Memorize Scripture

How to memorize Matthew 6:9–13

Matthew 6:9–13 is 5 verses. Learned a verse a day, a line at a time (9 lines in all), it takes about 6 days.

Part of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus has just said not to pray with many words; this is the pattern he gives instead. The first three requests are about God; the last three are about our needs.

Matthew 6:9–13 in 9 lines

Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Learn a verse by adding one line at a time.

1. 6:9
   1. So then, this is how you should pray:
   2. ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
2. 6:10
   1. Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
   2. on earth as it is in heaven.
3. 6:11
   1. Give us this day our daily bread.
4. 6:12
   1. And forgive us our debts,
   2. as we also have forgiven our debtors.
5. 6:13
   1. And lead us not into temptation,
   2. but deliver us from the evil one.’

How to memorize it, five minutes a day

1. One phrase at a time. Read the first phrase aloud twice. Cover it and say it. Uncover it and check every word.
2. Add the next phrase only when the first comes easily, then say the two together. Keep joining until the verse is whole.
3. Come back tomorrow and say it before you look. Rate yourself honestly: got it, needed help, or practise again.
4. Space the reviews. Each time you recall it without help, wait longer before the next review: a day, three days, a week, a month.
5. Say the whole passage once a week so the verses stay joined, not just memorized one by one.

King James Version

⁹After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. ¹⁰Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. ¹¹Give us this day our daily bread. ¹²And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. ¹³And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.