Night Prayer
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Inspiration
It’s easy to think of spiritual warfare in human terms, and see people that disagree with us as our enemies. But the real battle starts in our own hearts and minds, in the places where selfish ambition and earthly desires take hold. It is the power of Christ that tears down these strongholds within us, so that we may serve Him in the world.
Prayer
Lord, before I look to the battles going on in the world, I ask You to grant me victory over my own internal battles. Please reveal any thoughts and desires that are not of You, and tear them down by the truth of Your word. Empower me by Your Spirit to set my mind on heavenly things, and use me to share Your victory with 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.