I may have come to the church as an adult, but my husband and I are determined that our children should grow up in the church. The stories of the Bible are their stories, the traditions of the church are their traditions. The lingo of the church is their lingo.
Part of being a part of the church is learning scriptures. I have posted before on how to memorize scripture as a family, but what verses exactly are you supposed to memorize with your kids?
I compiled the list below, focusing on shorter, simpler, and easier verses that would have real meaning to children.
The 23rd Psalm is a beautiful piece of the Bible, and it has meaning, but it's a big long for a 5-year-old. Likewise, soaring on wings like eagles is nice for adults, but kids may have trouble understanding the symbolism.
If you're looking for my top 50 verses for adults, go to 50 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Memorize.
Verses come from the ICB - International Children's Bible © 2015 by Tommy Nelson™, a Division of Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Verses on Salvation
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son. God gave his Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. -John 3:16
All people have sinned and are not good enough for God’s glory. -Romans 3:23
The payment for sin is death. But God gives us the free gift of life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 6:23
He has taken our sins away from us as far as the east is from west. -Psalm 103:12
But Christ died for us while we were still sinners. In this way God shows his great love for us. -Romans 5:8
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from death, then you will be saved. -Romans 10:9
Verses on God's Promises
“I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” -Deuteronomy 31:6
"I know what I have planned for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future." -Jeremiah 29:11
We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. -Romans 8:28
My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need. -Philippians 4:19
God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble. -Psalm 46:1
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. -Hebrews 13:8
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads. I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28
“May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord show you his kindness.
May he have mercy on you.
May the Lord watch over you
and give you peace.” -Numbers 6:24-26 (The priests' blessing on the Israelites as they lived in the wilderness)
Verses on Scripture
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching how to live right. -2 Timothy 3:16
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. -Psalm 119:105
I will follow your rules forever. They make me happy. -Psalm 119:11
God can do everything! -Luke 1:37
Verses on Faith
I can do all things through Christ because he gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13
Trust the Lord with all your heart.
Don’t depend on your own understanding. -Proverbs 3:5
Remember the Lord in everything you do.
And he will give you success. -Proverbs 3:6
God says, “Be still and know that I am God.
I will be praised in all the nations.
I will be praised throughout the earth.” -Psalm 46:10
Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars. God does not change like their shifting shadows. -James 1:17
When I am afraid, I will trust you. -Psalm 56:3
[The Word] was with God in the beginning. -John 1:2
Verses on Living as a Christian
Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.’ This is the first and most important command. -Matthew 22:37-38
And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ -Matthew 22:39
Do everything in love. -1 Corinthians 16:14
You should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do. Live so that they will praise your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:16
Those who want to do right more than anything else are happy. God will fully satisfy them. -Matthew 5:6
In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were working for the Lord, not for men. -Colossians 3:23
Do for other people what you want them to do for you. -Luke 6:31
If you do good only to those who do good to you, should you get some special praise for doing that? No! Even sinners do that! -Luke 6:33
Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ. -Ephesians 4:32
When you talk, do not say harmful things. But say what people need — words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will help those who listen to you. -Ephesians 4:29
We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time. We must not give up! –Galatians 6:9
When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers. –Galatians 6:10
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him what he did wrong. Do this in private. If he listens to you, then you have helped him to be your brother again. -Matthew 18:15
But the Spirit gives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong. -Galatians 5:22-23
My dear brothers, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily. -James 1:19
Do everything without complaining or arguing. -Philippians 4:13
Children, obey your parents in all things. This pleases the Lord. -Colossians 3:20
Verses on Prayer
Always be happy. -1 Thessalonians 5:18
Never stop praying. -1 Thessalonians 5:17
Give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:18
Thank the Lord because he is good.
His love continues forever. -Psalm 107:1
I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way.
What you have done is wonderful.
I know this very well. -Psalm 139:14
Do not worry about anything. But pray and ask God for everything you need. And when you pray, always give thanks. -Philippians 4:6
The Lord is close to everyone who prays to him,
to all who truly pray to him. -Psalm 145:18
Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you. -1 Peter 5:7
Dorothy says
im looking forward to the use of your web sight, it has a lot to over. I cant wait to get my 1st email
Dorothy says
I'm excited to start memorizing "50 memory verses every kid should know" in my Sunday school
Class and children's church.