Morning Prayer
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Inspiration
That is your cross to bear. Have you heard this phrase? This phrase is used flippantly used to describe a hardship that someone must endure. Jesus Christ endured this torture so that we could live eternally. Do as he asks: follow him daily and deny yourself. Live for him, not for you. Do that, and you will be saved.
Prayer
I long to live a life that is worthy to bear your cross, Lord Jesus. I can never suffer as you did, but I wish to give my life to you and follow you for the rest of my mortal days. Forgive me for my selfish thoughts and actions, and aid me in my quest to rid them from my mind entirely. You have shown me the way, are the truth and the life. Thanks be to God, 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.
