52 Week Bible Memory Guide
Weeks 1-4
Introduction to Bible Memorization
In Psalm 119:11, the psalmist declares, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” This simple yet profound statement captures the essence of Bible memorization: storing God’s truth deep within us so it shapes our thoughts, guides our actions, and anchors our faith. In a world filled with noise and distraction, memorizing Scripture offers a quiet, powerful way to stay rooted in God’s promises. It equips us to face temptation, speak truth in love, and find comfort in times of trouble—not by reaching for a book, but by drawing from the wellspring within.
Scripture memorization is not a modern invention or a niche spiritual discipline—it’s a rich and enduring tradition woven throughout the history of the Christian Church. From the early desert fathers to medieval monks, from Sunday school children to persecuted believers who clung to verses in secret, the Church has long understood the transformative power of internalizing God’s Word. Martin Luther himself urged Christians to “let the Word dwell richly” in their hearts, knowing that memorized Scripture becomes a living dialogue between the soul and its Savior.
This guide invites you into that sacred tradition—not with pressure or perfectionism, but with joy and purpose. Whether you’re just beginning or returning to memorization after years away, I pray you will find this simple list as a great way to get started. Some of the verses may already be familiar to you, and some may be completely new.
I want to encourage you to keep a journal along with this adventure. Writing each verse in a journal is an excellent way to memorize it. Record also your thoughts, the teachings of the Spirit as you journey, and your prayers. As you journey through these pages, may the Holy Spirit bring verses to life, shape your character, and deepen your love for the One who speaks through every line. Let’s begin—not just to memorize, but to be transformed.
This collection of passages is drawn from the Old Testament Prophets and the New Testament Epistles. Our next volume is entirely from the Psalms and the Gospels.
Not another Spiritual Checklist
Each week we offer two Bible verses worthy of memorization. (not to say the other 31,000+ verses are not worthy) Pick one that seems to challenge you the most, or take them both on for the week. Not only are these verses to memorize, but they are verses to ponder for an entire week.
The last thing memorizing the Bible should become is another spiritual checklist. This is not meant to make you do one more thing or make you feel guilty if you don’t do it. It is meant to encourage and uplift, not to burden you, so never think of this as something you must do. Memorizing scripture is something you get to do; it is a joy and a privilege to take the word of God and store it inside. Don’t let Satan ever use it as a weapon against you. Below are the words of Saint Francis de Sales; he wrote them in a booklet titled “For Busy Aristocrats” from the early 17th century. I pray you will find these words helpful on your journey. (Notice we didn’t even make a list for you to check off. So honor that spirit and no checkmarks, please!
Keeping a Spiritual Perspective on Daily Life
Strive to see God in all things without exception, and acquiesce in his will with absolute submission. Do everything for God, uniting yourself to him by a mere upward glance, or by the overflowing of your heart towards him. Never be in a hurry; Do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inward peace for anything whatsoever, even if your world seems upset. Commend all to God, and then lie still and be at rest in his bosom. Whatever happens, abide steadfast in his determination to cling simply to God, trusting in his eternal love for you; and if you find that you have wandered forth from this shelter, recall your heart quietly and simply. Maintain a wholly simplicity of mind and do not smother yourself with a host of cares, wishes, or longings, under any pretext.
St. Francis DeSales
Weeks 1–4: Foundations of God’s Character
In these first weeks, we anchor ourselves in the unchanging nature of God — His holiness, justice, love, and power. These verses remind us that faith begins not with our effort, but with knowing who God is. His eternal strength, His covenant mercy, and His perfect wisdom form the bedrock of every believer’s hope and worship.
Week 1
Prophet: Isaiah 40:28
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
Epistle: Romans 11:36
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Week 2
Prophet: Jeremiah 9:23–24
Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”
Epistle: Ephesians 2:8–9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Week 3
Prophet: Habakkuk 3:17–18
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
Epistle: Philippians 4:6–7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Week 4
Prophet: Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:30–31
And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Drop me a note with your email or address and I would be happy to send you a pdf, or a printed copy of this 52 week guide!
<><Craig