scripture memory Archives

Benedictions: Series Wrap-Up

February 27, 2020 by Jennifer Hong Leave a Comment

This month we have been looking at Benedictions, God’s words of blessing for His people. Have you been drawn to commit to memory any of the Scriptures we’ve looked at? Let’s wrap up this series with a review of the verses of benediction we have read thus far before concluding with one of my favorites.

Benedictions of the Bible

We began the month with one of the first blessings of the Bible, given to the priesthood of Aaron to say over the Israelites. These beautiful words convey God’s desire to extend His goodness to His people.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

In a post about the God who equips, Ali reminded us that God gives us the ability to do His will and “will not ask anything of us that He will not help us do.” She wrote, “Until God supports me and directs me– until He equips me — I can’t do His will. On the other hand, with God’s help ‘through Jesus,’ I am able.

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Jaime explored musical harmony as the metaphor for life within the Church. I found it clarifying to read her words: “Living in harmony with anyone is deeply challenging because we are regularly confronted by and forced to choose between our own selfish desires and the needs or wants of another.” Harmony results from putting the needs of others around us ahead of our own desires.

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6)

Elaborating on how benedictions give us words to bless others when we don’t know what to say, Lisa shared that her Pastor’s closing each service with Philippians 1:9-11 has guided her in praying for others.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)

“God wants the overflow of everything He pours into us to spill out onto others,” Cheli wrote. “Essentially, we are filled up to spill out.” The benedictions exemplify this as we receive God’s blessings and use God’s own words to pronounce His goodness upon others.

“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Last week in a post on the God of hope, I shared my experience with hope in the midst of physical pain. “When the roots of hope reach deeper down to living water from the God of hope, our hope is not vulnerable to circumstances. That hope flourishes regardless of circumstance.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)

He is Able

Our evening family prayer time has always been quite a circus, but with my youngest no longer a toddler, I am daring to add a little more structure and reverence. While my attempt to add candle light was short lived (we are still too wiggly for that, it seems), the benediction has stuck. My favorite part of the day may now be the last moments of our evening together as one of us reads words of encouragement over the family. I find the simplest way to memorize Scripture is simply to say or hear it every day, and so we use one passage until it is deeply in all of our hearts, before changing it out for another.

Tonight as we ended family prayers, my 7-year-old son read Ephesians 3:20-21:

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

It is my hope that these truths sink in deeply. After we have lifted our hearts and concerns to the Lord, what joy it is to be reminded: He is able. Able to do far more than all that we ask, or think! (I love those additional words. There is no limit to His power!) And that power? It is more than available to us. It is presently at work within us. What grace. It is my hope that as we lay down to rest each night, my family’s faith and hope will be nourished by those words of truth.

In a church service, the benediction is part of a liturgy — words and actions that are part of a meaningful routine which shapes our hearts and our faith. Is there a Scripture we have looked at this month that you want to make a part of your daily life? One you want to commit to heart and have on hand for when you don’t know what to say or how to pray? Which of these would most nourish your faith right now?

Get Ready for Psalm 121 – Next Steps

January 9, 2017 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Have you signed up yet?

Beginning Monday, January 16, 2017, we’ll memorize Psalm 121 together. We’ll go slow but steady, at a pace anyone can follow, yet fast enough to know we’re making progress.

You can sign up now to memorize Psalm 121. You’ll receive links to printable resources, extra study helps, and weekly email reminders of the verses we’re learning. We’d love for you to join us on this journey.

What’s Psalm 121 About?

Psalm 121 is one of fifteen psalms titled “A Song of Ascents” (Psalm 120-134). Ascending means “going up.” Some commentaries suggest we read these psalms as if one line climbs on the line in front of it. We’ll discover such patterns as we dig into this psalm.

Also suggested is that these songs were used as the Levite singers climbed the steps to the temple in Jerusalem. From where the women stood outside the temple to where the men stood, there were fifteen steps. One psalm could be sung on each step.

Regardless of its background, we can use Psalm 121 today as assurance that the Lord is with us and for us as we do our own traveling through life.

Whether we’re walking this season through dangerous places or in a peaceful valley, God wants us to know He is our help, strong and active to steady us on the path with Him.

Next Steps

To prepare for next week, read or listen to Psalm 121 each day this week. Let the words begin to seep into your heart. Pray that the Lord will make these truths come alive in your daily life.

Get ready to memorize these words for your journey. Next steps for #Psalm121.

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Sign Up Now to Memorize Psalm 121

January 2, 2017 by Lisa Burgess 9 Comments

Start your new year with God by memorizing the beautiful and powerful Psalm 121! Use this short song to remind yourself that the Lord is mighty and that He is for you.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2

Let’s invest six weeks together. We’ll learn eight verses now to gain benefits for a lifetime. We’ve set it up easily so everyone can succeed.

Remember where your Help comes from. Learn it now; keep it forever.

What you need to do:

Pray.

Begin now asking the Lord for His strength and guidance as you memorize. He will make this Psalm personal to you.

Sign up below.

This adds you to the Psalm 121 email list. You’ll receive a short email once a week, now through February, with resources and reminders. [Registration now closed.]

Make your resources.

Download free resources here.

Join a group.

You’ll have support. Join our Hide His Word Facebook group for instant community. Sign up at Scripture Typer for extra practice.

Share.

Here’s a button you can add to your own blog or Instagram. Or send a tweet to your followers so they can join us, too.

Remember where your Help comes from. Learn it now; keep it forever.

Registration now closed.

What Not to Say When Anxious – Memorizing Matthew 6:31-32

May 16, 2016 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

When you’re anxious, what do you say?

“What if this happens?”
“What if that doesn’t happen?”
“What will so-and-so think?”

I’ve said variations of all those. I’ve also said these three classics that Jesus specifically said not to say:

Matthew 6:31
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying,

‘What shall we eat?’ or
‘What shall we drink?’ or
‘What shall we wear?’

Matthew 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”

I don’t believe Jesus was saying don’t think about what you’re going to prepare for tonight’s dinner or what you’ll wear to your niece’s wedding. Planning is one thing, a good thing.

But worrying is another matter altogether.

It’s the worrying that Jesus wants to remove from our lives.

His antidote?

Prioritize. God first, everything else underneath.

In this week’s (Matthew 6:31-32) and next week’s (Matthew 6:33-34) memory verses, we see that Jesus says seek God first, above all else, and the smaller things will work out as God sees fit.

Perhaps it’s easier said than done for those of us naturally prone to worry. But that’s all the more reason to be glad Jesus was talking to us.

He always knows what to say.

What Not to Say When Anxious. Memorize #Matthew6 v31-32 #HideHisWord

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How do you battle anxiety? Do you have a favorite Bible verse you say to yourself? Please share in the comments.

How Much Are You Worth to God? – Memorizing Matthew 6:30

May 9, 2016 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

Is this really worth it?

Sometimes we question if something is worth our energy, attention, money, if it won’t be here long. For example, I have a limit on how much I’ll spend for a meal, food that will be eaten in 30 minutes or less and then gone forever. It’s just not worth my money.

But God’s limits?

There is nothing too small nor too expensive for His concern.

If He cares even for the wildflowers that appear only for a day or two, then disappear forever, wouldn’t He care about providing us with the provisions we need—creatures created in His very image?

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Matthew 6:30

How far will God go? As far as necessary!

Be mindful this week as we meditate on Matthew 6:30 that God is in the details of not only the beautiful spring flowers that pop up for a season, but even more so in the details of our own lives. We are worth it to Him!

How much are we worth to God? Memorize #Matthew6 v30 #HideHisWord

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Learn from a Flower – Memorizing Matthew 6:28-29

May 2, 2016 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

More important verses from Matthew 6! Memorize these with us this week.

28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Matthew 6 (ESV)

Most of us probably aren’t too anxious about having clothes to wear to cover our bodies. Our clothing problems are typically about quantity and style and cost.

But back in Jesus’s day, the average citizen didn’t have a closet full of clothes to choose from each morning. Many of them had legitimate concerns about what they would put on.

How much less should we be concerned about clothing!

As we notice the flowering trees and bushes and plants this week, think twice about what you’re worrying about. Maybe you’re not anxious about clothes; perhaps it’s finances or decisions or health issues.

Whatever is causing you to have a divided mind, hand it over to the Lord as often as you see His colorful provisions in nature.

Let the colorful blooms remind you to trust His grace as sufficient.

Let the flowers teach you. Memorize #Matthew6 v28-29 #HideHisWord

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6 Scripture Memorization Tips to Help You Abide In God’s Word

January 26, 2016 by Lindsey Leave a Comment

Many of us begin the New Year with high hopes and big plans. Often, one of those plans is to draw nearer to God throughout the year through Bible reading, Scripture memorization, or a variety of other ways.

All this month at Do Not Depart, we have given you suggestions and resources to help. Today, I want to share some tips that might help you with Bible memorization.

6 Scripture Memorization Tips to Help You Abide in God’s Word:

Start slow.

I love how Beth Moore puts it: “Think marathon. Not sprint.”

The goal is not to have a ton of verses memorized, just so you can say you have a ton of verses memorized. The goal is to get God’s Word inside of you.

Begin slow, and consistently add more verses as the ones you have already learned sink in further.

Write it down.

Once you have found a verse you would like to memorize, write it down. Consider using post-it notes or index cards and then displaying the verse somewhere you are sure to see it often.

Some people I know use spiral-bound index cards so they can quickly flip through the verses they have recently memorized.

Say it aloud.

Along with writing down the verse, try saying it aloud each day. This also helps the verse sink deeper into your mind.

Act it out.

When I’m trying to teach my kids a new Bible verse, I often add hand motions or actions. It helps SO much! When we put actions to the verses, we are better able to recall what comes next in the verse.

Use an app.

Some popular ones include Scripture Typer (free), Verses (free), Fighter Verses (2.99), Bible Memory – To God Be The Glory (free), Bible Memory: Remember Me (2.99), Bible Memory Verses (free), and others.

Simply google “Bible Memory” or “Scripture Memorization” or something similar in your app store on your iPhone or similar device and then choose one that best meets your needs.

Repeat.

Scripture memorization is a lot like exercise. The more we do it, the easier it becomes. It’s also a lot like exercise in that if we stop practicing, we are likely to lose what we have worked so hard to gain.

Once you have a verse memorized well, don’t just forget about it and move on to the next verse. Continue practicing it on a regular basis even while you begin memorizing another verse.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some suggestions.

Note any verses that speak powerfully to you as you are reading. Choose one of these to memorize. (If you haven’t chosen a Bible reading plan yet, Ali posted some great suggestions earlier this month).
Check out this list of 25 key Bible verses for your family to memorize.
Sheila Wray Gregoire has 50 great verses listed here. You can even purchase cards to help with memorization. Ashley Pichea has a similar list here.
Courtney Joseph, over at Women Living Well, has her own list of the Top 10 Bible Verses to Memorize. She has even included a free printable for download.
Use a Scripture Memory System like this one.
Check out these Bible Memory Resources that Lisa shared a few years back.

What other tips help you memorize Scripture?

6 Scripture Memorization Tips to Help You Abide in God’s Word This Year #PlanToAbide

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Bible Memorization Plans and Tips for the New Year via @LindseyMBell #PlanToAbide

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Bible Journaling with Children

June 19, 2015 by Patti Brown 2 Comments

There are many different ways you can help your children dig into God’s Word. One method we have enjoyed in our family is using bible journals.

Our method of bible journaling incorporates personal introspection, family discussion, memorization and even academic skills.

These are the sections we work on with each verse:

– reading comprehension
– dictation
– journaling
– discussion
– memorization

I have found that doing bible journal time first thing after breakfast is most effective. We all sit together around the table, and after prayer I read the verse for the day, sometimes adding extra verses for context.

Next I dictate the verse slowly, while the children write it in their journals. Dictation is an excellent exercise for developing listening skills as well as a rudimentary sense of grammar. At times I have used the King James Version to help the children become used to more difficult language. I believe this has been instrumental in preparing them to willingly read challenging works at young ages.

After the dictation portion of our bible time, we turn to silent writing time, when we each journal about what we think the verse means. I encourage the children to ask themselves hard questions, and to be honest when they are unsure.

When everyone has finished writing, we share what we have written and discuss the verse. This is the time when we take God’s Word and really apply it to the nitty gritty of daily life. It is a great opportunity to see how each of the children is growing in understanding, and also highlights areas we need to address further. Our discussions are sometimes very short, and sometimes last for a long time as we pull in other resources to answer questions, or have hearty theological debates.

Lastly we work on memorization. We have found over the years that repeating a verse ten times out loud really helps us get it fixed in our heads. Each verse almost becomes a mini song as we repeat it. After our repetitions we take turns going around in a circle, each saying the verse on our own without looking at the words.

I enjoy looking back at old bible journals. They are almost like diaries of our spiritual journeys. And I treasure those hours around the table with my children. As they steadily grow up and away into adulthood, I am more and more aware of what a precious time childhood is in a family. A strong foundation of love and God’s Word prepares them for the unknowns and challenges of adulthood in a way that little else can.

Seeds Family Worship and Scripture Memory for Families {Let The Children Come}

September 24, 2014 by Caroline 2 Comments

How does your family memorize Scripture together? Do you use song to help memorize?

So many of us – kids and adults, both – respond well to using music to memorize anything, from the alphabet to days of the week to Scripture.

We’ve talked about Seeds Family Worship multiple times on this site (click here to see all the posts that mention this wonderful group), and we’re happy to share that they have a new album out now!

The Word of God – a new album from Seeds Family Worship

Last week, Seeds Family released [amazon_link id=”B00NMIATTY” target=”_blank” ]The Word of God[/amazon_link]. This album has 12 songs, all focusing on characteristics of the Word of God and how we can and should react and use the Word of God in our lives as believers.

Read more details about this album at Caroline’s review.

Patti will also be reviewing Seeds Family Worship and this new album on her site.

What are you favorite songs to memorize Scripture as a family?

Seeds Family Worship (@seedsworship) has a new album out! #HideHisWord Check out a couple of reviews:

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Resources for memorizing John 15

May 19, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 17 Comments

Let’s memorize John 15 together!

Whether you’re a faithful memorizer or you’ve never memorized a Bible verse before, this memory challenge is for you.

Soaking in these familiar words of Jesus is a great way to spend time with Him and grow in faith, even if your goal isn’t to memorize every word. We’ll concentrate on an average of two verses a week (print your schedule here) with two built-in week breaks, all beginning June 2.

For extra options, we welcome you to join our Facebook community where we actively encourage each other to stick with it. We tweet using #HideHisWord and practice the verses using Scripture Typer.

RESOURCES

Print these free resources now to get prepared. Resources are now in 5 versions! Memorize in the translation of your choice.

Bookmark Schedule
Text Cards
ESV / KJV / NASB / NIV / NKJV
Text One Page
ESV / KJV / NASB / NIV / NKJV
Pocket Text
ESV / KJV / NASB / NIV / NKJV
First Letters
ESV / KJV / NASB / NIV / NKJV
Button

INVITE OTHERS

Will you help us spread the word on your blog or your favorite social media?

“Memorize John 15 with @DoNotDepart. Details here http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Vv #HideHisWord”
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Link-up coming here June 23 for your blog posts on why you’re memorizing John 15 or anything about scripture memory.

Questions? Comments? We’d love to hear you’re joining in!

REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Ready for a new memory verse challenge?

May 16, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 9 Comments

How about all red letters? John 15!

We’ll memorize one to two verses a week, treasuring these important words Jesus spoke before He died and rose again: vine and fruit; abiding in His love; full joy; the Spirit of truth; and more.

Registration is now open, beginning May 19, here at the blog. We’ll begin memorizing two weeks later, June 2.

If you’ve never memorized a whole chapter before, it’s easier than you think. Pray now about joining us for this no-pressure, slow-paced, but richly rewarding memory journey.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
John 15:9

Will you help us spread the word? Tweet this:

“Will you memorize John 15 with us? http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2V8 Pray now about registering Monday @DoNotDepart #HideHisWord”
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Questions? Please ask below.

Good things are coming! – Isaiah 55:13 {Memory verse}

April 14, 2014 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

It’s our last week memorizing Isaiah 55 together. Thanks to all who have journeyed with us in this amazing chapter.

And what a verse to end on! Isaiah 55:13 is a beautiful image of restoration and metamorphosis that we experience now in part, but will experience later in full.

As you read these words leading up to our celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Sunday, thank God for His power to transform ugliness to beauty, uselessness to purpose, and hardships to victory. May our praise be a memorial to His grace and goodness for all to see, now and forever.

Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Isaiah 55:13 (ESV)

Tips for memorizing Isaiah 55:13

Review Isaiah 55:1-12 every day this week
Add verse 13 and repeat it at set points throughout your day
Think how you’ve seen transformation in your life already
Look at pictures of thorns and briers, then cypresses and myrtles
Recite the entire chapter to someone this weekend as an Easter celebration
At the end of the day, use Isaiah 55 as a prayer of promise and praise
Practice using Scripture Typer
Practice using first letters
I o t t s c u t c; i o t b s c u t m; a i s m a n f t L, a e s t s n b c o.

Tweet this:

“Good things are coming! Memorize Isa 55:13 with me. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2OT @DoNotDepart #HideHisWord”
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Look over all of Isaiah 55. What was your favorite verse? Did you memorize any? Please share.

Sing and clap – Isaiah 55:12 {Memory verse}

April 7, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 1 Comment

For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12 (ESV)

All creation is called to express joy. That includes you and me!

While we may not always feel full of joy, we can always find reasons to express our gratitude anyway. Look back over Isaiah 55:1-11 and remind yourself of multiple gifts you’ve been given.

Then tell God thank you for them–perhaps even by singing and clapping your hands.

This is our next-to-last week to memorize Isaiah 55. If you’re still memorizing and meditating, rejoice in that as well.

Tips for memorizing Isaiah 55:12

Place verse 12 in several places around your home, car, office
Pray about what brings you joy and peace; praise God for those
Recite Isaiah 55:1-11 twice a day until you’re comfortable with all the verses
Find a partner to help you with verse 12; practice out loud together
Notice trees outside with their uplifted arms; see this as praise to the Creator
Practice using Scripture Typer
Practice using first letters
F y s g o i j a b l f i p; t m a t h b y s b f i s, a a t t o t f s c t h.

Tweet this:

“In joy & peace, sing & clap to your Creator. We’re memorizing Isa 55:12. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2OR @DoNotDepart #HideHisWord”
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What song of praise is in your heart this week? Please share.

Words that succeed – Isaiah 55:11 {Memory verse}

March 31, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 1 Comment

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)

Do you ever feel like nobody’s listening? Like what you’re saying will have no effect at all?

While we may feel that way at times, God doesn’t. He knows His words will be fruitful. His words are intentional and purposed. And successful.

We may not always see how, but we can trust that He sees. He makes it happen.

As we memorize and meditate on Isaiah 55:11 this week of March 31-April 6, let’s praise God for His power and design in where and how He places His words. And let’s allow His word to accomplish in our own hearts what He is purposing.

Tips for memorizing Isaiah 55:11

Read verse 11 several times in the morning and evening
Think about its meaning: what word? what does it accomplish? how is it sent?
Recite Isaiah 55:1-10 at stop lights, while cooking dinner, before you go to sleep
Ask God to prove His word fruitful in your own life
Look up definitions of accomplish, purpose, and succeed for greater insight
Practice using Scripture Typer
Practice using first letters
S s m w b t g o f m m; i s n r t m e, b i s a t w I p, a s s i t t f w I s i. (ESV)

Tweet this:

“His word is purposed. Memorize Isaiah 55:11 with me this week. Tips here http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2OP @DoNotDepart #HideHisWord”
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What “word” has He used to accomplish something in you in this season? Please share.

He rains down – Isaiah 55:10 {Memory verse}

March 24, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 1 Comment

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
Isaiah 55:10 (ESV)

Spring is here, just in time for Isaiah 55:10 in our chapter memorization for the week of March 24-March 30.

After seeing the huge distance between God and us in Isaiah 55:8-9, God tells us here He bridges the gap! Just as He promised physical rain to come down, He kept His word in sending spiritual water by sending Jesus down.

Now we can buy without money (Isaiah 55:1), eat what is good, and delight ourselves in rich food (Isaiah 55:2).

As you meditate on Isaiah 55:10 this week, thank God for coming near and raining down on us. He nourishes, satisfies, and causes growth. And gives us seed to spread that good news to others. (Read more from Lindsey.)

Tips for memorizing Isaiah 55:10

Record yourself saying Isaiah 55:10 and listen to it during the week
Illustrate the verse using colored pencils or markers
Continue rehearsing Isaiah 55:1-9 at the beginning and end of each day
Concentrate on one phrase per session to really nail it
Read through the remainder of the chapter to keep the flow
Find someone to listen to you recite the verse
Pray for awareness and open hands to receive the rain from heaven
Practice using Scripture Typer
Practice using first letters:
10 F a t r a t s c d f h a d n r t b w t e, m i b f a s, g s t t s a b t t e,

Tweet this:

I’m memorizing Isaiah 55:10 this week. Tips here for you to memorize it too:
http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2ON @DoNotDepart #HideHisWord
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What’s your favorite thing about spring? Do you have a favorite scripture that waters you? Please share in the comments.

Choosing Scripture for Children to Memorize

March 19, 2014 by Patti Brown 2 Comments

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