The words of Proverbs 3:1–4 tumble around in my head and heart often as I go through my day with my three small children:
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
The constant repetition needed for learning is front and center as we work on learning how to share, how to eat table food, how to manage our emotions, how to put on a shirt, how to drink from an open cup, how to read, how to remember mom’s cell phone number, and so on.
Repetition helps build memory and skill as we work on these tasks and lessons.
Repetition and Reminders
In the midst of trying to teach my children, again, how to scrub all of the shampoo out of their hair or remind someone where to put away a dish or a toy, the words from Proverbs 3:3 echo: “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you.”
The easiest way to access God’s teaching is His Word, the Bible. Day in and day out, the ability to recall or memorize Scripture verses gives us peace in our home. Like any other task or skill, learning to memorize Bible verses takes consistency and repetition. Here are three ideas to help you start adding Scripture memorization to your family routines.
1. Pair Memorizing Scripture with an Existing Part of Your Day
Instead of adding in a new time to specifically work on learning a Bible verse, try using the drive to school, lunchtime, playtime in the bath, or putting on pajamas at the end of the day as a time to add dialogue about the Bible!
2. Make It Fun!
Find a song or make up a song using the words from the Bible verse you’re working to memorize. Bonus points if you add actions! Try searching online using the Bible verse reference and “song” to find ideas. The goal of memorizing Scripture is to integrate God’s Word into your everyday life so deeply that it is “written on the tablet of your heart.” It’s okay if it takes weeks to learn one verse well.
3. Celebrate Together
As you learn verses and develop a rhythm for memorizing Scripture, make a point to celebrate your progress together! Brainstorm ideas that deserve an occasion for celebration. That might include a dance party, a movie night, a special treat, or maybe a special outing. God’s Word is a gift to us, and adding positive memories to the experience of memorizing His Word will help cement His teaching for years to come!
This month, the Everyday Faith Calendar features a weekly rhythm of prompts to help with Scripture memorization at home. Download the calendar and follow along for daily Bible readings and encouragement.
