“You are the salt of the earth.”

“You are the light of the world.”

-Jesus, in Matthew 5:13-16

In the weeks following Easter, Park Street Church is celebrating a “Season of Light,”  which is an invitation to “enter more deeply into the beatitude life Jesus describes by serving people in need.” They describe that “the way of Jesus is for the renewal of our city.”

Here is their visual liturgy and prayer for Boston:

Dear God,

We pray for our city. There are so many needs all around us. We lift up to you those who are broken, those who are lost, those who are forgotten. Touch each one of them. May they find peace in you. Give us your eyes, Lord, that we might see this city as you do.

This city is yours, God. We ask that these streets would know your joy, and these people would feel your love. Help us to be great listeners. Help us to hear people’s stories.

You have called us to the nations. You have called us to love our brothers and sisters. Empower us also, by the power of your Holy Spirit, to love our neighbors. Show us how to be salt and light to the city. May our worship not be confined to these sanctuary walls, but let it overflow to the streets and onto the sidewalks. May we be your hands and your feet in this city. Your kingdom come, your will be done, in Boston as it is in heaven.”

Additionally, Park Street Church is organizing “Salt and Light” projects as tangible opportunities for people to show mercy and bless their neighbors.

We encourage the UniteBoston community to get outside our church walls this summer to demonstrate the love of Jesus in practical, tangible ways. For ideas on how to get started, check out The Art of Neighboring.