Memorize, Meditate, and Pray on scripture

Memorize, Meditate, and Pray on scripture  (one verse a week) 

The concept of memorizing, meditating, and praying the scriptures is not new to me.  At many different times throughout my life different pastors and teachers have taught on the subject.  With the start of the new year, having finished 2013 praying and meditating on the tearing down of strongholds, I find a renewed priority for memorizing, meditating, and praying scripture.  So I created a quick reference for it means to do these things.

The tips below on "memorize" and "meditate" are taken from The Joshua Code: 52 Scripture Verses Every Believer Should Know by Dr. O. S. Hawkins.  Available for purchase on Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/Joshua-Scripture-Verses-Believer-Should-ebook/dp/B0078FABCM                         The rest is just a summary of what I have been taught by many others over the years.

Memorize:

• Write it out in my own handwriting, phrase by phrase, on a small note card.  
• Keep the card with me (in a pocket or purse, etc) throughout the week
• Numerous times during each day review it until the first phrase is memorized, then the second, and so on.  
• Quote the entire verse from memory up to a hundred times in order to "seal it" in my heart and mind before going to another verse.  
• Periodic review over the next few weeks is also essential.

Meditate: 

To engage in contemplation or reflection; to focus one's thoughts on; to reflect or ponder over (to stir together the words of scripture and let them simmer together in our minds and hearts)

• Repeat the verse again and again, putting the inflection on a different word each time.  
• "It is amazing how much insight comes from this simple practice for the young and the seasoned believer alike. The early church father Augustine said, 'God's Word is shallow enough not to drown the young, but deep enough that the greatest theologian will never touch the bottom.' " ~Dr. O. S. Hawkins.
• Listen to the Holy Spirit bring meaning as you speak out these words, allow your heart and mind to receive revelation with each repeat.

Pray:

• I also like to pray the scripture; to take the words and paraphrase them (re-word them slightly) to turn them into a prayer that applies to my life and/or my world/community today. 
• Pray it positively, as a kind of declaration or prophesy.  
• Allow the Holy Spirit guide you in prayer to speak the word of God with faith, in accordance with the rest of His Word and in alignment with His Character (as revealed in the bible). 

I am convinced that making it a habit to stop at least three times a day to memorize, meditate and pray scripture (sincerely and purposefully, not trying to achieve some kind of self made righteousness but rather to press into the presence of God by sealing God's word into my heart and mind)  will make a huge difference in level of my intimacy with God, it will grow my faith, and strengthen my faith walk.