A Prayer About Salt And Light

When I analyze my personal impact on the world

DEAR JESUS,

You told your disciples and the gathered crowd that your followers should be salt and light in the world. Salt is a preservative, and I know that believers have served this purpose, helping to preserve society, restraining evil and promoting good. But then and now, salt also adds flavor—and thirst. So I wonder how flavorful I am. Are people better because of their association with me? Do I add hope, joy, and love to life? And are people thirsty for you and your Word because they know me? I want to be useful for you, Lord; I want to be salty salt! You also used light as a metaphor. Light illuminates, highlights, and gives direction, all qualities that should describe me. My “light” should shine through my words and actions. People should praise you because of what they see in me. May it be so. I also want to illuminate the truth of your Word, to put the spotlight on you, and to guide sinners home. O Savior, help me be your light.

You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:13-16