First Letter Bible Journal
Memorize Bible verses using just the first letter of each word.
Every verse is printed twice. The top shows only first letters, with a line for the rest of each word. Say the verse out loud, fill in what you remember, and peek at the full verse below when you get stuck. No pen needed.
John 3:16 (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Try it. Tap any word to peek at it.
How it works
Each passage gets a worksheet page and a Reflections page. The worksheet is where the memorizing happens. The Reflections page helps you think about what the words mean for you.
Cover the bottom
Lay your hand or a half sheet of paper over the full verse at the bottom of the page.
Say it out loud
Read the first-letter clues and speak each word. The length of each line hints at the length of the word.
Peek when you need to
Stuck on a word? Slide the paper down, check it, and keep going. Repeat until the verse comes easy.
Reflect
Turn to the Reflections page for a short devotion and a question or two to think and pray about.
Two sets, ten passages each
Start with either one. Both use the same method and include a Reflections page and room for your own notes.
Set One: Back to Basics
Who Jesus is and what He has done for you
A good place to start, whether you’re new to the Bible or coming back to the verses you learned as a kid.
- Genesis 1:26-27God created us in His own image.
- 1 John 1:8-9If we confess our sins, God will forgive us.
- John 3:16-17God sent His only Son, Jesus, to save us.
- Romans 5:8Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
- John 14:6Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
- Philippians 2:9-11Every knee will bow at the name of Jesus.
- John 11:25-26Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
- Revelation 21:3-4No more crying, death, or pain.
- Matthew 5:14-16You are the light of the world.
- Ephesians 3:16-19How wide, long, high, and deep is the love of Christ.
Set Two: Hope and Comfort
Verses to hold onto on hard days
Passages about God’s care, His plans for you, and the love He asks us to share with each other.
- 1 Samuel 16:7God looks at the heart, not appearances.
- 1 Chronicles 29:11-13The kingdom, power, and glory are the Lord’s.
- Psalm 50:10-11God owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
- Psalm 121My help comes from the Lord.
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-11A cord of three strands. We need each other.
- Jeremiah 29:11God knows the good plans He has for us.
- Matthew 11:28-30Weary and burdened? Come to Jesus and rest.
- John 10:11-15Jesus is the good shepherd.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7Love is patient and kind, and so much more.
- 1 John 4:7-10Love one another, for love comes from God.
Get the journal
Pick a printed book you can hold, or a digital download you print at home.
Printed book on Amazon
Full-color illustrated paperback in the New International Version (NIV).
Printable download on Etsy
Instant PDF download for both sets, in three translations and two styles.
- Translations
- English Standard Version (ESV), New International Version (NIV), or New Living Translation (NLT)
- Styles
- Illustrated, with the full watercolor artwork, or Less Ink, a lighter version that’s easier on your printer
About Tammy
Tammy Schwartz is a retired Director of Christian Education (DCE). A DCE plans and leads the teaching ministry in a congregation, from Sunday school to adult Bible study.
The First Letter Bible Journal comes from the way Tammy memorizes Scripture herself. She doesn’t write on the pages. She says the verses out loud and peeks at the full text only when she needs it.
“There really is no right or wrong way to use this journal. Make it your own. Relax and enjoy diving into the Word of God.”Tammy, from the opening page of the journal
Questions
What is the first letter method for memorizing Bible verses?
You see only the first letter of each word, plus a line showing how long the word is. Your memory fills in the rest. It gives you just enough of a hint to keep going without handing you the answer, which is why it works well for longer passages.
Do I have to write in the journal?
No. Most people say the verses out loud instead. The Reflections and My Notes pages are there if you want to write down your thoughts.
Which Bible translations are available?
The printed books on Amazon use the New International Version (NIV). The Etsy downloads come in the ESV, NIV, and NLT.
What’s the difference between Illustrated and Less Ink?
Both have the same verses and pages. Illustrated includes the full watercolor artwork. Less Ink is a lighter version that uses less printer ink.
Which set should I start with?
Set One: Back to Basics covers who Jesus is and what He has done for us, so it’s a natural first step. Set Two: Hope and Comfort is a good pick for someone going through a hard season. They don’t have to be done in order.
Can families or Bible study groups use it?
Yes. The Reflections are written in plain, warm language, so the journal works for families reading together and for small groups memorizing a passage over a few weeks.