This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)
A great way to keep God’s Word on our lips and in our thoughts is through Scripture memory. Memorizing Bible verses fills our mind with truth and builds our faith. Despite how important I know it is for spiritual growth, I’d been sporadic at best when it comes to this spiritual discipline. But then, when my kids were little, my four-year-old came home from Vacation Bible School able to recite some of my favorite verses. I knew it was time to intentionally make it a part of our lives. So, I created a list of scriptures I wanted us to learn and printed them onto cards.
Over the years, I have found a few things that make Scripture memory easy and fun.
1. Take time for a teachable moment.
Choose the verse you would like to memorize and talk about it with your kids. When I was a child, I memorized Bible verses, but I didn’t know their meaning until I was an adult. I don’t remember anyone explaining to me what they meant and I never asked. Talking with your children about the Scriptures you share will give them a clear understanding of the truth and make it easier to remember. Through conversation, your kids will learn how the scripture applies to their lives and gain practical relevant knowledge.
2. Incorporate Scriptures into your daily routine.
- Choose the same time every day to practice. My kids and I practice in the car on the way to school. We have a short ride, but 10 minutes is just enough time to recite each week’s verse together. My kids take turns reading the verse so the other ones can repeat it.
Tie the Scripture in to an activity you do every day. For example, tape a card with the scripture printed on it to your bathroom mirror. Every time your child brushes their teeth they can read the verse to themselves.
3. Make it fun.
Say the first word of the verse. Then take turns with your children, saying each of the words from the verse until you have said the whole thing. You can do this a handful of times reading the card and then try to do it from memory.
Print the verse out on a piece of paper. Cut each word out and scramble the words on the table. Have your child unscramble them, putting them together like a puzzle in the correct order.
4. Celebrate success.
Keep track of the Scriptures you learn and put a reward system in place. Our family focuses on a new topic each month, like Thankfulness, with a new memory verse each week. At the end of the month, we celebrate with a special treat such as ice cream. Sometimes the kids get to pick out of our “prize bucket” or are given extra screen time.
5. Use an easy-to-understand version.
When I was younger, the Scriptures I memorized were from the King James version of the Bible. This didn’t help me with understanding or pronunciation. In fact, this version was confusing! So be sure to pick a version of Scripture that is easy to read and comprehend.
When we memorize God’s Word, we carry it with us wherever we go and can access it at any time. << Click to Tweet
My hope is that the Scriptures my little ones and I are learning together through the activities above will stay with them for a lifetime.
Head over to my blog to download FREE Scripture Memory and Prayer Cards for your children. You’ll find topics such as anger, words, and courage.
Not only are these cards great for Scripture memory, but they can also be used to guide your child in prayer. The front of the card says, “Read It.” That’s where the Scripture is printed. On the back of the card, it says, “Pray It.” Here, the verse is turned into a prayer.
If you prefer the convenience of receiving professionally printed and trimmed cards in your mailbox each month, you can purchase them in my Etsy shop. There, you will also be able to sign up for a monthly subscription to receive the cards in either a digital or printed format.
Kimberly Amici is an enthusiastic and dedicated founding member of the Circles of Faith team. She is known for her creativity, strong faith, and commitment to living life with purpose and passion. Kimberly is a writer and community builder whose desire is for hearts to be healed, minds to be renewed and women to be connected in fellowship just as God intended.