Fourdot Tech LLC

Memorize Scripture

How to memorize Psalm 23

Psalm 23:1–6 is 6 verses. Learned a verse a day, a line at a time (15 lines in all), it takes about 9 days.

A psalm attributed to David, written as a song. Verses 1–3 describe God as a shepherd leading sheep; verse 4 turns to speak to God directly in the dark valley; verses 5–6 change the picture to a host at a table and a home.

Psalm 23 in 15 lines

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

  1. 23:1
    1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
  2. 23:2
    1. He makes me lie down in green pastures;
    2. He leads me beside quiet waters.
  3. 23:3
    1. He restores my soul;
    2. He guides me in the paths of righteousness
    3. for the sake of His name.
  4. 23:4
    1. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    2. I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
    3. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
  5. 23:5
    1. You prepare a table before me
    2. in the presence of my enemies.
    3. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
  6. 23:6
    1. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me
    2. all the days of my life,
    3. and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

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

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.