Prayer & Fasting: Day 5 – God’s Kingdom Through Us OPEN IN PRAYER Pause with Jesus before jumping into today’s Scripture, bring yourself before him, simply being in his presence. PASSAGE FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION 1. Read Matthew 5:13-14: a. Reflect on the different ways salt is used for flavour, preservation and healing. Pray that you may become that to others. b. Reflect on the nature of light, how it brings encouragement, life and clarity to others. Pray that you may be someone through whom God’s kingdom light openly shines. c. Pray that the Gospel continues to be Good News to you first. In other words, if we continue with these metaphors, pray that you may be saltier, with more flavour, and that God’s light may shine more brightly in you. d. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you opportunities today for God’s kingdom to come to others through you. In these moments, ask for wisdom as to how you can best be salt and light to others. e. Finally, re-read this passage in The Message. If anything new stands out, pray it back to God, inviting more of his kingdom to come THROUGH you: “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. f. The song ‘I speak Jesus’ is an incredible song that can help you worship God as well as pray for his kingdom to come around you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXbRa5Nm6mM