“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again?”         (Matthew 5:13)

          Flavorless and good for nothing! Protect us, Lord, from falling into that category of worthless salt. Enable us to affect our culture for good and enhance the character of those we encounter. May we be that preservative that counteracts wickedness and that conduit of your love to those within our sphere of influence. May our faith be rich and inviting, increasing their thirst; may they long for you and seek after you because of our passion and humility. Through our devotion, may others be conscious that they are missing the most essential ingredient in their lives. Please use us as your representatives to share and teach and show your remarkable worth.

You call us to be a light that is brilliant and bright, shining out to a world encased in darkness. Would you fill us with your Spirit so we shine with a beauty that makes others develop a desire for you. Help us, Lord, to not hide your brilliance undercover as if we are ashamed to carry your name as our primary identification. Burn vividly within our hearts, saturate our souls with you, so you are seen, and felt, and known as the Light of the World. May we continually fulfill Jesus’ command to “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

As your disciples, let us follow after you the way those fishermen did by the Sea of Galilee. Let us recognize in a hundred different ways that you are worthy to follow, to imitate, to pursue. You are Love; help us be more loving. You are the Prince of Peace; may peace fill us and overflow to others. You are kindness, goodness and grace. May we incorporate these in our daily actions for your Kingdom to be known “on earth as it is in heaven.” You are generosity, compassion, forgiveness, truth. May these traits be our distinguishing hallmark in order for you to be clearly visible in us.

As your children we desire to be characterized as salt, light, and love; we will falter apart from you radiating through us. Make us good for something! We ask that you sprinkle us throughout the world as your loving, obedient disciples.

Elizabeth Karram Mitchell