A PRAYER FOR EPIPHANY 5

A PRAYER FOR EPIPHANY 5

Matthew 5:13-20

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

You call us the salt of the earth 

to give flavor to life 

seasoning to bring newness

to vacant and lonely existence

Too often we are just stale

tasteless and plain

deadening any spice that might

give hope and meaning to others

Forgive us, Jesus

for not being the salt of the earth

Renew us and enrich us

so we may invigorate all

whom we touch with love and kindness

You call us the light of the world  

to shine forth in places

of shadows and evil

and break the power of darkness

So often we hide our light 

putting it away to protect it

afraid to cast our beams

across time and space

Forgive us, Jesus

for not being the light of the world

Empower us to cast our light 

to show the lost and lonely

the paths to warmth and caring

Praise you

Lord Jesus

for calling us with being

the salt of the earth

May our every act and word

bring out the best 

in everyone we meet

everyone we know

everyone we love

Praise you

Lord Jesus

for calling us to become

the light of the world 

May our lives and our deeds

being light to those

who have become lost 

and need help in finding their way

Amen