Night Prayer
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Inspiration
Sometimes we compare ourselves to others to make ourselves feel better. We reason that as long as we’re not as bad as murderers, thieves, and child abusers, we’re basically ok. But God reminds us that all of us are a complete mess, subject to ruin, without His grace. Instead of looking to others to feel righteous, we must look to God to be made righteous.
Prayer
Lord, I come before You acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of redemption. The truth of Your righteousness reveals how unclean I am. But I desire to be made clean, and I know that only You can do that for me. So, Lord, I ask that wash away the filthy rags of my unrighteousness and clothe me in the new garments by Your grace. 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.
