Scripture memory is one of the most important disciplines for a believer, regardless of age. And it doesn’t have to be boring! Below are some basic sports-oriented recreation games that include simple ways to incorporate memorizing verses. The verses can easily be swapped out and include a theme, such as verses on prayer, the “Romans Road,” and so on. You will want to take some time with your group to review the verse several times before playing the games, pass out a sheet with the verses on it, or display them on a whiteboard. This way, everyone is comfortable and doesn’t feel left out while playing the games. 

Memory Verse in a Big Circle (Hot Potato Style) 

Colossians 3:1-2 (CSB), “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Supplies: An object kids can pass around (e.g., a rubber chicken, a cup, a small rec ball).

Game Instructions:

  1. Gather your group together and have them sit together in one big circle.
  2. Have them read Colossians 3:1-2 aloud.
  3. Have them see if they can help each other memorize these verses by passing around an object (such as a ball, rubber chicken, etc.) while they say the verse aloud, one word at a time. You could play this game “hot potato” style as you stop and play music (maybe even elimination style if that works for your group). 

Memory Verse Four Square

James 1:22 (CSB), “But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Outdoor Game Supply List: You will need four-square rec balls or kick balls and sidewalk chalk to play this version)

Outside Game Instructions: 

  1. Locate a place in the church parking lot where your group can take sidewalk chalk and draw four squares. The size of your group will determine how many squares you will need.
  2. After creating the squares, have them play four-square (a game where kids hit the ball from square to square without letting it pass them or missing the ball) as they say the verse aloud, one word at a time.

Inside Version: You can play the same way as the outside version, except use smaller sports balls if you have them and create the squares using floor-safe tape.

Memory Verse Basketball/Paper Basketball

Matthew 5:16 (CSB), “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Supplies: A basketball goal, two basketballs, an area to play basketball, paper wads for the inside version

Game Instructions: 

  1. Have the kids line up in a single file line at the free throw line.
  2. Give the first two kids in line the basketballs. 
  3. When you say, “Go,” the first person in line tries to make it. After the first-person shoots, the second person tries to make it. If the second person makes it, then the first person is out. If the first person makes it, he/she passes it to the third person in line. If the third person makes it before the second person can, the second person is out.
  4. They play this game while taking turns saying Matthew 5:16 aloud word by word.

Inside Version: You can play like the outside version, except play with a trash can and paper wads instead of basketballs.

Memory Verse Whiffle Ball

Isaiah 41:10 (CSB), “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.”

Supplies: A whiffle ball, bat set, and plastic/rubber bases (you could replace the bases with objects, etc.)

Game Instructions:

  1. Set up a field or space with your plastic/rubber bases and divide kids into two even teams.
  2. You will then play a basic game of whiffle ball (baseball).
  3. Here is the catch…every time a hitter gets a hit, as they touch a base, they have to say the next word in the verse aloud as they run. For example, a hitter hits the ball, and when they touch first base, they yell out, “Do.” The following person will say, “not.”
  4. The object of the game is to see which team can say the verse aloud first and then how many times they can do it in a row. Feel free to change up the variations of the game as you see fit.

Memory Verse Football Toss

Matthew 22:37-39 (CSB), “He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Supplies: A flat space/area and small footballs

Game Instructions:

  1. Have kids find a partner and line up your kids into two straight lines facing each other. You will want them to start close, tossing the football back and forth to each other.
  2. When a leader says go, the pairs need to say Matthew 22:37-39 one word at a time, each time taking a step backward after completing a pass.