Morning Prayer
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Inspiration
In verse 10 of this chapter, "Israel His (God's) people" is referenced; in verse 11, "My people" is used in reference to Israel; and in verse 14, "My people" does not change reference. It refers to Israel. Thus, God says here that if Israel His people will humble themselves and repent of their wicked ways, He will heal their land. God will deal the same with any other nation, healing their land if national repentance takes place. But today, the only hope for national repentance is if repentance begins in the Church of God, for the world knows not God.
Prayer
O Lord, we need not twist this verse to refer to the Church instead of Israel in order to learn its principle and apply it in our day and situation. It is true today as it was then that you will hear and heal when men of any nation turn from their wicked ways. We pray for such a revival, for we badly need it. We know that such a revival will need to begin in the Church. We pray you will revive each one of us and begin a mighty work, for which you will get all the glory. 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.
