Morning Prayer
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
Inspiration
Jesus lived his life for humanity. He was completely selfless. He gave up his life for sinners. Yet, we are selfish. When we are envious and want what someone else has for ourselves, we are coveting. This is a sin – do not be fooled! Envy and selfishness are evil – they are opposite to the heart of Jesus. When we are tempted by our selfish desires and envious heart, may we repent and ask God to change our spirit.
Prayer
Dear God, forgive me for the times I have been filled with envy and acted out of my own selfish desires. Forgive me for coveting what does not belong to me. O Lord, change my attitude! Give me a heart like yours. I want to live for you and not for myself – I know this means caring for others more than myself. Help me to follow your example. 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.
