One simple practice can make a big difference.

You have probably heard that reading the Bible daily builds your faith. But did you know that writing out scripture builds your faith too?

Yes, the simple practice of writing out a verse that you read will help your spiritual growth. It’s a simple spiritual discipline that can make a big difference.

When you write something out, studies show you have a 40 percent better chance of remembering it. This is true whether it’s your to-do list, grocery list, or a Bible verse you want to capture in your mind.

It was also true if you got in trouble as a child in school and had to write sentences as a consequence for a bad decision. Why did the teacher make you do that? Because he or she knew the concept was more likely to stick in your mind and keep you from making that error again.

Your chosen verse can help you focus on positive truths when you are tempted to join a downward mental spiral of negativity.

When you write out a Bible verse, it will not only encourage you throughout the day. It can also guard you from making the wrong decisions. Your chosen verse can help you focus on positive truths when you are tempted to join a downward mental spiral of negativity.

Writing out God’s Word helps you hide it in your heart much deeper than simply reading it. Then it will be easier to pull up from memory as you face moments of temptation. It will also be easier to share with others since it will be on your mind.

How do you get started on this? First, you’ll need to have a notebook with your Bible or devotional. Keep that notebook and a writing utensil handy every day.

As you are reading, pray that God will reveal a verse He wants you to remember. Then write it out in your notebook, perhaps including the date and the reason this verse stood out to you.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (ESV) describes God’s will for us to hide His word in our minds:

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

Writing out scripture is just one method of getting God’s Word to stick in our minds. We can add more layers of memorization by talking about them, displaying them, and posting them on sticky notes or online.

The more you refer to your written verse, the greater sticking power it will have in your memory. Turn it over and over in your mind as you view it in your notebook. God will help you draw more wisdom and encouragement from it every time you consider it.

This simple practice of writing out a chosen verse will build your faith day by day. In one month of doing this, you’ll experience a new level of spiritual growth and encouragement. Grab your pen, paper, and Bible and get started today!