Hey Mommas! A few years ago, I did a praying for your children challenge over the summer. It was one of the most popular posts and interaction on social media. I feel like sometimes in the midst of the lazy days of summer, we need a good challenge. This summer Bible verse memorization challenge is for the whole family.

It’s super easy. I have put everything you need all in one place. Here’s the plan, print the scripture memory cards, link Youtube to your tv, and plan some fun rewards. (Although the greatest reward you will find is “hiding God’s word in your heart.” Psalm 119:11)

Summer Bible Verse Memory Challenge

I find it best for our family if we work on one verse (or verses) a week. So, the idea is to start the first week of June and go to the end of July. By the time you are done, your family should have memorized 8 scriptures or psalms.

My list contains 10, in case you want to start early, go late, or have a few choices depending on the ages of your kiddos. Also, if your kids are younger, you may need to work on a verse for 2 weeks at a time and that’s ok! Work on your own pace and celebrate your families progress.

Please note, the printable cards you find at the end of the post are in the New International Version. You may choose to memorize a different version in which case you’d want to make your own cards. Also, if you choose to use the memory verse songs, be advised that the wording may be a bit different.

In any case, the point of memorization is understanding and having more knowledge of God, not using certain words. For this reason, I would highly encourage your family to read the full chapter to understand the context of each verse and discuss how you can apply it to your life.

Here is the list of scriptures along with a link under each for a Bible verse song you can play at family Bible or through out to day to help the memorization stick. We are going to talk about more resources to help memorization next.

1. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV
   • Ps. 119:11 Memory Song
2. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
   • 2 Cor. 5:17 Memory Song
3. For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV
   • 2 Cor. 1: 20 Memory Song
4. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV
   • Matt. 6:33 Memory Song
5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
   • Prov. 3:5-6 Memory Song
6. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,  made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV
   • Eph. 2:4-5 Memory Song
7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
   • Phil. 4:6-7 Memory Song
8. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,  who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21 NIV
   • Phi. 3:20-21 Memory Song
9. Psalm 23 (Full Psalm)
   • Ps. 23 Memory Song
10. The Lord’s Prayer-Matthew 6:9-13
    • Lord’s Prayer Memory Song

Resources to Help Memorizing Scripture

In addition to the songs that help replay the memory verse over and over in our minds through out the day, here are some other ideas and resources to help memorize scriptures.

• Have everyone right the verse out on their own paper or cards. Sometimes drawing pictures help association as well.
• Post the verse anywhere and everywhere. Write it on the chalkboard, hang the cards on the bathroom mirror, etc.
• Break the verse down into smaller sections and focus on one piece each day.
• Use these games and techniques:
  • 21 Memorization Games from Vibrant Christian Living
  • 6 Ways to Memorize Scripture from Pinecove

Rewards Ideas for Saying Memory Verses

I think it’s important to celebrate progress. Memorizing God’s word is one of the most important things we can do in our Christian walk . It helps us to help us fight the enemies lies with truth, gives us hope when. we need it, keeps us focused on good, and provides us a place to pull encouragement from for others.

God’s Word is full of feasts and celebrations for all He has done. I look at rewards for scripture memorization as a way to continue celebrating His word and what He has done for us.

I suggest a weekly award ceremony for each verse and one big bash at the conclusion of the summer. Here are some ideas for each:

Weekly Award Ceremony

• Have each person say the verse aloud.
• Have a time of prayer centered around thankfulness for the content of the verse.
• Have a surprise treat.

Summer Bible Verse Memorization Challenge Bash

• Have everyone plan to say their favorite verse they memorized over the summer.
• Have a fun pizza party or everyone’s favorite food.
• Give away little prizes or completion certificates. (Just for fun not competition.)
• Sing one of the memory verse songs (or your favorite worship song) in praise to the Lord for His goodness!

More Resources for Your Family to Learn God’s Word

• 20+ Resource for Family Worship at Home
• Teaching Your Children the Bible
• 5 Ways to Give Them Jesus

If you are in on the challenge, be sure to follow along one of the social media channels below for more helps, encouragement, and to connect with other Christ-centered Mommas.