Five Lenten Verses for Families

February 15, 2022

5 Lenten Verses for Families

Five Lenten Verses for Families

Find the Gift of Life by Hiding God’s Word in Your Heart

by Wendy Berghane, Hearts Alive Curriculum Specialist

The first “gold star” I ever received was in my Sunday School class. I was probably 6 or 7 years old. I don’t remember my Sunday School teacher’s name (although I am certain she was awesome!), and I don’t remember the specifics of what we learned or the activities we did, but I do remember the day the teacher crouched next to my seat and listened to me repeat Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” And with that, a gold star went to next to my name on a chart on the wall.

I was never great at memorizing things. I was more of an imagination/big dreams kind of thinker and didn’t always love working on rote memorization, like multiplication tables or Scripture verses. But the gold star did feel good. And as I grew, I realized that those “gold star” verses had taken residence in my heart and mind and with that, I felt an even stronger confidence than the gold star on the chart gave. I referred to those verses in a very organic way when I was making decisions, facing challenges, praying, and giving thanks. What a gift that Sunday school teacher gave me: planting seeds of life—Scripture—in my heart for me to carry forever.

Memorizing Scripture is a gift. It is our nourishment. It is our truth. The more Scripture we consume, the stronger our faith becomes. So why not grow together in faith as a family? This Lenten season, take on the challenge of memorizing Bible verses together. Integrate these verses into your every day. Pray the Scripture at mealtime. Write the Scripture on your family white board or calendar. Send the Scripture via text daily to older kids. Create a silly tune to help you lock the Scripture into your brain. Make up motions to help you remember the verse. Give gold stars!

If you aren’t sure what verses to memorize, here are five suggestions!

Proverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways obey him. Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.” (NIRV)

Ephesians 4:32 - “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (NIV)

Acts 20:35b* - “In everything I did, I showed you that we must work hard and help the weak. We must remember the words of the Lord Jesus. He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (NIRV)

Romans 10:9* - “Say with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord.’ Believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. Then you will be saved.” (NIRV)

Luke 15:10* - “I tell you, it is the same in heaven. There is joy in heaven over one sinner who turns away from sin.” (NIRV)

Memorizing Scripture impacts your heart, your mind, and your ultimately your life as you permanently weave God’s Word into your every day. What a gift. What a beautiful gift that feeds your soul and feeds your family. What a life-changing and life-giving gift!

Related Resource:

Hearts Alive Sunday School and Children's Church provide liturgical congregations a highly-anticipated children’s curriculum that combines captivating content, lectionary alignment, and Gospel focus for children ages 3-12. For those seeking to engage children in a fun, age-appropriate application to the Revised Common Lectionary, Hearts Alive is a three-year course of study to give children a strong overview of the story of salvation and how it ties to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Hearts Alive supports and elevates liturgical traditions and the church calendar while using clear, contemporary learning techniques to present the Word of God. Learn more in our online community.

*= Verses featured in Hearts Alive Year C Spring