Night Prayer
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
Inspiration
One of the ways that the love of God is revealed in us is in our treatment of others. When we mistreat and oppress others, particularly the poor and vulnerable who have little means to resist oppression, we aren’t just ignoring God’s love, we are working against it. But when God’s love informs our actions, we see others as made in His image, and we treat them accordingly.
Prayer
Father, You have placed Your image within each of us. Forgive me for the times that I have forgotten this truth as I looked on others as less than myself. Forgive me for mistreating others and for the times that I’ve contributed to their suffering. Please make me a conduit of Your love and mercy, and give me opportunities to share Your grace with the poor and needy people around me. 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.
