How to Memorize Scripture for Life

“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 In our day, when retained knowledge has been replaced by an online search engine and the discipline of memorization largely forsaken, Davis’s book is a gift to the church.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 Associate Dean, The Southern 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 Housekey 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