great memory verses for kids

When I was putting together our preschool quarantine routine, I tentatively included Bible time.

Tentatively, because it’s not something that was part of our family daily routine, pre-lockdown.

As a family, we talk about faith. We pray, worship, and share scriptures together. And us parents have our own quiet times with God.

But daily structured family Bible time in our kids’ schedules? Not as much.

I wasn’t sure if they would be able to sit still for it or understand it. But I had hopes that we could use and apply the scriptures in our lives in a daily way, as we continue to share our faith with them.

There are some great memory verses for kids who are getting to know God and the Bible.

They also fit really well into character lessons we’re trying to teach our kids.

AND they happen to come in handy while we stay at home, are in close quarters, and are getting stir crazy.

Again, my kids are preschool-age. And I’m amazed at how they have been able to remember many of these verses for weeks. They’re simple concepts, scriptures that are easy for kids to remember, understand, and apply.

We have one family memory verse per week, and we talk about it a little every day. Sometimes we have activities (or family devotionals) that go with them. Other times, we just ask more questions.

I’m breaking them down by character category, so that if you’re trying to learn about or grow in a certain area as a family, you can easily find a verse to fit.

I’ll be adding more as we go, so bookmark this page for updates!

Here are some great memory verses for kids – even young kids – for you to work on together, as they learn more about God.

Verses about Faith (or related to)

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1 NIV

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. – Genesis 1:1 NIV

Verses about God

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33 NIV

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. – Psalm 145:8 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 NIV

Verses about Gratitude/Joy

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! – Philippians 4:4 NIV

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1 NIV

Verses about Loving Each Other

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. – 1 Corinthians 8:1 NIV

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:4 ESV

Do everything without grumbling or arguing. – Philippians 2:14 NIV

Verses about Obedience

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. – Ephesians 6:1 NIV

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. – Colossians 3:20 NIV

Verses about Patience

(My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:) Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. – James 1:19 NIV

Love is patient, love is kind. (It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.) – 1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV

Longer List Bible Verses for Older Kids

Fruits of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23

Think about These Things – Philippians 4:8

Love is… – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

What about you?

What are some great memory verses for kids that are special to your family? Which ones have been memorable for you?

Photo Credit:

1 – Annie Spratt on Unsplash

2 – Samantha Sophia on Unsplash

3 – Ben White on Unsplash

Scripture quotations from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) are copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by
permission. All rights reserved.