For a while, I insisted I was getting too old to memorize Scripture—that my mind wasn't up to the challenge. Then mentally challenged citizens from a group home performed at our church. They sang, played bells, and recited memorized verses. This reminded me that Bible memorization is possible . . . and beneficial. It has drawn me closer to God, assisted in spiritual growth and warfare, and caused me to cherish God's Word. Here are ways to encourage someone you're discipling to stick with Scripture memorization.

Deal with excuses.

Listen to your friend's reasons for not memorizing Scripture. Then help him to let go of each one. Together, bring those excuses to the Lord in prayer and exchange them for His power.

Start small.

A verse a week is a good starting point. Help your friend choose verses that are familiar or are favorites. You may want to present the person you're discipling with a packet of preprinted verse cards (available in Christian bookstores).

Find a suitable translation.

Some people like thees and thous; others find them a burden. In the beginning, encourage memorization from one translation rather than switching around. For memorization, I prefer a translation over a paraphrase.

Practice daily.

Choose the same time and place daily. Some people review memorized verses in the shower. Others learn new verses while on a walk or in the car. Urge your friend to keep her cards in a place she'll easily notice them. Making more than one set can help. Encourage her to work on new verses but also to review verses she's already learned.

Initiate accountability.

Offer to listen to his memorized verses, and then recite yours. Doing this once a week keeps Bible memorization from being an on-again-off-again thing. How do you make time for this? Take a walk together, or agree to meet 15 minutes before a prayer meeting or Bible study.

Write out verses.

Writing down verses enhances the memory process. Even if preprinted memory cards are used, encourage your friend to write out verses she is having trouble memorizing.

Pair memorization with meditation.

When we memorize without thinking deeply about what the verses mean, our interest wanes. Encourage meditation, and share the insights the Lord gives you.

Repeat, repeat, repeat.

When you review your verses together, teach your friend to keep repeating a verse until he doesn't have to look at the card for prompting. Remind him that memorizing—even if it takes a long time—is a blessing to the memorizer as well as to the Lord. Joy comes not just in having memorized a verse, but in the process.