Mommy and the Joyful Three 04/25/11
When my daughter’s teacher showed the parents how well our children had memorized a scripture verse, I was impressed. It was music to my ears to hear them all reciting God’s words in unison last week.
It occurred to me that this is one area that I have been lacking in when it comes to how I raise my kids in the faith. I read Bible passages to my children; and admittedly a few verses are read more than others in our home. But, one thing I have not done is to teach them to memorize scripture.
God teaches us to meditate on His words. In the King James Version, Joshua 1:8 says:
Knowing God’s words and having them secured in their hearts will give them direction and peace – as it does for us.
Put it to music
Think of how easily your child memorizes a song or a game with friends. A few weeks ago, my oldest daughter overheard a song one time that I would have rather she hadn’t and she could tell me most of the words after. She would sing the words, sometimes confusing them, but even still that was what was stuck in her head for days.
That is one way to teach them to memorize scripture; put the verses to music. If you are not so musically inclined, like me, you can buy plenty of CDs or download songs that are already made for this.
Dinner talk
Another scripture memorization activity that we will begin in our home this week is dinnertime memorization. We will pick one verse the whole family can learn; it will be the verse of the week. After committing it to memory, we will discuss it at dinner. If we make a game of it and see who can recite it fully first by the end of the week, I know my children will love it.
Post verses
Place reminders around your home. I love that at my daughter’s school they have signs simply reminding you to pray for the faculty, students, even for registration. These simple reminders do in fact remind me to pray for them daily. Have your children make cute flash cards with the scripture so you can hang around your house. If you have small children who cannot read yet, still make picture reminders; just remember to read the verses aloud to them.
Get crafty
I want my children to use scripture as a tool to help them work through all of the tough and unpleasant circumstances they will encounter in this life. Soon we’re going to learn about the armor of God (Ephesians 6), explaining how each part of this powerful scripture relates to our Christian walk. As my kids memorize a part of this passage, they will be able to add a piece to their armor, which they will make with felt and Velcro.
The main thing is keeping it simple; short verses can still have a huge impact. An example is our verse for this week at dinnertime.
Remember to show your children that you meditate on God’s words in your own time. When events or circumstances, both good and bad arise in your life, remember to recite God’s words and keep them on your lips and in your heart.
God’s words are His gift of guidance and love to us. Sharing them with your children will strengthen your family.
How do you share Bible verses with your children?
How to Teach Your Kids Scripture
When my daughter’s teacher showed the parents how well our children had memorized a scripture verse, I was impressed. It was music to my ears to hear them all reciting God’s words in unison last week.
It occurred to me that this is one area that I have been lacking in when it comes to how I raise my kids in the faith. I read Bible passages to my children; and admittedly a few verses are read more than others in our home. But, one thing I have not done is to teach them to memorize scripture.
God teaches us to meditate on His words. In the King James Version, Joshua 1:8 says:
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Knowing God’s words and having them secured in their hearts will give them direction and peace – as it does for us.
Put it to music
Think of how easily your child memorizes a song or a game with friends. A few weeks ago, my oldest daughter overheard a song one time that I would have rather she hadn’t and she could tell me most of the words after. She would sing the words, sometimes confusing them, but even still that was what was stuck in her head for days.
That is one way to teach them to memorize scripture; put the verses to music. If you are not so musically inclined, like me, you can buy plenty of CDs or download songs that are already made for this.
Dinner talk
Another scripture memorization activity that we will begin in our home this week is dinnertime memorization. We will pick one verse the whole family can learn; it will be the verse of the week. After committing it to memory, we will discuss it at dinner. If we make a game of it and see who can recite it fully first by the end of the week, I know my children will love it.
Post verses
Place reminders around your home. I love that at my daughter’s school they have signs simply reminding you to pray for the faculty, students, even for registration. These simple reminders do in fact remind me to pray for them daily. Have your children make cute flash cards with the scripture so you can hang around your house. If you have small children who cannot read yet, still make picture reminders; just remember to read the verses aloud to them.
Get crafty
I want my children to use scripture as a tool to help them work through all of the tough and unpleasant circumstances they will encounter in this life. Soon we’re going to learn about the armor of God (Ephesians 6), explaining how each part of this powerful scripture relates to our Christian walk. As my kids memorize a part of this passage, they will be able to add a piece to their armor, which they will make with felt and Velcro.
The main thing is keeping it simple; short verses can still have a huge impact. An example is our verse for this week at dinnertime.
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV
Remember to show your children that you meditate on God’s words in your own time. When events or circumstances, both good and bad arise in your life, remember to recite God’s words and keep them on your lips and in your heart.
God’s words are His gift of guidance and love to us. Sharing them with your children will strengthen your family.
How do you share Bible verses with your children?
About This Blogger
Erin James is a freelance writer, mother of three, and author of CBN.com's Mommy blog.