Night Prayer
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
Inspiration
Nobody likes pain and suffering. But as Christians, we must sometimes endure ridicule or even persecution, because the world stands in opposition to God. Even in our trials, we are blessed, because we suffer for the sake of the gospel, and even our hardship can advance God’s kingdom. So we need not fear the opinions and hostility of the world, because when we stand with Christ, we are never alone.
Prayer
Lord, as insults and glares are hurled my way, help me to remain steadfast in you. Even if others harm my body or shut me out of their fellowship, hold me close so that I may have the assurance of knowing that You are with me. Teach me to not fear the world and its ways, because my faith and hope are in You alone. 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.