What does it take to get children to memorize something? Children learn by example. They learn to talk by mimicking the sounds they hear. They learn by watching you. Parents are a model to their children and so you should model what you want your children to learn. Asking children to value Bible memorization means that you not only value it, but that you do it as well.

What is the natural response of a child to the idea of spending time memorizing Bible verses? Children who are given free time will want naturally to play with toys or friends—to do anything but work on memorization. The heart of the problem is that every person, young or old, who resolves to memorize Scripture is at once engaged in spiritual warfare. Satan knows the power of God's word, and he will do anything to prevent us from memorizing it.

Discover 4 Reasons Children Should Memorize Scripture on FighterVerses.com

Start Young

A key factor in Bible memorization is starting at a very young age. Toddlers minds are not cluttered. Their brains are very elastic and beg to be stretched. It is very easy for young children to memorize. Often they memorize entire books that have been read to them only a few times. If the habit of memorization is started at a young age, it will become as regular in their lives as brushing teeth or making the bed. Once it is established as part of the routine of life, the habit will likely last a lifetime.

Pre-reading children can easily memorize the 76 Foundation Verses. When they begin to read, you can transition them to memorizing Fighter Verses so that by the time they leave your home after high school, they will have had the opportunity to go through the 5-year program twice.

Listen to 12 Foundation Verses Songs on FighterVerses.com

Helping Older Children Develop a Habit of Memorizing

For older children who have not yet learned this habit of Bible memorization, incentives may be a helpful motivation. Some people may object to the idea of awards because they might corrupt motives. Children, they might say, should memorize because of their love for the Word of God. We wish that were always true. But most of life is based on incentives and, if handled correctly, they are a positive motivational tool to help children do what they are not naturally inclined to do. At the same time, we should help children understand that knowing the Word of God is their greatest reward.

If Scripture memory has not been a part of your family, we suggest that you discuss why it is important to memorize God's Word. Make it clear that this is not an optional activity. Tell them that you are all going to work together to learn the verses, and that there wil be incentives along the way to encourage them. 

Praying for and with your children about memorizing Scripture is one of the greatest things you can do. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, the Lord declares that "these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." If the Lord calls us to teach his Word to our Children, we can be assured that He will hear us when we seek His help in memorizing.

Get Incentive Ideas for Encouraging Bible Memory on FighterVerses.com

Fighter Verses as Family Devotions

Using the Fighter Verses Program is ideal to begin a routine of family devotions because it is structured around one short Bible passage per week. Often story-based devotions are not as effective because the focus is the story itself rather than the Bible passage. Because Fighter Verses are designed to equip people to fight the fight of faith, they are very practical. It will not take the parents long to help their children see how the passage is relevant to their life.

A Suggestion Plan for Fathers Leading Family Devotions

1. Memorize the Fighter Verse on your own.
2. Pray that God will help you understand the meaning of the verse(s).
3. Look for commands or action items in the verse.
4. Pray for opportunities to apply the verse to your life (James 1:22-24).
5. Think of a few questions to ask about the verse. These questions should be focused on these three areas:
• KNOW: Discussion that brings out understanding.
• BE: Discussion that brings out acceptance of truth.
• DO: Discussion or actions that are applications of the truth.
6. Set aside some time to interact with your children over this glorious truth. A word of caution—you should "overflow" to them from what you have been learning, but be cautious that you do not "flood" them with your experience. Draw them out and in. Be okay with less than perfect answers—they are on a journey.
7. Pray the verse over your children as you tuck them into bed.

If you need help understanding the passage, brainstorming discussion points, or pinpointing application questions, visit FighterVerses.com to read the weekly devotionals to accompany the passage.

Learn How to Use Fighter Verses in Instruction on FighterVerses.com