Night Prayer
The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
Inspiration
We often think we can figure everything out by our own reasoning. We look to our own innovations to improve our lives. And though our philosophies change with each generation, our world really doesn’t improve. But God is timeless, and He calls us to center our wisdom not on our own shifting thoughts, but on His steadfast and timeless plans, which endure forever.
Prayer
Lord, when I look at the world, I see that it is as broken as it has ever been. All of the knowledge and learning that we have accumulated has not brought us peace and righteousness. Your wisdom alone is enduring, Lord. And Your plans alone are steadfast. So teach me to rely on Your word and Your truth, so that I may find my way within the purposes of Your heart. 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.