Morning Prayer
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Inspiration
There are many shepherds, but not all of them are "good. " Many flee when they see the wolf coming and care not for the sheep. But Jesus laid down his life for his sheep. Not all men are his sheep, but those who will believe in him; and not one of his sheep shall perish.
Prayer
You are my Shepherd, O Lord. You laid down your life for me, and you provide all things that I need from day to day and forever. Your goodness is unmatched by the hireling shepherds of this world. Your goodness and love surpass all that of man to an infinite degree and leave us in wonder and awe. 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.