The Bible is the Word of God, and it can change your life. Hebrews 4:12 says, “The Word of God is living and active.” It is essential for our spiritual growth. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).
But you don’t always have a copy of the Bible when you need it. And as convenient as your phone is, there is an even better way to access the Word of God: keep it in your heart and in your mind! Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” It is great to have extended times of Bible study, feasting on God’s Word; but sometimes, we just need a bite-size portion to encourage us, keep us focused, or share with a friend.
It takes time and effort, but memorizing portions of the Bible really is possible. The key is to have a good resource. You can download a Bible memory app on your phone, but I still prefer old fashion memory verse cards. To begin, you and your family could try printing these Scripture Memory Cards. There are 24 carefully selected verses from both the Old and New Testaments. If you don’t think you have the time or a good enough memory, consider these practical ideas:
- Put a card in your pocket and review it during the day.
- Review a verse each night with your kids at dinner or bedtime.
- Keep a set in your car and read them in traffic or with your kids on a long drive.
- Practice as a family and have each person take a turn saying the next word in the verse.
- Write the verse on a chalkboard and repeat the verse, erasing a new word each time.
- Write each word of the verse on an index card, scrabble them, and unscramble them.
- Have your kids write out the verse and draw a picture in place of some of the words.
- Make up a song and sing the verse.
Below is an index of the 24 Scripture Memory Cards, so you can see what verses are included. These cards use the English Standard Version. Every Bible translation has its advantages and disadvantages, but this is a reliable, widely-used version. If you know some of the verses in another translation, don’t get hung up on minor differences. The important thing is to just get started. Consider setting a goal of learning one new verse each week, and take the time to review previous verses. Most kids can memorize faster than adults, but this is a great time to talk with them about the verses they memorize – do they understand what they are learning? Take time to teach them new words. Build a habit of talking about these verses with your family (Deut. 6:7), and writing them on your hearts.
As you work on these verses, be prayerful and ask the Holy Spirit to be with you. Meditate on what they mean in your life, and talk about it with other people. The Word of God can change your life!
Memory Verse Index
- John 3:16 – God so loved the world
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – new creation in Christ
- Psalms 139:13-14 – I am wonderfully made
- Romans 6:23 – wages of sin is death
- Galatians 2:20 – crucified with Christ
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – trust in the Lord
- John 14:6 – I am the way, the truth, and the life
- Romans 8:28 – all things work together for good
- Lamentations 3:22-23 – steadfast love of the Lord
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – by grace you have been saved
- Ephesians 5:1-2 – be imitators of God
- Jeremiah 29:11 – I know the plans I have for you
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 – escape from temptation
- James 4:7-8 – submit to God, resist the devil
- Joshua 1:9 – be strong and courageous
- 1 John 1:9 – he is faithful to forgive
- Ephesians 4:29 – no corrupting talk
- Job 1:21 – blessed be the name of the Lord
- Philippians 4:12-13 – I can do all things
- Hebrews 13:5 – free from love of money
- Isaiah 40:30-31 – run and not be weary
- Philippians 4:6-7 – do not be anxious
- 1 Peter 3:15 – always be ready to make a defense
- Psalm 16:11 – pleasures forevermore