about the first-letter method): HERE.
Pick up a copy of my new book: The Bible by Heart: The Bible’s Own Method for Scripture Memory. An interview about the book is available: HERE.
Kindle Afresh 