Night Prayer
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Inspiration
Temptation and testing. We often confuse the two. God may test us by inviting us to endure trials and hardship, but He never tempts us. God will not entice us to sin. So when temptation comes, let us recognize it with alert minds and open eyes. In all cases, we must turn away from temptation and toward God, and He will provide a way out for us.
Prayer
Gracious God, grant me wisdom and discernment to recognize temptation in all its forms. I know that You would never lead me to sin, so when temptation comes, help me to turn away from it. Teach me to put away any rationalizations and excuses that I cling to when I give in and instead return to You in repentance. 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.
