Choosing Scripture for Children to Memorize

You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul… You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Laying the foundation of Scripture memorization when your children are young will help them develop a habit that will bless them for their whole lives. There are many ways to creatively encourage children to memorize scripture, even programs that they can join. But really the only “program” necessary is a willing parent with a bible.

Once you have decide that you want to develop this habit in your children, how do you choose which scripture to teach?  If your child is very young, you may want to start with simple, short verses. And the classics are a good foundation for all ages.

Older children might be ready to memorize an entire chapter, or even a whole book of the bible. My kids and I memorized Philippians together a few years ago. It took a long time, admittedly, but that was because slow old mama was memorizing too. It was harder for me – kids’ brains are wired for memorization!

I have gone through seasons with my children when I don’t plan far ahead which verses we will memorize, but instead make decisions based on what is going on in their hearts right at that time. I may choose verses that address a particular issue I see my kids struggling with, or that underscore a character trait that they need to develop.

Here are a few resources that can help you find verses for your children – and your whole family – to memorize.

Simple scriptures for the very young

• The site Ministry-to-Children has put together a list of 52 simple scriptures that are easy for kids to memorize
• My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God’s Word in Little Hearts by Susan Hunt

Classic verses

• Use this list of well known scriptures that Lisa pulled together for the Hide His Word challenge last summer.

Memorize a whole chapter, or even a whole book

• Download resources for many chapters from Do Not Depart.
• The whole book of Philippians, with more helps and tips from Do Not Depart.

Verses appropriate for dealing with specific struggles

• Parenting With Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments by Kara Durbin
• For Instruction in Righteousness: A Topical Reference Guide for Biblical Child-Training by Pam Forster
• Use OpenBible.info’s topical bible search function to look up topic-specific scriptures

Verses related to developing certain character traits

• Our 24 Family Ways by Clay Clarkson

Your turn: How do you choose which scriptures to memorize with your children? Do you have any favorite resources? Please share in the comments.