Night Prayer
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
Inspiration
When we serve others for God’s sake, we meet more than just a physical need. Yes, food for the hungry and clothes for the homeless provide a measure of comfort, but they also spurn gratitude that grows exponentially. As we witness the gratitude of others, we can’t help but return that thanks to God, because we are reminded of His great work on our behalf and His continued care for us.
Prayer
Father God, it is with gratitude that I accept all of the gifts that You have freely poured out on me. And I am thankful that You have called me to serve others. As I share Your abundance with them, I pray that You would deepen my gratitude, that their voices and mine might raise together in a loud song of praise for Your kindness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.