Jesus said,
"You are the salt of the earth;
but if salt has lost its taste,
how shall its saltness be restored?
It is no longer good for anything
except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men."
Yes, Jesus, help us to be the salt in this earth.
Help us to flavor the earth with your love and peace.
Give us the grace to be your salt.
Help us to never go flat.
Help us to keep running the race.
Help us to keep our eyes on you.
Bring many people into your kingdom.
You are the light of the world.
Light our way.
Bring us to life this year.
Make 1997 the best year ever for us.
Bring us abumdant blessings.
Change us, O Lord.
Heal us that are sick.
Give us strength to continue this journey.
We cannot do it without your light and life.
We praise you, O Lord.
We don't understand the murders.
(Bill Cosby's son was killed yesterday.)
We ask the killings to cease.
Forgive those who hurt others and change their hearts.
Have mercy on their souls.
Forgive our sins and teach us to love.
Teach us how to live with each other in peace.
Help us, O Lord.
Bring peace to this troubled world.
Amen.