I remember as a little kid, I would go to Awana’s. It was a large church and the games were SO much fun. There was a challenge of who could memorize the most Scripture and out of some 300 kids, I won the #1 spot for most verses memorized. I couldn’t believe when they called my name and gave me the first-place ribbon. I was amazed.
It was something I worked hard for, something I enjoyed, and it was, after all, a competition, but I had no idea I’d win #1 place.
Still to this day, in an unsaved girl’s young heart, I still remember some of those verses. They’ve carried me into adulthood, into opening my heart toward God, and later on in my life, giving my life to God.
It’s something I’ll never forget. Getting Scripture into the hearts, minds, and souls of your children IS one of THE most important things you can do and it’s not as daunting as you may think.
First, let’s start with listing out the easiest verses to memorize for kids and then I’ll give some amazing tips of how to help them memorize those (and other) verses!
25 Easiest Verses to Memorize for Kids
1) Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
2) Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
3) Acts 16:31
‘They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.”‘
4) Proverbs 30:5
“Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.”
5) Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
6) Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
7) John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
8) Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
9) Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
10) James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
11) 1 John 4:8
“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
12) Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
13) 1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.”
14) Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
15) Luke 6:31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
16) 1 Chronicles 16:11
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
17) Psalm 118:24
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
18) Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
19) Romans 8:31
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
20) Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
21) Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
22) Psalm 119:11
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
23) Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
24) Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
25) Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
How to Help Children Memorize Scripture
Scripture is full of everything we need to live our lives by. We can help lay a solid biblical foundation for our kids that they can use to THRIVE on for the rest of their life.
Scripture Proverbs 22:6, says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” We can sow the seeds of the Word into the hearts and minds of our children, and then trust that the fruit will sprout throughout their lifetime.
Here are 5 ways to help kids memorize Bible verses.
Pick verses that mean something to them
Selecting Scripture verses inspired by the personality of your child and relevant to their specific experiences and situations will help to encourage memorization. By choosing verses that apply directly to their lives, the way they feel, or the circumstances they are in, children are more likely to remember and internalize them.
For example, kids can often struggle with arguments with their peers. Using Luke 6:31 (“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”) will remind them to treat others how they want to be treated, and to show love and kindness to their friends.
Make up songs
The rhythm and melody of songs are not only fun and engaging for kids, but they also enhance memory and make it easier to remember information.
Dance and sing verses in familiar tunes and rhymes or get creative and make your own melodies!
Give rewards
Rewards can motivate kids to want to learn and memorize Bible verses. When they know that they’ll receive a reward for learning their verses, they’ll be more likely to put in the time and effort.
With rewards, there’s positive reinforcement too, which can help kids associate the act of memorizing Bible verses with positive feelings and experiences. This can encourage them to continue learning and memorizing.
We have to be careful that rewards don’t become the main focus of learning though. We want to help kids develop a love for God’s Word and a desire to learn and apply it, not just to earn rewards!
Here’s some great rewards coupons for you:
Hand motions
This method leverages kinesthetic learning, where movement and actions help in remembering information.
Using hand motions to memorize scripture helps children to engage both their minds and bodies in a fun and effective way.
Let’s take Ephesians 6:1 (“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”) as a quick example…
Motions and actions could be:
- “Children”: Point to yourself and then to other children around you.
- “Obey your parents”: Bow your head
- “In the Lord”: Point up towards the sky.
- “For this is right”: Give a thumbs-up.
Do copywork
Copywork is an effective technique to help children memorize Scripture by engaging multiple senses and reinforcing learning through writing. This method not only aids in memorization but also improves handwriting, spelling, and comprehension skills!!
Do whatever works for your kiddos!
Some methods that work for one kid, won’t work for another. And vice versa! No matter how they learn and memorize scripture, it’ll help them grow in their faith and strengthen their bond with God.
Here’s some printables to get you started…
Older kids (and even adults can join in the fun with cool hand lettering sheets)…
Use Mix Up Cards and Coloring Sheets
These are printables that you cut and have the child color them and then put them in order of how the verse goes. It’s really fun and can add to how they learn Scripture quickly!
Coloring sheets are also great for teaching verses to kids. Here’s my favorite set.
Alternatively, you can also use fun memorization cards.