You Are The Light Of The World

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

a prayer to open

Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

May your Kingdom come, may your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

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.

Jesus identified his disciples—those he called and set apart—as “the salt of the earth” (verse 13) and “the light of the world” (verse 14). In other words, as followers of Jesus, we have received not only eternal life but also a purpose for this life.

Close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting in a favorite, familiar spot. Get comfortable there, listening for sounds, seeing what is around you. Then imagine Jesus next to you or across from you, looking into your eyes and saying the words he said to the disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

• What would you do today if you allowed Jesus’ words to guide you? What would you stop doing today if you allowed his words to guide you?
• What doubts arise in you as you think about being the light of the world and the salt of the earth? What fears or worries arise in you when you consider Jesus’ words applying to you?
• Are there ways you are hiding your light “under a basket” or not allowing others to know that you follow Jesus? Take a few moments to ask God to show you if there are certain areas of life in which you are hiding your light.

Father, you have called me the salt of the earth and the light of the world. May it be so! Teach me how to be this. I don’t fully understand how these powerful words could apply to me. You have seen my deeds and heard my thoughts. I hide my light to avoid controversy and questions and criticism, or I seek my own glory, my own accolades by my good deeds. I want my life to illuminate the darkness. Let it encourage others in your ways so they find freedom and life that is truly life. Here I stand. May I be the light of the world. Amen.