Night Prayer
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Inspiration
It is only when we are emptied that we understand our need to be filled. It is only when we are broken that we seek to be made whole. And when we realize that we are poor in spirit, completely lacking, and helpless, we realize our need for a savior. And Jesus responds to our impoverished spirits by filling us with His Spirit and making us whole, as He calls us from the brokenness of this world to the fullness of eternal life.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for helping me see my own helplessness. I was lost without You and didn’t even realize it. But You not only opened my eyes to see my lack, but You gave me Your very self to fill me, restore me, and set me on a new path. Thank You for saving me. 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.