Night Prayer
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Inspiration
There is nothing worse than tripping on a rock when running a steady sprint. We wind up with road rash, shattered egos, and in some cases, broken bones. Sin will damage our spirits in the same way, making it difficult to get up and finish our race. God directs our attention to a ‘great cloud of witnesses' for guidance. Their experiences help us gain wisdom and become alert to road snares.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we are thankful for Your Word. You have provided many witness accounts to shed light on obstructions we may face. We will live by their example and finish the race to You. 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.