12 Important Bible Memory Verses for Kids

Why should kids memorize Bible verses?

Feeds their mind with God’s Truth.

Let’s be honest. Kids memorize all kinds of information, song lyrics, and pop culture phrases. They are FULLY capable of memorizing Bible verses. And there is no more important thing to put in their minds. If you are following Christ, and want your kids to follow Christ, feed them with the truth of Scripture. Make Bible memory a priority. Here is why we should have Bible memory verses for kids.

Plants the seeds of the gospel.

Specifically, we want to plant the truth of the gospel in our children’s hearts and minds. 1 Timothy 3:16 says the Word of God is profitable for teaching. Do you want your kids to become followers of Jesus? Having them memorize verses that are the core of what it means to be a Christian is a powerful way to lead them to believe. God will nurture those planted seeds.

Gives them Biblical tools to handle life.

Many children, my own included, struggle with anxiety and emotional issues. And what I am about to say does not negate the value of biblical counseling, occupational therapy, and other services available today. But please do not neglect to equip your kids with Scriptures that can be a rock for them to cling to when anxiety drags them down and circumstances are overwhelming.

We need these anchors of God’s Word too, as adults. Why not equip your children now for all the struggles that life will inevitably bring?

12 Important Bible Memory Verses for Kids

What are good Bible verses for children?

Good Bible memory verses for kids should be: feeding their minds with God’s truth, teaching the gospel, and equipping them with biblical tools for life. They should be in a translation that is understandable for them. ESV and NIV are good, clear translations for kids to use. These verses I have chosen are important to biblical Christianity, they are important to me, and my children will work on memorizing them this school year.

1. Deuteronomy 6:4-5.

A short powerful passage on Who God is and loving Him.

2. Micah 6:8

The three things God requires of us.

3. Psalm 46:1-3

We do not have to fear, because God is our strength.

4. Isaiah 40:31

Renewing our strength and soaring like eagles…

5. Romans 5:8

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

6. Romans 6:23

The wages of sin, and the gift of God…

Free Printable “20 Prayers You Can Pray Before Reading Your Bible”

7. Ephesians 4:32

One of my favorite verses about kindness…

8. Ephesians 6:1-3

All about obeying your parents…

9. Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious, but pray and receive God’s peace.

10. Colossians 3:23-24

The best verse about working hard…

11. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Casting all our cares on Him…

12. Psalm 139:13-14

A reminder of how intricately and wonderfully God made us…

How do I teach my child memory verses?

I have used all of these ideas with my own children and seen them used in Sunday School classes, all with great success. Here are my top 4 ways to help kids memorize Scripture. At the very least, you can snag your instant download of the “12 Important Bible Memory Verses for Kids MEMORY CARDS” at the bottom of this post.

1. Use expression and actions

This can be done no matter what Bible verse your kids (or you) are memorizing. Check out my son at 6 years old, using quite a bit of expression for Proverbs 15:1.

2. Copywork

Writing definitely improves memory, and Scripture is no exception. Have older children copy right out of their Bibles. For younger children, write it in large print at the top of a page, and have them copy it on the same page.

3. Memory cards

Index cards work to make your own memory cards for Bible verses. Read it looking at the card, then turn it over and try again. A few minutes of this a day is a great memory tool! The download below has printable memory cards for the 12 Bible Memory Verses for Kids listed above. English Standard Version (ESV) and New International Version (NIV) are included in this free download.

12 Important Bible Memory Verses for Kids MEMORY CARDS

4. Sing it as a song

You can probably remember a commercial jingle you heard when you were a kid. Words are so easy to remember when they are set to music! If you feel up for it, make up a little tune (or use one that already exists like “Twinkle, Twinkle” or “Jesus Loves Me”) to go with the words of the memory verses your kids are memorizing. If you can’t think of one, check out this giant list of Bible verse songs.

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