Godward Recognition

Ultimately, love for God and His Word should be what drives us to memorize passages of the Bible. Having God’s Word stored up in our minds and hearts is its own reward. Still, a few thoughtful incentives, small prizes, or milestone celebrations—like when a child has memorized 25 verses—can motivate children, and even youth, who are new to Bible memory. 

How can you foster God-honoring thankfulness, not self-centered pride, when giving prizes and praise? By coupling recognition and rewards with prayerful thanksgiving and encouragement. Pray with your children, thanking God for giving them the desire and ability to memorize. You might say something like this:

Praying this way points the child being recognized, as well as any others involved, to look godward. It affirms and recognizes the child’s diligence, while praising God as the ultimate source and power behind his or her ability. It also reminds siblings or classmates of the main purpose for memorizing Scripture:

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:9-11)

Tangible Incentives

Knowing Scripture by heart is its own reward. However, small incentives along the way can encourage those who are reluctant to try memorizing verses. A few ideas for encouraging Bible memorization include:

Prizes

• Fighter Verses Tote Bag for carrying notebooks and Bible to church, ideal for preschool-kindergarten aged children
• Lapel pin—possibly a shield or sword, in keeping with the armor of God theme—for grades 1-6
• A gift to help a child grow spiritually. Consider giving a book (a biography of a Christian, a missionary story, or a devotional), a print or painting of his favorite verse, or a coloring book for younger children (like a Fighter Verses Coloring Book or the Glorious God, Glorious Gospel Coloring Book).
• Pocket-size Bible or Audio Bible
• Fighter Verses Journal or other journal to record reflections on the Word
• The free Fighter Verses Memory Verse Charts to help children keep track of the verses they’ve memorized and motivate them to keep going.

Celebrations

• Family game night or special meal, invite child to choose the game or help with the menu planning and preparation 
• Pizza parties make an ideal prize in a classroom setting where a number of children have reached the milestone together.

Recognition

• Post photos of children who reach memorization milestones—25, 50, 100, or ever more verses—on a special themed bulletin board. You might be able to find a real knight to use as a mascot in the picture.

As you reward Bible memory, be on the watch for opportunities to celebrate the joy of Bible memory and share stories of God working through His Word.