Morning Prayer
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Inspiration
Shepherds anoint their sheep with oil to kill mites and parasites, thus preventing diseases from spreading amongst the flock. The sheep do not understand why this procedure occurs, trusting his kind hands as he administers healing and protection. Jesus is the good shepherd who anoints our hearts with protection from the disease of sin. We do not need to understand His actions because we trust the loving hands that held the cross leading to calvary.
Prayer
Dear Lord, You are loving and kind. We trust Your actions as You protect us from evil parasites and the disease of sin. 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.