Night Prayer
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Inspiration
The best way to do great things for Jesus is to cling to him. A branch that is separated from the vine is cut off from the nutrients and water that bring forth fruit. Likewise, when we neglect our time with Jesus in prayer, scripture reading, and worship, our capacity to serve him suffers. But when we remain in him, he not only sustains us but works through us to do great things for his glory.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for giving me a place in Your kingdom. As I cling to You, I ask that You would hold me close by Your strength and nourish me by Your word. Work in me and through me, Lord, so that by Your Spirit I may use the gifts that You have given me to bear fruit and produce a bountiful harvest for Your kingdom’s sake. 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.
