Mother and young woman in New Zealand are sitting together reading scriptures. Also shots of woman along pondering.
Remembering scripture passages and what is taught in them can help you in many ways. This lesson is intended to help you memorize some of the New Testament doctrinal mastery scripture references and key scripture phrases.
Why might you memorize some of the following: song lyrics, a schedule, or facts about sports players or performers?
What are other examples of things you memorize? Why do you memorize them?
What are some reasons to memorize scriptures?
Read the following statement by Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, or watch the video “He Lives,” available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 5:27 to 6:05. Look for at least three blessings that memorized scriptures can offer us.
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Final official portrait of Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 2004. Passed away 22 September 2015.
I suggest that you memorize scriptures that touch your heart and fill your soul with understanding. When scriptures are used as the Lord has caused them to be recorded, they have intrinsic power that is not communicated when paraphrased. Sometimes when there is a significant need in my life, I review mentally scriptures that have given me strength. There is great solace, direction, and power that flow from the scriptures, especially the words of the Lord.
(Richard G. Scott, “He Lives,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 87–88)
What are some blessings you have experienced from memorizing scriptures or key phrases from the scriptures?
How has memorizing the words of the Lord recorded in scripture helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
Flash cards
One way to memorize scripture references and key phrases is to use flash cards. To create flash cards, fold a blank piece of paper in half and then in half again to create four sections. Unfold the paper, and cut on the folded lines to make four cards.
Write each of the following references on one side of each card. On the other side, write the key scripture phrase.
“The holy scriptures … are able to make thee wise unto salvation.”
Get creative to help you memorize. Choose one of the following ideas or come up with one of your own.
Quiz yourself: Hold the flash cards so that you can see only the reference or key scripture phrase. Try saying the corresponding key scripture phrase or reference. Repeat this several times with each reference and corresponding phrase.
Text review: Text a reference to friends in your seminary class and see who texts back with the correct key phrase.
Matching activity: Partner with another classmate or family member. Have one person place their cards with the reference face up and the other person place their cards with the key scripture phrase face up. Match the key scripture phrase to the corresponding reference by placing the card with the key scripture phrase on top of the reference card.
Use the app: Use the Doctrinal Mastery app to help you memorize.
1. Bring your flash cards to your weekly face-to-face class to share with your teacher. Answer the following questions in your study journal:
Select one of the doctrinal mastery passages.
Why would you want to have this passage or key scripture phrase memorized?
How might it help deepen your understanding of Jesus Christ and His gospel?
