Rest is good. We’re taking a break from producing content over the summer. Enjoy this previously produced pattern and meditation.
With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4) O Lord, I suffer grief and loss. You alone are my comfort. Amen.
Word: Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.”
Meditation
I understand “You are the light of the world.” The contrast with darkness is obvious. But salt is a little odd. What is extraordinary about salt? Why does Jesus say “You are salt?” Salt has two key purposes.
It is a preservative: It keeps food from going bad.
It is a seasoning: It gives food flavor.
Pastor Tim Keller puts it this way. As a preservative, salt prevents the worst. As a seasoning, salt brings out the best. Disciples of Jesus are called to “prevent the worst.” To be people who stand for justice and righteousness. Who defend our neighbors, who stand for the hurting and oppressed. And disciples of Jesus are called to “bring out the best.” We spread “God flavors” in the world. We live as blessings that season the community around us. We live as peacemakers and people of mercy. We live out radical love and service.
What are ways you can “prevent the worst?” Guard against sin and evil?
What are ways you can “bring out the best?” Be holy seasoning that blesses the world around you.
When we are salt, people “taste” God. They get a flavor for who he is. When we are light, people see God. His character is revealed in us.
Prayer for Life as a Child of God
· For the Father to give me care and guidance.
· For forgiveness when I wander and want my own way.
· For the Father to keep me childlike in faith even as I age.
· For growth in faith, that I love and trust in God above all things.
· For strength to obey God.
· For the Father to heal my hurts.
· For assurance when I doubt.
Closing Prayer
O Lord, you called your disciples to be salt and light. Help us to be a preservative of your goodness. Help us to be a seasoning for your mercy. Make us salt so that others taste you. Make us light so that others see you. Amen.