Overview and Instructions

History

In 1972 I started memorizing entire books of the Bible by putting the scripture to music just as David did with the Psalms.  My goal was to increase my knowledge of scripture and to grow in my relationship with Christ.  

Young adults and teens in my church also wanted to learn.  They asked me for a cassette tape of the book of Ephesians.  They had fun and learned, simply by singing along: rewinding their tape for practice and review.  Individuals who memorized scripture using this method still remember entire chapters and even entire books of the Bible word for word, 35 years later, with little or no review (see Testimonies).

Now, years later I have developed a systematic teaching program that converges my experience as a music composer, ordained minister, and educational psychologist.  This teaching program is the culmination of many years of work.  I invite you into a rewarding musical learning experience that has been carefully developed to maximize your success. 

Format

The Word for Word Scripture Memorization System involves three important Learning Modules.  For best results follow them in order. The Learning Modules are divided into convenient teaching/learning tracks.  Simple instructions are provided track by track as you progress through the recording. Here on the website, you will find an ever expanding wealth of information and inspirational help.  Most importantly please find the text of the Music Memory Bible to read and print.

Before you begin the Three Learning Modules I recommend an important preliminary step.   Read the text out loud and ask God for wisdom, understanding and an excellent attitude.  Be willing to apply what you learn!  “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them – He shall be like the wise man who built his house on the rock.”, "Their voice has gone out to all the earth and their words to the ends of the world!" Romans 10:18

A Unique -Three Module - Scripture Memorization Program

(Audio instructions are provided on the Learning CDs and mp3 files)

MODULE 2: The chapter is divided into Learning Tracks  -  lessons with short repeated phrases.

MODULE 3: Review and mastery.   The easiest yet most important step!

MODULE 1: Passage Text and Song Overview

Module 1 is designed to quickly familiarize you with the scripture passage that you are memorizing, whether it is a complete chapter of the Bible, or an extended chain of verses about an important scripture theme.

Step 1  Pray for understanding.    Read the text out loud - 3 times
Step 2  Listen to CD Track 2        Overview at full speed  - 3 times
Step 3  Listen to CD Track 3        Overview at slow speed - 3 times

Naturally, you can listen more frequently if you like.  Many people like to listen on the way to and from work or while working around the house or jogging, while throwing the baseball with your son etc.  Obviously the more you listen, the more it accelerates the learning process. One family sang along while playing ping-pong! The more you listen (and sing), the faster you learn!

Helpful Hints:

Copy and print these instructions and the scripture text to be learned before the CD arrives.
Complete all Steps in one day - or take several days on each step!
Enjoy the process!       Have fun!    Just work at your own pace!

That's all there is to Module 1         Once you finish Module 1 go on to Module 2!

MODULE 2: Learning Tracks

Step 1  Listen to CD track 2, then skip to Learning Track 5
Step 2  Listen to CD track 2, then skip to Learning Track 6
Step 3 Listen to CD track 2, then skip to Learning Track 7

And so forth through all the Module 2 Learning Tracks

Note:

Always listen to Track 2 then skip to the Learning Track for the day

Use the slowed down track -  Track 3 - whenever it is helpful

Learning Tracks always begin with Track 5 (chapter length determines the # of Learning Tracks)

The Learning Tracks always have the same three components: Preview, Repetition, and Review.

During Preview, you listen to the entire Learning Track one time through.   Just listen to it!

During Repetition, the verses are divided into short musical phrases, each repeated 5 times.
Simply sing along as soon as you are able - and feel free to pause the recording as desired.

During Review, you hear the entire Learning Track repeated 5 times  -  Sing along!

Helpful Hints:

Listen to the entire chapter (Track 2) each day prior to using the day's Learning Track

For fun, experiment with pausing the music during the short repeated phrases.  Some students find it helpful and fun to attempt to sing what they just heard without the accompaniment.

Just as in Module 1 work at your own pace.  You may spend several sessions or days on a Learning Track, or just keep moving along one Lesson (Learning Track) per day.

You may be surprised at how much you already know when you finish Module 2!

However, full mastery of the passage is not intended until completing the next Module ... that is Module 3.

Variation:

Having said that, some students “resonate” with the Module 2 approach. They attempt to master the chapter - section by section - in Module 2. They do this by spending numerous days on Module 2 Lessons reviewing each Learning Track until they have mastered it. Keep in mind this program is specially designed for your current success but also to plant the Word in your heart so deeply that you will remember it all your life.  Therefore, even if you know the chapter completely after finishing Module 2, I encourage you to still spend at least a few days using the Module 3 approach prior to testing yourself!

For complete mastery of this chapter or scripture theme go on to Module 3!

MODULE 3: Review and Mastery

Step 1  Use Track 2 (full speed) or Track 3 (slow speed) - depending on your caffeine intake? ;)
Step 2  Listen to your chosen Track and just sing along! You may already know much of it!
Step 3  When you come to a place where you are not 100% confident, rewind back to a place where you were confident of the words and melody (the randomness of this is good!)
Step 4 Play and sing the "uncertain" section of the melody over and over until you completely master it.  Do not go on until you achieve total mastery of the section.
Step 5  When you have mastered it, start from the beginning again.
Step 6  When you come to the next place where you are not 100% confident, rewind and review until you achieve total mastery of the section.

 Continue this process for as many sessions as necessary until you are able to confidently sing all the way through the chapter, word for word by heart with no mistakes.

Note:

Module 3 is the most important part of your mastery learning.

Though simple and easy, this technique is essential (even vital) to do.

Why is this low-tech approach actually so effective?

Rewinding takes you back to random places in the song.

You will start singing from many different spots - therefore, you will not establish what I call “false memory loops".

All those who now remember whole chapters and books of the Bible from 35 years ago, learned simply by using the rewind arrow on their cassette recorder! 

Last Step: When you are convinced you are able to confidently sing all the way through the chapter, word for word by heart with no mistakes, go to CD Track 4 (Single Note Piano Test Track). Track 4 has no voice to help you, only the piano notes.         If you can sing the entire chapter with no mistakes ……

CONGRATULATIONS!

YOU ARE READY TO GO TO THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THE BIBLE!

 The Book of Ephesians is ready for you now!

Contact Word for Word by e-mail, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , to receive the FREE download of the learning mp3 (or CD) of Ephesians chapter 1 with audio instructions.  This will, at some time, also be available in video format.

As new ministry partners financially contribute to the Scripture Memory Project, covering production costs, other books will be made available!

--- soon to come:

I Thessalonians
I Timothy
Colossians
Gospel of John
Gospel of Luke
The Words of Jesus
The Acts of the Apostles
James
I John
Romans
Psalms 1 - 11
Psalm 119    -- and much more including topical themes such as love, faith, healing, peace etc.

Word for Word Ministries joyfully provides a fun and highly effective way to memorize extensive amounts of scripture both textual and topical.  I commend you for your desire to memorize scripture.