Parents often want to start teaching their children early about Jesus and the bible. They want their children to become familiar with God’s word and keep the messages in their hearts, and the best way is by memorizing bible verses.  While there are plenty of options to memorize scripture, choosing the right ones can be a daunting task. Should you start with the Old or New Testaments, limit the verses to a single book, or randomly pick ones from different chapters?

I’ll help you sort through where to begin today to help you get your little one starting to not only memorize but think on scriptures that ignite spiritual life. Many of my early experiences started in Sunday School with my grandparents and songs about God that my mom would teach me on the way to school. As you read this, I want you to think about the many different ways you can help your kids learn they’re a child of God and not just mere bible verses to memorize. To get started, we will cover tips and I encourage you to print this article so that you have a tangible list of verses to go over as your spending time with your child or homeschooling (if you do).

Before we dive into verses for the children, this one is for you: Train up a child in the way he should go; Even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs  22:6). There may be days where you feel like this is such a tedious task to teach your child easy bible verses or even the harder chapters. All of these investments count and it’s important you remember why we do this and that you’re not alone.

Tips To Help Children Memorize Bible Verses

Young children often have an easier time memorizing Bible verses than teens and adults. Their young brains are still developing and are wired to learn new things. However, this does not necessarily mean your little one will automatically memorize a Bible verse after reading it a couple of times. You may need to try different memorization techniques before the verse sticks in their minds.

Some strategies you may find effective include:

• Using pictures to represent each verse. An example is to use a picture of the sky/heavens to represent John 14:1-3. Children may associate the picture with the verse.
• The phrase practice makes perfect applies to Bible verse memorization. The more often the verse is repeated, the more likely your child will be able to remember and recite it back to you.
• Set aside time each day for practice. You may want to keep the sessions short. Younger children typically have short attention spans and can be easily distracted. Try reciting Bible verses during meal prep or when running errands.
• Keep reviewing the Bible verses, even as you start practicing new ones.

Other memorization tips for kids of all ages include using hand motions. For example, use a hugging motion to symbolize God’s love for the world, as stated in John 3:16. Another great idea is putting the Bible verse into song. Think about how easy it is to remember a nursery rhyme. You can do the same thing with your chosen Bible verses.

Examples of Memory Verses for Kids

Remember, these are only sample Bible verses. You can use some or all of the ones in the list. Don’t be afraid to find some new ones that speak to your heart and faith.

1. John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

2. Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

3. Psalm 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

4. Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

5. 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.

6. Matthew 22:37

 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

7. Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Longer Bible Verses for Kids to Memorize

Parents and children often find it easier to start with one sentence Bible verses. Once your child has mastered simple verses, you may want to move on to longer passages. Don’t forget to use some of the above mentioned memorization strategies and have patience. Chances are, you will need to practice every day for the verse to sink in.

Here are a few longer Bible verses your child may want to start memorizing.

1. Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6: In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

2. Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

3. Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

4. Matthew 28:19-20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

As your child grows older, you may want to start practicing memorizing longer verses like this one from the Book of Psalm.

1. Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Choosing Bible Verses for Kids to Memorize

You want to select Bible verses for kids to memorize that mean something to you. Think about your favorite verses. Chances are some date back to your childhood. You may also want to divide the verses into categories. Some categories can include verses detailing God’s love, salvation, and living a Christian life.

Remember to have fun throughout the memorization exercises. You want your child to look forward to memorizing Bible verses. Take your time and have patience, and soon your little one will be quoting the scriptures back to you.