Seven Steps<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#383838″ text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”7px” text_line_height=”2.3em” header_font=”Raleway||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” min_height=”65px” custom_margin=”-32px||-12px|||” custom_padding=”10px||18px|||” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” text_text_align=”center” inline_fonts=”Montserrat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n TO LEARN A STORY<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway|300|||||||” custom_margin=”-56px|||||” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”600ms” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_text_color=”#383838″ text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”-23px||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” text_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are many different ways to internalize a biblical story, and you will need to experiment to learn what works best for you. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#383838″ closed_toggle_text_color=”#383838″ icon_color=”#006b60″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ toggle_text_color=”#383838″ toggle_font=”Raleway|700|||||||” toggle_text_align=”center” toggle_font_size=”20px” closed_toggle_font=”Raleway||||||||” closed_toggle_font_size=”20px” body_font=”Raleway||||||||” width=”69%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”1. Choose a passage.” open_toggle_text_color=”#383838″ icon_color=”#006b60″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#383838″ toggle_font=”Raleway||||||||” toggle_font_size=”20px” closed_toggle_font=”Raleway||||||||” closed_toggle_font_size=”20px” open=”on”]<\/p>\n Biblical storytelling is a different discipline than memorizing a string of single verses. The real value results from learning larger chunks of scripture: a whole story, a series of connected stories, a whole unit of thought in a letter. The length will vary, of course, depending on the story and your ambition, but strive to learn something that feels complete. If you\u2019re new to this, I would recommend starting with a parable of Jesus. They are short, familiar, memorable stories that can be learned quickly. And, more importantly, they are often challenging or ambiguous enough to reward playful experimentation through performance.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”2. Choose a translation. ” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Before you learn the story, you\u2019ll need to decide what words to learn! There are many good, contemporary translations of the Bible, and you will need to choose the particular translation that works best for your performance setting. If you will be sharing in a church setting, for example, consider which translation your faith community typically uses in corporate worship. Some translations aim for maximum fidelity to the Hebrew or Greek (e.g., ESV, NASB), and that can sometimes detract from their readability (and learnability) in English. Other translations strive for readability (e.g., NIV, CEB), making them more natural to internalize and tell. Whichever translation you choose, make sure that you consult other translations throughout the process. You might discover a word or phrase in another translation that better expresses your growing understanding of the passage. There\u2019s nothing wrong with combining translations and replacing the occasional word or phrase.<\/span><\/p>\n You can use Biblegateway.com<\/a> to explore multiple translations and even set them side-by-side.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”3. Copy the passage by hand.” open=”off” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”4. Say the passage aloud. ” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n As you move through this process, you will need to get comfortable with hearing your own voice. Read the passage aloud a couple of times to start exploring the sound of the story. (This is the point that friends and family might start looking at you funny if you haven\u2019t found a somewhat private place to learn your passage. It will get worse.)<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”5. Explore the passage with your voice and body. ” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Don\u2019t wait until the end to experiment with gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions, pacing, pauses, etc. Sometimes, we think these \u201cperformance\u201d choices are the icing on the cake: after doing the hard work of learning the words, then we can add these elements as a last step. Nothing could be further from the truth! Experimenting with these things as you learn the passage will help you internalize it and explore possible meanings. Start working on these elements early in the process. (This is the point when friends and family will definitely start looking at you funny.)<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”6. Practice, practice, practice. ” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n I\u2019m sorry; there are no shortcuts here. Internalizing a passage requires much more repetition than memorizing one. We barely need to remember the words in order to \u201crecite\u201d a passage; \u201ctelling\u201d a passage, on the other hand, depends on a deep understanding of and comfort with the story. Once you memorize the words, you\u2019re well on your way; but you still need to spend more time with the story. And \u201ccramming\u201d is neither efficient nor effective. Reciting a story ten times in a row does far less to ingrain it on your heart than telling it once a day for ten days in a row.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”7. Tell the passage to a friend. ” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Biblical storytelling is a communal way of exploring Scripture (it requires a teller and hearer), and there is no better way to take the final steps toward internalization than telling the passage to another person. It\u2019s an entirely different experience that reciting it to yourself, and you want to get comfortable with the vulnerability it requires. Also, don\u2019t be surprised if you discover new insights into the passage that result from the audience\u2019s reaction to your performance. For example, your friend might laugh when they hear a certain line, highlighting a moment of levity in the story that you had previously missed.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#383838″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Dancing Script|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#efefef” text_font_size=”35px” header_font=”Raleway||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” min_height=”65px” custom_margin=”-32px||-12px|||” custom_padding=”10px||18px|||” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” text_text_align=”center” inline_fonts=”Montserrat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Mobile Apps<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#efefef” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”7px” text_line_height=”2.3em” header_font=”Raleway||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” min_height=”65px” custom_margin=”-32px||-12px|||” custom_padding=”10px||18px|||” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” text_text_align=”center” inline_fonts=”Montserrat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n FOR LEARNING STORIES<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#efefef” custom_margin=”-56px|||||” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”600ms” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_text_color=”#efefef” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”-23px||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” text_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The apps below can be helpful tools for learning new stories. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/storiesforthesojourn\/files\/2019\/09\/Screen-Shot-2019-09-13-at-10.07.22-AM.png” url=”https:\/\/biblememory.com\/” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ max_width=”200px” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”200px” max_height=”200px” animation_style=”fade” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_color_all=”#efefef” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_text_color=”#efefef” text_font_size=”20px” text_letter_spacing=”7px” text_orientation=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/biblememory.com\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” text_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n BIBLE MEMORY<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#efefef” divider_weight=”1px” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-18px||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_text_color=”#efefef” custom_margin=”-35px||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n An app that conveniently organizes stories that you are learning, offers tools to help you internalize them, and provides a schedule for reviewing them.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/storiesforthesojourn\/files\/2024\/02\/biblehead.jpeg” url=”https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/bible-head\/id1434198304″ url_new_window=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ max_width=”200px” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”200px” max_height=”200px” animation_style=”fade” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_color_all=”#efefef” global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”biblehead” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_text_color=”#efefef” text_font_size=”20px” text_letter_spacing=”7px” text_orientation=”center” link_option_url=”http:\/\/biblemindedapp.com\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ text_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n BIBLE HEAD<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#efefef” divider_weight=”1px” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ custom_margin=”-18px||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_text_color=”#efefef” custom_margin=”-35px||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” text_text_align=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Another helpful app with different memory tests to help you internalize stories. With this app, you can import passages directly from the various translations available on BibleGatewway.com.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/storiesforthesojourn\/files\/2019\/09\/Screen-Shot-2019-09-13-at-10.12.08-AM.png” url=”http:\/\/www.bible.is\/” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ max_width=”200px” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”200px” max_height=”200px” animation_style=”fade” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_color_all=”#efefef” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_text_color=”#efefef” text_font_size=”20px” text_letter_spacing=”7px” text_orientation=”center” link_option_url=”http:\/\/www.bible.is\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” text_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n BIBLE.IS<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#efefef” divider_weight=”1px” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-18px||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_text_color=”#efefef” custom_margin=”-35px||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n An app that includes hundreds of audio versions of the Bible (some dramatized, others not) in a wide variety of different languages.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#efefef” min_height=”883px” bottom_divider_color=”#383838″ bottom_divider_height=”89px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Dancing Script|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#383838″ text_font_size=”35px” header_font=”Raleway||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” min_height=”65px” custom_margin=”-32px||-12px|||” custom_padding=”10px||18px|||” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” text_text_align=”center” inline_fonts=”Montserrat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Techniques\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#383838″ text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”7px” text_line_height=”2.3em” header_font=”Raleway||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” min_height=”65px” custom_margin=”-32px||-12px|||” custom_padding=”10px||18px|||” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”300ms” text_text_align=”center” inline_fonts=”Montserrat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n FOR DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Raleway|300|||||||” custom_margin=”-56px|||||” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”1200ms” animation_delay=”600ms” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kenbraddy.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/12\/learning-modalities.png” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” animation_style=”fade” border_radii=”on|2px|2px|2px|2px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#383838″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_tabs active_tab_text_color=”#383838″ _builder_version=”4.16″ tab_font=”Raleway|700|||||||” tab_font_size=”20px” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_tab title=”Visual Learners” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you are a <\/span>visual learner<\/i><\/b>, you might find it helpful to write your passage on a blank page so that you can arrange the words in a way that makes them easier for you to remember. Below is a picture of what that might look like for the story of Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can see how the passage has been divided into \u201cparagraphs\u201d that demarcate the major movements of the story. Also, each line includes a single thought unit, and supporting clauses are indented to indicate their relationship to other parts of the sentence. You don\u2019t need to copy this style of arrangement with your passage. Find something that makes sense to you and helps you <\/span>see<\/span><\/i> the structure of your passage. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Auditory Learners” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you are an <\/span>auditory learner<\/i><\/b>, you might consider repeatedly listening to a recording of your passage. You can find a variety of different audio Bibles available for free at <\/span>Biblegateway.com<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>(In the dropdown menus on the landing page, you can choose the version, book, and chapter.) Or, you can use your phone or computer to record yourself reading the passage aloud. Then, you can listen to your own voice as you learn the passage. Once you have a recording you like, listen to it as you work around the house, drive across town, or walk your dog. As you learn the passage, start saying the words along with the recording until you no longer need it.<\/span><\/p>\n
In steps below, however, I\u2019ve outlined the process that works best for me. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n
\n If you write out the passage, dividing it into thought units on the page and saying the words aloud as you go, you\u2019ll engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modes of learning at the same time. It will take some time, but that\u2019s okay. In my experience, by the time I\u2019ve written something out by hand, I\u2019m well on the way to learning it (and may already know a few parts by heart). In the image to the right, see an excerpt from my journal where I copy passages to start learning them. (Pro tip: use a pencil, because you may decide that you want to rearrange the lines after working with them for a while.)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/storiesforthesojourn\/files\/2022\/10\/IMG_7526-scaled.jpg\")
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Be warned, however; most “Bible memory” aids aim for memorization instead of internalization.
You’ll still have work to do after using these tools to learn the words.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/storiesforthesojourn\/files\/2019\/09\/Mark-7-Performance-Transcript-255x300.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
<\/span><\/p>\n