When you prioritize your church class activities, do you find yourself scooting Bible verse memorization to the bottom of the to-do list? Or maybe you squeeze it in by reading the verses quickly with your students, then move on.
It’s easy to let memory verses become routine. But even if it seems like we’ve heard certain scriptures a thousand times, our students may be hearing them for the first time. To encourage scripture memory, teachers can make this class time memorable and enjoyable.
Why are memory verses so important? Tom Meyer, known as The Bible Memory Man, gives these reasons in his article, “Resolve to Memorize Scripture”:
Meditating on the Word of God hidden in the heart will help you set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2), become strong like a tree planted by the banks of the river (Psalm 1:3), and have a heart well-stocked with the words of the Creator of heaven and earth (Joshua 1:8). How amazing is that?! As parents, we have no greater joy than when our children walk in truth (3 John 1:4). How much more pleased would God be if his children recommitted themselves to hiding his Word in their hearts so they wouldn’t sin against him (Psalm 119:11)!
These reasons for Bible memory are directed to parents, but they apply to teachers as well. Tom has memorized at least 20 whole books of the Bible. He often recites them to audiences, inspiring many to begin memorizing too. In his article, Tom explains that the three best ways to memorize a verse are to read it aloud, hear it spoken, and write each word as you say it.
Here are some practical ways to incorporate Tom’s memorization tips to learn the verses provided in Answers Bible Curriculum.
To read the verse aloud, begin with the Flip Chart Memory Verse page, memory verse poster, or PowerPoint slide, depending on your age group.
Hearing the verse can also be done simply. Try some of these ideas.
Finally, writing each word and saying it is a beneficial activity for older kids, teens, and adults.
Take some time to explain the meaning of the verse to help your students understand its relevance and gain a sense of purpose for memorizing it. Be honest with your students; it can be hard to memorize, but it can also be exciting to do something that pleases God. Encourage your students to practice and help each other—and let them hear you say the verse too.
Try using these ideas to add memory verse practice to your class time with little or no extra preparation. You can also check out the Memory Verse Games in the Teacher Guide (Pre-K–Middle School) for more interactive ideas. Most of all, be consistent to work on the verse each week. When it comes to memorizing anything, repetition is key. It takes time, but it’s time well spent.
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