Meditating on God’s Word, Memorizing, Proclaiming, and Praying
(With the Sword of the Spirit)
BIBLE READING = Call (Proverbs) and Response (Psalms).
Proverbs 4:20-23 NIV. My child, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Psalm 19:14 NLT. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 119:97 NLT. Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long.
Psalm 119:105 ESV. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
From about 2013, I started documenting scripture that stood out to me. Years later, I collected about 15 pages of scripture that I regularly meditated on, and some I memorized. Over the last few years, I have prayed and proclaimed scripture almost every day to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. It has helped me overcome self-loathing and evil lies, and instead, I live in the light, love, and freedom of the Spirit of God through Jesus, the Good Shepherd. My cup overflows with love and grace when I abide in Him, in His Word, and in His love. John 13 to 17 has been pivotal for me, especially John 15:1-17 which I have written and preached a 10-part series on ‘Abiding in Christ, the True Vine’.
Some pertinent scripture to set up my daily prayer and proclamation:
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
John 15:5
Jesus said “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Philippians 2:13
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
1 John 5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Daily Proclamation & Prayer (with some paraphrasing)
This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.
The joy of the Lord is my strength, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
So let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love.
Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life.
Teach me Your will, for You are my God.
May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
For Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
It is the sword of the Spirit.
So, I put on the full armor of God today:
The belt of truth
The breastplate of righteousness
The shoes of the gospel
The helmet of salvation
The shield of faith
The sword of the Spirit
Your mercies are new every morning.
Your grace is sufficient for my weaknesses.
Your love endures forever.
There is no condemnation for us in Christ Jesus,
and nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
He is my Rock, my Refuge, a Mighty Fortress.
I will not be shaken.
He is the Good Shepherd—I have everything I need in Him.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
As I seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness,
For He became our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
I live not under the old covenant, but under the new covenant—
The Law of Christ and the changed priesthood in the order of Melchizedek—King and Priest forever.
I will abide in Jesus, in His Word, and in His love—aspiring to love others because He first loved me, to show that I am a disciple of Jesus, and to repent when I fall short daily
Father, prune me, cutting of anything that is not of you, that I will produce good fruit that lasts – with Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control – for against these there is no old covenant Mosaic law, but rather the new covenant law of Christ written on my heart, mind, and soul, empowered by the indwelled Holy Spirit, given to me as a born-again believer, saved by amazing grace.
And in view of your grace and mercy through Jesus dying on the cross for my sins and rising from the dead so I can have new life in Him, I offer my body and life as a living sacrifice, set apart for You, worshipping You in Spirit and Truth as my true and proper worship.
Not conforming to the pattern of this world,
but being transformed by the renewing of my mind—
to have the mind of Christ,
to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
For You did not give me a spirit of fear,
but of power, love, and a sound mind.
And I know that You work all things together for the good of those who love You
and are called according to Your purpose—
and that purpose is to become like Christ, conformed to His image.
For He is my Living Hope. And by His stripes, His wounds, and His blood I am washed clean, set free, and healed. Looking forward to the new heavens and earth to come, where there’ll be no more pain, sorrow, sickness, or death. No more sin, just eternal bliss and shalom with Him, and with your people in perfect harmony. Nothing will be broken. Paradise will be restored. All things will be completed in Christ, and the new covenant fulfilled.
So, I cast all my cares and anxieties onto Him, for He cares for me and gives me the peace that surpasses all understanding as I abide in Him. For He is
The Bread of Life,
The Light of the World,
The Gate for the Sheep,
The Good Shepherd,
The Resurrection and the Life,
The Way, the Truth, and the Life,
The True Vine.
He fulfilled Israel, who was God’s vineyard
He became the true vine that we connect to
He fulfilled the Torah
He embodied God’s Law
He is the substance that the old covenant and shadow of the law pointed to
He is the new covenant, sealed with His blood
He gave us the seal of the Holy Spirit to lead us to all truth
He is our True Sabbath Rest
For He said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… For My yoke is easy and My burden is light… and you will find rest for your souls”.
So, I rest in the finished salvific work of Jesus on the cross.
And I work out of that salvation—with the works You prepared in advance for me to do.
Sanctify me, Father, as I yoke with Him and be led by Your Spirit.
To share the Gospel of His Kingdom with love, grace, and truth. To be salt and light. To make disciples who make disciples. Knowing that God’s loving kindness leads people to repentance, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom, and God’s perfect agape love casts out fear.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me.
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory—
Now and forever.
Amen.
The Lord bless you And keep you Make His face shine upon you And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His Face toward you And give you peace, Amen.
Daily Proclamation & Prayer with Scripture References:
ESV Version (Exact Quotes/Paraphrases)
1. Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
2. Nehemiah 8:10 “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
3. 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
4. Psalm 143:8 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
5. Psalm 143:10 “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”
6. Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
7. Ephesians 6:17 “…and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
8. Ephesians 6:13-17 “…put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
9. Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
10. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “…my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
11. Psalm 136:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
12. Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
13. Romans 8:38-39 “…neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
14. Psalm 18:2 “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
15. Psalm 62:6 “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”
16. Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
17. Psalm 23:3 “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
18. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
19. 1 Corinthians 1:30 “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.”
20. Romans 12:1 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
21. Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
22. 2 Timothy 1:7 “…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
23. Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
24. 1 Peter 2:24 “…by his wounds you have been healed.”
25. Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
26. Psalm 23:4-6 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
27. Matthew 6:9-13 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
NIV Version (Exact Quotes/Paraphrases)
1. Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
2. Nehemiah 8:10 “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
3. 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
4. Psalm 143:8 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
5. Psalm 143:10 “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”
6. Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
7. Ephesians 6:17 “…and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
8. Ephesians 6:13-17 “…put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
9. Lamentations 3:22-23 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
10. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “…but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
11. Psalm 136:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”
12. Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
13. Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
14. Psalm 18:2 “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
15. Psalm 62:6 “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
16. Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
17. Psalm 23:3 “He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
18. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
19. 1 Corinthians 1:30 “…because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
20. Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
21. Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
22. 2 Timothy 1:7 “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
23. Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
24. 1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’”
25. Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
26. Psalm 23:4-6 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
27. Matthew 6:9-13 “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”
Feel free to contact me for a more in-depth discussion, including the framework of the new covenant which is Jesus, the changed priesthood to both King and Priest in the order of Melchizedek, the new law of Christ, and life by the Spirit to the glory of God the Father. mattybateson77@gmail.com