A friend suggested that I provide a way to help her and her children memorize scripture. What better way to keep God center in our daily business, than to have His Word written on our hearts and playing in our minds.
First I would highly recommend the Seeds Family Worship CDs. The music is well-written and enjoyable to listen to, even for adults! All the lyrics are directly from Scripture, and include the references. One day I heard my 3 year old in the playroom with his hot wheels singing Philippians 4:6-7!! what a blessing!
Memorizing Scripture as a family:
1) Start with one weekly verse
2) Display it centrally: I would recommend having a chalkboard or wipe-off board in your kitchen or playroom or family room where you can write the verse to serve as a daily visual reminder. Then when you see it you can integrate it into moments when you are cooking, playing, cleaning dishes, etc.
3) Introduce the verse to your children: Memorizing scripture should not be a chore or boring or forced upon your children. How you approach this task is important. Make it FUN!
One of the first scriptures we memorized was Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart”. simple. short. easy. To introduce and teach it to the boys I had them stand on our ottoman with their back toward me and do a “trust” fall into my arms. We talked about how we have to trust that God is strong enough and loves us enough to take care of us. I had them say the verse, then fall into my arms then I quoted the rest of the verse (“and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths”).
Check out this post from June- for “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13
Here are a couple other activities to do with your kids:
“Out of the heart the mouth speaks” (vinegar vs. honey) Luke 6:45
“There is one mediator” (our need for Christ) 1 Tim 2:5
Another great resource for teaching your children scripture is: “The Well- Versed Family” by Caroline Boykin. Get it here: www.wellversedfamily.com .
Memorizing Scripture as a spiritual discipline:
I personally struggle with people pleasing, gossip, and anger. I took the time to search the Bible for verses I could meditate on for these specific areas.
1) Pray that God would reveal what sin directs your day (control, fear, negativity, etc).
2) Ask Him to direct you to verses in His word with truth for those specific challenges.
3) Use the concordance in the back of your Bible looking up the positive attribute for each area you struggle with (e.g., faith, trust, gratitude)
4) Make a list of verses you find helpful in directing your mind towards God.
5) Chose one verse to start memorizing. Write it out on cards. Make it your lock screen on your phone. Have your children memorize it with you.
Here are some verses I have found helpful:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Proverbs 15:1
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:4-8