Night Prayer
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
Inspiration
Life on earth is finite. It is temporary. And it always ends the same: with death, followed by eternity. The values of God’s kingdom are not the same as the values of the world. So we cannot love the life that this world offers and expect to find eternal life waiting at the end. Only when we reject the life that this world offers and live as citizens of the eternal kingdom do we find true, lasting life.
Prayer
Father, You have given me the gift of life, and for that, I give You thanks. And You have called me to the abundant life of eternity. Help me to reject the ways of this world and seek my peace in You, so that I may live for eternity even now, and for all of my remaining days. 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.