Teaching Children Scripture Memorization in 4 Easy Steps
This post may contain affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I only share products that I am passionate about and use regularly. All opinions are my own. Click here to read my affiliate policy.
Why should our kids memorize scripture?
Children need the Word of God engraved on their hearts and minds. In this world of chaos and confusion, our children’s lives must be saturated with peace and truth. In the Bible, God has provided us with the blueprint for how we are to live.
Who else do we want our children to turn to when they are in the critical stages of learning to manage their emotions and develop their worldview?
In 2 Timothy, Paul wrote to Timothy to remind him of all that he had learned when he was young. Just as Timothy had people in his life instilling the Word of God on his heart, it is our responsibility to teach our children to memorize scripture.
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
Then later, in the second part of Paul’s entreaty to Timothy, he addressed the results of applying scripture to our lives.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
If all we do is have our children memorize scripture, then they will have valuable knowledge of the Bible. When we show them how to apply those scriptures to every moment of their lives, they are writing it on their hearts.
Scripture has the answer for every challenge and joy our kids will face, both big and small. There is great comfort in knowing that God knows and cares for us in every aspect of our lives.
When is the right time to start?
In the womb. Seriously, in the womb. From their conception, our children have been a wonderful gift from God. It is our blessed responsibility to train them.
I loved attending church when I was pregnant with Zeke. The loud music always had him kicking and doing flips. Before he was even born he was worshiping God. After he was born I played worship music and sang scripture lullabies to him as we rocked and nursed.
Now that my boys are toddler and preschool age, they are at the point where they are beginning to repeat back to me the verses I have been singing and praying over them since they were in my womb.
The key is that it is never too early to teach children scripture memorization AND it is never too late to begin.
Does it matter what version of the Bible I use?
Short answer: No! Most churches and individuals have their preferred versions. My personal favorite is the NLT, but whatever version you choose for your family is the right one for you. Only you can make that decision.
When picking a verse, I encourage you to look at it closely. If it has complicated words, is lengthy, or difficult to understand, then try looking it up in a few versions to see if there is one that makes it easier for your child to learn it.
4 Steps to Start Memorizing Today
1. Start Small
You don’t even have to start with a full verse. Break it down into easier chunks for your child to memorize.
Just as we start babies with soft foods, we begin with small portions of God’s Word for mental and spiritual nourishment.
2. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat
Repetition is important for memorization. For toddlers and preschoolers, I have found the best way is to find the verse in song form. We like to add hand motions and dance to them.
Some of our favorite songs that we use daily include Songs for Saplings ABC and 123, and the Slugs and Bugs series.
3. Have a Plan
Carefully and prayerfully select verses for your children. Whether it’s a holiday like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Valentine’s Day, or an emotional season like fear of the dark, learning a new skill, or struggling with being truthful; choosing a verse that resonates with your child’s current experiences can be immensely helpful.
4. Reinforce With Action
Memorize with your kids. Model what you are trying to teach them. Show them how to apply what they are learning to their lives.
- When they are afraid, recite a scripture about God always being present.
- When they are hurt recite, a scripture about how God heals.
- When they feel alone, happy, thankful, or impatient, take that time to instill God’s Word in their hearts.
10 Easy Verses to Start With
Below I have selected a handful of verses that I have been working on with my two boys, ages 2 and 4.
The underlined portion is what my youngest is working on, while I encourage my older child to memorize the whole verse.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 5:20
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Psalm 34:13
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
Psalm 103:3
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
Colossians 3:20
Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.
Ephesians 4:32
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 150:6
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Reflection
God teaches us very clearly that He wants us to know His words in our minds AND hearts. As parents, it is our responsibility to imprint those words on the minds and hearts of our children.
Have you been practicing scripture memory with your kids? What are your favorite resources?
