Morning Prayer
And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Inspiration
It is not enough to simply tear one's garments or perform some other outward act meant to indicate repentance. Repentance must be from the heart. God is merciful and will turn from the judgment he would have sent if a people truly turn from their iniquities. Whether that people be in Israel, Nineveh, or your own home country, the same principle applies.
Prayer
O God, you are the seer of hearts and the weigher of motives. You do not overlook anyone who turns from their old ways in true contrition; nor are you ever fooled by even the most elaborate outward show. We come to you in holy fear and in loving trust of your goodness. Amen.
Night Prayer
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.
Inspiration
When we wake up in the morning, what is the first thing to come to mind? For many of us, we start thinking about our morning routine or looking ahead to a busy workday and all that we have to do. How often do we take a moment to appreciate the gift of sleep and the gift of a new day? God graciously sustains us in our activity and in our rest, using each to make the other more fulfilling.
Prayer
Lord, sometimes I neglect to thank You for the simple gifts. Today I pause to thank You for each day that You give me, and for the opportunities to be active and serve You. And thank You for capping each day off with rest so that I may have relief from the day past and strength for the day ahead. In Jesus’ name, amen.
