As my children are getting older, I’m slowly learning the power of teaching them Scripture and praying Scripture over them. I’m learning that this practice is a great way for them to hide Scripture in their hearts and teach them at a young age to meditate on it day and night. Although my kids are not at the age quite yet for reading their Bibles independently or experiencing quiet time, we do participate in family Bible Story time every night before bed. Sometimes during these Bible times, a verse may stick out or come to mind as we are diving into the story together. Some verses have come rather easily for my kids to memorize “In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth” for example, Genesis 1:1. This is a great one to start with that can be brought up in so many different situations. Going on a walk or a bike ride is a great time to recite this verse and thank the Lord for His wonderful creations. Another idea is to choose a verse about an area that your child struggles with, patience, anger, fear, etc. and to work through memorizing and praying that Scripture with them. Whenever they are feeling that emotion, remind them what the Bible says and recite that verse together. Sooner or later, that verse will be hidden in their heart and they will be reminded of it when those situations arise again. Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you.”
“Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are older they will not depart from it” -Proverbs 22:6
Here are 6 of my favorite passages to work through with my own kids and ones that even as a mama are super helpful to have memorized and to pray through.
Matthew 6:9-13
“Therefore, you should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd;
I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life;
he leads me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.”
Psalm 107:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his faithful love endures forever.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
in all your ways know him,
and he will make your paths straight.”
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you; I will help you;
I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 139:14
“I will praise you
because I have been remarkably and wondrously made.
Your works are wondrous,
and I know this very well.”
John 3:16
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Philippians 4:11-13
“I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Other fun ways to memorize Scripture with your kids: - Coloring Pages - Have them draw a photo of how they envision a Bible Story/ Passage - Alphabet Memorization Cards - Find songs that are Scripture (Seeds Family Worship, Slugs and Bugs, and others you can find on Spotify or Youtube) - Use index cards(or duplo blocks) with a word on each for your kiddos to figure out the order of the verse
- Hopscotch with sidewalk chalk with each word of a verse
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