Morning Prayer
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Inspiration
As much as it may pain us to admit it, we are all products of our environment. Being constantly surrounded by negativity, sinners and deceit, one can hardly hope to maintain a healthy relationship, either with others or God. However, surrounded by encouragement, love and understanding, the same individual may flourish and nurture not only themselves but also those around them. The disciples surrounding Jesus could be taken as an example. This passage reminds us to keep when possible, the company of the virtuous, in order to avoid transgressions.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank you for my family and friends and the care and compassion they have shown me, through your love and grace. As I live to serve your name, please help me treasure and love each and every one of them, and continue by your kindness to safeguard them from all evil and temptation. Keep us safe, locked in your warm and everlasting embrace. 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.
