Introducing scripture to a toddler is such a great way to lay a strong foundation for their life. They are learning so much at this age and will absorb information so fast. Although they may not understand everything, sharing short and simple Bible verses for toddlers will encourage them to live their life for the Lord.
Recently, I’ve been trying to include more scripture into my toddler’s life. She’s only 18 months-old, but I know that over time she will begin to understand what they mean.
Today, I’m going to share some short and easy to memorize Bible verses for toddlers along with some ways to include them into their everyday life.
The BEST Bible Verses for Toddlers
When I started looking for Bible verses to introduce to my toddler, I wanted them to be short and simple. Although I could go through and explain some verses, I felt like it was way too much information for her little brain.
I ended up using the ICB (International Children’s Bible) version because it was simple! I wanted my daughter to begin to understand who God was, so it was important that she could understand it.
Scripture taken from the International Children’s Bible®. Copyright © 1986, 1988, 1999 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
You will find that each of these verses are short and some are just part of a verse. I did this so it was easier for her to learn. As she gets older, I plan to help her learn the entire passage… but for now this felt like a good way to start.
[Have older children? Here are 57 Easy to Memorize Bible Verses for Kids]
First I want to start with Psalms. There are SO many that are great for toddlers to learn. I started here because they seemed easy to comprehend.
1. Psalm 46:10
"Be still and know that I am God."
2. Psalm 119: 105
"Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my way."
3. Psalm 56:3
"When I am afraid, I will trust you."
4. Psalm 139:14
"I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way."
5. Psalm 150:6
"Let everything that breathes praise the Lord."
6. Psalm 118:24
"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad today!"
7. Psalm 62:1
"I wait patiently for God. Only he can save me."
8. Psalm 136:26
"Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love continues forever."
9. Psalm 145:9
"The Lord is good to everyone."
Next, I want to look at Bible Verses for toddlers in the old testament. From Proverbs to the book of Isaiah, there are so many verses that will help your child to begin to learn about who the Lord is!
10. Genesis 1:1
"In tIn the beginning God created the sky and the earth."
11. Proverbs 3:5
"Trust the Lord with all your heart."
[Check Out the BEST Proverbs for Kids]
12. Isaiah 43:5
“So don’t be afraid. I am with you.”
13. Isaiah 49:16
"See, I have written your name on my hand."
14. Joshua 1:9
"Be strong and brave"
Now, Let’s dig into the New Testament. This is where we can introduce verses about Jesus and how our toddler can be more like Him!
15. John 1:12
I am a child of God.
16. Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind and loving to each other"
17. 1 John 4:19
"We love because God first loved us."
18. John 17:17
"Your teaching is truth."
19. Matthew 3:2
"Change your hearts and lives because the kingdom of heaven is coming soon."
20. Matthew 28:6
"But he is not here. He has risen from death as he said he would."
21. Philippians 4:14
"But it was good that you helped me when I needed help."
22. John 13:34
"Love each other."
23. Galatians 5:1
“We have freedom now because Christ made us free.”
24. Matthew 28:20
"I will be with you always."
25. Romans 3:23
“All people have sinned and are not good enough for God’s glory.”
26. Matthew 5:14
"You are the light that gives light to the world."
27. 1 Peter 5:7
"Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you."
28. Philippians 4:4
"Be full of joy in the Lord always."
29. Matthew 6:33
"But the thing you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what God wants."
30. Ephesians 2:10
"God has made us what we are."
31. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Always be happy. Never stop praying. Give thanks whatever happens."
How to Include Bible Verses in Your Toddlers Daily Life
Toddlers are learning so much in their day-to-day lives, simply by observing. I don’t necessarily think we need to have Bible Verses plastered on every surface for them to remember them. But with that being said, there are some fun ways to include these short verses in your toddler’s routine.
As I mentioned earlier, you may want to try the International Children’s Version of the Bible. It’s broken down into easy to read words for kids to understand!! Although I’m not usually much for using different translations, I think it’s more important for our toddlers to understand the concept.
1. During Prayer Time
Every night before bed, I pray with my daughter. I’ve started including one of these short Bible verses into our time with the Lord.
I like to write them down on note cards and then place them on the stand next to her bed. This helps to remind me to read them to her during our nighttime routine.
[Need some Simple Bedtime Prayers for your Toddler? Help them create a REAL relationship with God]
2. Make it into a song.
If you like to get creative, you can make it into a little song! If you add hand motions, they are more likely to remember it.
3. Use it in day-to-day scenarios.
There are so many ways to include Bible verses into what you are already doing. I’m going to give you some examples:
- Something exciting happens – Say “We rejoice always!! Just like it says in 1 Thessalonians!”
- When they are struggling to be brave – “The Lord tells us to be strong and courageous, I know you can do it!”
- When you are taking a walk in nature – “ Isn’t it amazing that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. In the book of Genesis, God created everything!”
4. Draw Something that Symbolizes it.
This is pretty simple, but during your arts and crafts time, you could write the verse out on a piece of paper and then draw a picture that symbolizes it!
My Final Thoughts…
Toddlers are sponges and are learning so much at this stage. This is the perfect age to start introducing Bible Verses for toddlers. Although they may have difficulty reciting them, they will begin to comprehend what they mean. I believe this is one of the most important foundations we can lay for our children.
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