3 Easy Ways To Help Kids Memorize Scripture

As parents, our greatest charge in this life is to raise Jesus kids. That means it’s our responsibility to train our children in prayer, study, and memorization of the Word of God. Church programs can be a great addition, but we must lead the way at home. A great discipleship tool to implement when kids are young (or at any age!) is memorizing Scripture. Helping kids memorize Scripture is a lifelong investment that hides the Word of God deep in their hearts. Kids are sponges; we might as well let them soak up the Truth! But how? Do we just pick a verse and read it to them over and over? That is an option, but let’s look at some other options, too.

First, Why Should Kids Memorize Scripture?

Kids should memorize Scripture for the same reason adults should: because it’s the Word of God, it’s important for life, and the Bible tells us to.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.”

Knowing Scripture equips us for every good work. Wow! When we lay a foundation of memorizing Scripture in our kids’ lives, they’re going to be able to use that for years to come, and it will equip them for everything God has planned for them. Talk about preparing your child for their future!

Psalm 119:11 says, “I have treasured Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You.”

This verse holds an interesting concept. When we take God’s Word and treasure it in our hearts, memorize it, tuck it in, truly know it, that empowers us to not sin against God. We can lay a path of freedom in our children’s lives simply by leading them in Scripture memorization from a young age. What a gift!

John 15:7 says, “If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

God is not a vending machine. We can’t just memorize Scripture, ask for anything we can think of, and receive it. That’s not what this verse is saying. What it IS saying is when we are in Christ, studying His Word, and following His leading, we know His heart and our desires begin to align with His. Then, we can pray and ask for His blessing and gifts, and He will answer those prayers because they are in line with His will. That all starts with His words (AKA the Bible) being inside of us.

There’s the why behind memorizing Scripture with kids. There’s biblical proof that this is something we need to invest our time and energy in. But now comes the real question: how?

Music To Memorize Scripture

This is my favorite way to memorize Scripture, for adults and for kids! There are so many good options out there these days that you aren’t stuck listening to cheesy music or child choirs (if those aren’t your thing). Kids catch on to music so quickly, which makes this a great way to sneak in some memorization with very little effort. We listen to Scripture music in the car and at bedtime, and it’s amazing how many verses our 5 year old has picked up on.

Some good options for Scripture music are: Seeds Family Worship, Slugs & Bugs, Scripture Lullabies, The Rizers, Melodically Memorizing, Hide ‘Em In Your Heart, and Colin Buchanan. All of these are available on CD and/or digital platforms.

ABC: Memory Verses

This is a great option if you need a straightforward, easy-to-follow plan of action. Instead of just picking any random verse to memorize, work your way through the alphabet with a verse for each letter. This is extra helpful for young kids who are learning their alphabet, but it’s a good idea for all ages. It’s also nice for review; parents can say the letter and the child can say the Scripture.

To make this even easier for you, I’ve compiled a list called ABC: Memory Verses. You can download it for free HERE.

Physical Activity For Each Scripture

🎶 I like to move it, move it 🎶

Kids love to move and wiggle and jump. Not only do they enjoy it, but their bodies need that movement. So why not use it to our advantage? There are numerous videos on YouTube of Bible verses with hand motions. You can also talk to your children’s ministry leader and see if there are certain verses they are learning or have learned. Or, make up your own motions and physical activities to go along with the Scripture you’re memorizing. This tactic can engage even the most reluctant child because who doesn’t want to LEAP in the air when we say, “And by my God, I do leap over a wall” (Psalm 18:29)!

There’s no right or wrong way to memorize Scripture with kids. What matters is that you put effort into discipling them and training them up, which includes hiding God’s Word in their heart. And true to Himself, His Word will never return void.

How do you memorize Scripture with your kids? What tactic can you implement today?