Teaching children scripture will have life long benefits for the child. The words needs to be repeated many times for the children, and a system of continual review introduced. Be sure to teach the reference as well.

1. Reasons for Memorising Gods Word
* It shows the unsaved the Saviour (1 Peter 1:23)
* It helps Christians live for their Lord (Psalm 119:9)
* helps us always to be ready to witness (1 Peter 3:15)
* It comforts our troubled hearts (Isaiah 26:3)
* It combats unsound doctrine (Matthew 22:29)
* It helps us praise God (Psalm 119:171)

2. A Way to Memorise God's Word

Step One: See It
The verse should be visualised on a poster, chalkboard, or overhead. You could also give each child the opportunity to find the verse in his or her own Bible.

Step Two: Spell It Out
Explain the big words to giving meaning to the verse. Appropriate pictures and illustrations can be used to explain the meanings of the words. Check their understanding of the verse: (1) What does this verse mean to you? (2) Why is it important that we learn this verse? Remember that children memorise more easily when the verses have meaning to their lives, so be sure to apply what they are learning.

Step Three: Say It
Repeat the verse about ten times. In this step one needs to be creative and fun. Make learning scripture exciting whenever possible. Some exciting methods include: (1) Write the verse on a blackboard and erase key words as they learn the verse; (2) Write the verse on a banner and unroll or roll it up slowly; (3) Make cards with words on and children must unscramble the verse; (4) Peg words onto a line and take them down as the verse is learnt; (5) Teach scripture by setting verses to song or rhymes.

Step Four: Seal It
If you do not review the truth taught it will soon be forgotten. Start the process of review the same day the verse is introduced. In the middle of the talk, or between songs repeat the verse. Discuss how this verse can be used by them during the week. If you are able to, have the verse printed out for the child to take home.

As leader you need to get excited about memorising God word. You need to show this in your attitude. You need to also hide Gods word in your own heart. Your example will help change the attitude of the children. You need also to memorise the daily and weekly verses. Show by you example and attitude that you expect them to be able to learn the required verses. Expectation on the part of the leader can be a great encouragement to the child who is struggling and has no home support. Encouragement will go hand in hand with what you will expect from the children.

The scripture shows that the role of the Holy Spirit involves bringing what we have learnt back into our memory: "But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" [John 14:26]. Children can't recall what they haven't learned.