Mission Callings
Skill Practice 5: Strive to Memorize Scriptures

Skill Practice 5

Strive to Memorize Scriptures

man studying the scriptures

“Great power can come from memorizing scriptures” (Preach My Gospel [2023], 27). Memorization of scripture passages can deepen our understanding of the Savior’s gospel and enhance our ability to teach it to others.

Discussion leader: Strive to be brief in the “Define” and “Demonstrate” sections so learners have plenty of time for practice.

Define

Discussion leader: Help class members locate the box titled “The Role of Memorization” in chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel (pages 26–27). Then share the following instructions:

Read the third paragraph in “The Role of Memorization” (Preach My Gospel, 27). Look for how memorizing scripture passages can bless you and others.

  • How can memorization help you as a missionary?

  • How have you benefited from memorizing a passage of scripture?

Discussion leader: Explain that there are many methods we can use to help us memorize scriptures. You could share some of the following as examples. You might also invite students to share additional ideas.

  • Read the words several times in a row. Then hide the words and repeat them without looking.

  • Divide the scripture passage into several shorter phrases. Memorize the phrases one at a time, reviewing what you have already memorized as you go.

  • Write out the words more than once while reading the verse. Then write down the passage without looking at the verse.

  • Write down the first letters of every word in the verse and then use those letters to guide you as you say the verse.

  • Create simple pictures to help you memorize the passage.

Demonstrate

Discussion leader: Explain that an important scripture passage for missionaries to memorize is the account of Joseph Smith’s First Vision recorded in Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17.

Below is one way you could use the second idea from the list in the previous section to help learners memorize Joseph Smith’s account. Help learners memorize the following phrases one at a time by repeating them aloud as a class.

“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. …

“When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air.

“One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17).

Practice

Discussion leader: Invite learners to practice reciting this portion of Joseph Smith’s First Vision account with a partner. They could use the same method you practiced as a class or they could choose a different one.

Apply

Discussion leader: Share the following instructions to help learners apply the skill of memorizing scriptures to their lives:

Determine how you will continue using the skill of memorizing scriptures. Here are some ideas:

  • Continue your memorization of Joseph Smith’s First Vision. Practice reciting it to a loved one.

  • Choose one or more other scriptures you want to memorize and make efforts to memorize them.