How We Do Scripture Memory (and Why)

"Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You." -Psalm 119:11 (NKJV)

Scripture memory is important in the life of a believer, as noted in the verse above, keeping us from sin. The idea of intentionally learning and memorizing Scipture is something that I have taken on with my children since we've been homeschooling. Growing up, I was familiar with many passages of Scripture, and some of them I could quote. The problem was, I couldn't tell you exactly where it was found. I was great at flipping through the book of the Bible I thought it was in, or using that trusty, old concordance in the back! (Am I alone on this or can anyone else relate?!)
However, I want my children to know God's Word and know it well. I want to be better at knowing God's Word for my own walk with Christ, and so I can lead my chilren in what matters most.
"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
-2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NKJV)
 It is so important to know what the Bible says for yourself. And so we learn, as a family. . .
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3: 16-17 (NKJV)
So, after some trial and error, copy work, repetition, index cards, mirror writing, research and more trial and error, I finally stumbled upon a system that works for us. I found it through Simply Charlotte Mason. I highly suggest checking out THIS VIDEO for more detailed information on how to implement the system!
Here are the basics: (*Note: The words in CAPS are the way our Scripture memory box is labled for each Scripture we're learning.)
  • DAILY: We take our time and learn just one Scripture or passage at a time. For whatever verse we're learning, each day, the children repeat the Scripture reference after me and then they listen to me read the Scripture. Then, they repeat the Scripture reference once more.
  • We continue that process until each child (and parent!) has learned the verse word for word. We do not rush. One tip I learned is this: "hiding God's Word in your heart is not a race, it is a lifelong habit." I can't tell you how freeing that was to this Mama's ears, because for some reason I felt like I was "behind" in memorizing Scripture.
  • ODD/EVEN: Once the daily Scripture is memorized, it is advanced to the odd or even section. It is then recited only on the odd or even day of the month. A new daily Scripture is then added.
  • DAY OF THE WEEK: As the cards advance from the odd and even, they then go to a day of the week, in order from Sunday to Saturday. So now, that 1st Scripture learned is recited once per week.
  • DATE OF THE MONTH: Once the cards advance through the days of the week, they then go to a date of the month, numbered 1-30. That very 1st Scripture is now recited one per month.
  • Anytime a verse is learned, you advance it and begin to learn a new one.
Our Scripture memory box:
index cards, old storage container, homemade labels
I am so pleased with this system and am pleasantly surprised with the way we are all learning God's Word, bit by bit. Even my toddler (21 months) chimes in on certain words he remembers! I select verses that speak to my heart, that are relevant to my children's lives, some they've requested we learn and those that are foundational to the lives of believers. If you need help choosing verses to learn, you can find a list HERE. Right now we are currently challenging ourselves to learn the exact words from the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20. Here's an example of what Scripture memory looks like in the No Idle Bread household!





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Comments

  1. This looks a lot like how we do it at our house. Love the routine.  I'd  love to have you link this to Titus 2 Tuesday this week on Cornerstone Confessions.. I hope to see you there. 
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Kathy!
      It is a great fit for our family, too. I'm glad you stopped by. "See you" at the link-up.

      Delete
  2. Thanks for sharing! Thinking I will give this a try.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Latonya,

      If you try it, please let me know how it works out for you and your family.

      Delete
  3. So glad you linked up at Do Not Depart so I could see and hear your beautiful kids reciting scripture. It's wonderful that you've found a method that works for you. I've heard such good things about the Charlotte Mason method.

    My prayers are with you as you instill this lifelong habit into your kids. Be blessed!

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  4. Found your blog through a Google alert I have set for Scripture memory. Loved this post and seeing your kiddos in action. You have a beautiful family! Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Diane!

      Wow, a Google alert, huh? That is so cool. I'm glad you stopped by and thank you for your kind words.

      Take care,
      Stacie

      Delete
  5. Visiting from women living well. I love the odd/even trick!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hey Lindsey,
    Thanks! I'm glad you stopped by.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What an incredible memory work system! I just went to Simply Charlotte Mason and downloaded those memory verse cards. My son (4.5 yrs) is a little young for this system I think, but perhaps next year. For now we are reciting a verse or verses 3 times a day without the goal of memorization, but familiarity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Irene,
      This memory system has been a blessing to our family. I think familiarity is so beneficial, too. So I say, keep at it with your son, and until he's ready. 😊

      Delete

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