Bible verses for youth group connect Scripture to students’ everyday lives. When selecting Scriptures for teens, sometimes we default to the “greatest hits,” like Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 4:13. Yes, these are powerful Bible verses. But you should also go beyond the familiar, because God’s Word speaks to young people in so many ways.
Below are Bible verses (all NIV) you can use to teach, encourage, bless, and build up youth group members. Whether you’re looking for a commissioning prayer, a message to text midweek, or a life verse for spiritual growth, these passages offer fresh spiritual fuel.
How to Use These Verses in Youth Ministry
First here’s a quick primer on using Bible verses for youth group:
- Use them for prayer. Begin or end meetings by speaking these verses over one another.
- Create cards or bookmarks. Provide daily reminders about biblical truth.
- Give a “verse of the week” challenge. Encourage memorization and journaling about how that verse connects to life.
- Include Scripture with small-group check-ins. Let students pick a verse and discuss what it means or how they relate to it.
- Send verses in texts or DMs. Connect with students midweek with a message from the Bible.
Bible Verses for Youth Group Members
Scripture To Encourage and Support Teens
Share these Bible verses to help teens navigate anxiety, doubt, peer pressure, or other challenges.
Psalm 73:26 — My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Micah 7:8 — Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
Romans 15:13 — May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.
2 Corinthians 4:16 — Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Verses for Blessing & Commissioning
Use these Scriptures to send teens out after retreats, mission trips, or graduation services.
Zephaniah 3:17 — The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you.
Deuteronomy 31:8 — The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Isaiah 30:21 — Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 — We constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling.
