Morning Prayer
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Inspiration
When we think of heaven, we tend to imagine a place high in the sky. But if we fixate on only what we can see, we may miss the fullness of God’s kingdom, which Jesus has called us to proclaim here and now. So let us turn our eyes forward, trusting Jesus to lead us as we proclaim his kingdom now. For we know that one day our King will return.
Prayer
Father, I know that my eyes can only see so far and that my understanding is limited. Still, You have called me to be an ambassador for Your kingdom. Help me to do my part to grow Your kingdom on earth by living for You and proclaiming Your good news. And teach me to focus on the prize ahead so that I may be ready and alert when You return. 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.
