Not long ago, I helped a group of young adults memorize the famous verses below using hand motions. Perhaps you can do the same. (Adapt to whichever translation you normally use. We used ESV for this memorization project.)

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Flat hand patting down on head, indicating poverty.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Fingers below eyes showing tear drops.

5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.

Open hand on heart.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Open hand patting stomach.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Both hands, palms up, stretching out from waist and then back.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Heart shape with fingers on chest.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Both hands as fists out in front of your body, pulled together in unity.

10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

A hand against the cheek (like a gentle slap).

Notice the natural flow and direction of the hand motions. The hand motions start at the head, work down to the waist, and then work back up again to the face. I did that on purpose to make the flow easier to remember.

How about starting by memorizing these verses on your own, and then follow up with leading a group in memorizing them together?

—ĔĔ

How can I memorize a lot of Scripture? How can I learn and remember Scripture the way people did in Bible times? (Hint: There are even better methods than hand motions!) You can pre-order my new book, I can’t wait for this wonderful little book to be released in January of 2026.

Additional note: Notice that I didn’t include hand motions for verses 11-12, since 3-10 is a contained unit (pace “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” at the beginning and end [inclusio], the use of the 3rd personal pronouns, and the similar length of each Beatitude). Verses 11-12 change from 3rd personal pronouns (“they” “theirs”) to 2nd personal pronouns (“you” “your”) and become longer and more detailed. If you can, after you’ve memorized verses 3-10, memorize verses 11-12 separately…and all the way up to verse 16…and even the whole Sermon on the Mount (chs. 5-7). Wouldn’t that be fantastic!

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