All Scripture Is Powerful Scripture.
Having your kids memorize Bible verses will be transformative! 1 Timothy tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16; NLT)
There is no wrong scripture to memorize, any scripture, all scripture is good, useful, and will be used by the Holy Spirit. But many times I get asked by parents, teachers, and friends, “Where do I start? What verse would you suggest?” So my husband and I have begun creating a list, of Bible verses for your kids to learn. I hope this is helpful to you in your journey of leading your kids closer to Christ!
Choose a Version Of The Bible For Your Child To Memorize From
Before you begin you may want to make sure your child has a Bible they can read and understand. If your child is not reading yet, or just learning to read, they can still memorize scripture with you. You will want to buy them a Bible they will be able to read early on, but also one that will grow with them.
For ages 3-12, I normally suggest either the New Living Translation (NLT) or Good News Translation (GNT) or Berean Study Bible (BSB). For older kids or teens I would suggest either the Common English Bible (CEB), the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), or the English Standard Version (ESV). Of course, some people love the translations that they grew up on or another translation that for some reason is close to their heart, such as the King James Version (KJV) or New King James Version (NKJV).
As long as it is scripture and you’re memorizing it, what version you choose is up to you. There is no wrong answer!
Short verses – Start Small
Don’t be afraid to shorten Bible verses! Memorizing part of a verse is better than not! especially for younger kids keep it manageable. And remember you can always grow! choose larger chunks of scripture as you get better at it!
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16 NLT
Memorize: God is Love 1 John 4:16
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16
Short But Powerful Scriptures To Memorize With Your Kids
Only God is truly good. Luke 18:19 NLT
The Lord is watching everywhere Proverbs 15:3 NLT
He is a faithful God who does no wrong Deuteronomy 32:4b NLT
God saved you by His grace when you believed. Ephesians 2:8 NLT
God is greater than our feelings and He knows everything. 1 John 3:20 NLT
Jesus said, “Humanly speaking it is impossible, but with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26 NLT
“I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the almighty one” Revelation 1:8 NLT
The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry, and filled with unfailing love. Psalm 103:8 NLT
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, 1 Corinthians 14:33 NLT
Foundational Verses about God and Salvation
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 BSB
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23 NLT
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NLT
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10 NLT
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 NLT
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 NLT
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10 NLT
So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 BSB
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NLT
Wherever you start, just start! Work together with your kids to memorize scripture verses and hide God’s word in your heart!
If you want to know more on how or why to memorize Bible verses, check out this post!
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