Night Prayer
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Inspiration
It’s easy to provide food and comfort for our guests. And most of us have no trouble feeding needy strangers. But feeding an enemy in need? That sounds crazy. Yet, when we return kindness for evil, we pass on the burning coals that bring God’s warm and inviting love into his home, and into his life. A little kindness done for God’s sake can have a life-changing impact.
Prayer
Lord, when others oppose me, in my humanness, I desire to retaliate. Guide my actions, so that I do not repay evil for evil. Instead, empower me by the love that You poured out on me even when I was Your enemy, to pass on the warmth of Your kindness. And I pray that as I do, You would bring the light of Your love into the hearts and homes of others. 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.