- Read over the text
2. Write down the first letter of each word
3. Read it using first letters only
Use this simple technique to memorise lines of scripture or a poem. Here is an example from James Rebanks book English Pastoral
The blackheaded gulls follow in our wake as if we are a little fishing boat out at sea.
This becomes
T b g f i o w a i w a a l f b o a s.
The parables are good to memorise using this method. Try Luke 15:3 -7 dividing it into three blocks
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety- nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. ”
Just so, I tell you , there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
the first line:
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety- nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
W m o y,
h a h s,
i h h l o o t,
d n l t n n i t o c,
a g a t o t i l,
u h f i ?
Notice I kept the capital letter and the punctuation. I also placed each part of the sentence on a separate line. Read it several times then use the same technique for the rest of the parable.