Night Prayer
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
Inspiration
Have you ever been afraid to speak up for Jesus? Maybe you’re afraid that doing so will cost you friendships, a job, or standing in your community. But perhaps in speaking up, you’ll learn that there are others around you who also keep their faith silent, for fear of standing alone in the crowd. Still, even a single voice is never alone, because Jesus remains with us even when nobody else does.
Prayer
God, as I find myself surrounded by others who don’t know You, or even some who oppose You, I pray that You will give me the boldness to speak up with courage and conviction. Give me words when I need them, and keep me close to You, so that I may have the assurance of Your presence even if nobody else speaks up with me. 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.
