Morning Prayer
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Inspiration
Mary was so distressed at the empty tomb, that at first, she didn’t recognize Jesus. Then he said her name, and she knew that she was in the presence of her resurrected savior. Jesus knows and calls each of us by name, too. And he speaks to us the way a dear friend does. With knowledge, understanding, and care. That’s the Jesus that knows us.
Prayer
Thank You, Jesus, for not only being my savior and redeemer but also my friend. Thank You for sharing in my life and inviting me to know You. Every time You call my name, I am awestruck that the One who is Maker and Ruler over all things would show such care and attention to me. And for that, I thank You and praise You, my Savior and Friend. 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.