Night Prayer
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
Inspiration
Jesus never promised us an easy life. He warned his apostles to expect opposition. But this is nothing new, for even in the Old Testament, the prophets were ridiculed, threatened, and worse. But when we are faithful to God’s call and endure these hardships for His sake, He fills us with the Spirit of patience so that His power may be evident in us.
Prayer
Father, it is never easy when people taunt me, reject me, or even hurt me. I get frustrated when I feel like nobody is listening. Thank You for the example of the prophets who have gone before me. I am encouraged by their perseverance, and I pray that You would grant me patience by Your Spirit, just as You did for them, so that I too may persevere and carry out Your work. 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.
