Having your children memorize scripture is a wonderful way to fulfill Deuteronomy 6, and according to Sheila Butt, studies have shown that children who memorize scripture are less likely to leave the church (I heard this in the free audio download for This is War! at Bless Your Heart). This really got my attention. What a simple way to increase the odds that our children will be faithful! My kids do memorize scripture, but since hearing this, I've been trying to think of more ways to imprint God's Word upon their hearts. I've got a few suggestions, but hopefully you can help me add to this list!
- Bible Bowls and the like can be great motivators especially for competitive kids! This is something that Sister Sheila mentioned as being helpful for her children. If something like this is available in your area, consider getting involved.
- Memorize scripture as a family. Choose a chapter or passage to memorize with your children. Post your verses in a prominent place, and read them aloud at mealtimes and/or family devotion times.
- Record yourself reciting scripture and have you children listen to it at least three times a day. This could be a good way to teach scripture to your non-reading children.
- This is another good one for non-readers and readers, alike; use songs to memorize scripture. We used Hannah's Hundred to help my then 2 year old to learn Genesis 1:1 last year, and she still knows it. If you're more creative than me, you could even make up your own tunes for verses.
What do you do to motivate your children to memorize scripture? Do you have some sort of system or schedule for choosing what scriptures they memorize and when?
-CA