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Intention

To pray for a pure Church, untainted with compromise, that will be the salt of the earth.

Scripture

“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.”

– Matthew 5:13

Reflection

The verb in Matthew 5:13 above which is translated by the words “has lost its taste” is the Greek word moranthe. It carries two intertwined ideas in Scripture. First, it can be used in an intellectual sense meaning “to make foolish”, the root word being the etymology of the word ‘moron’.

Second, it can also be used in the sensory picture of something “becoming tasteless.” Both ideas bring together the thought of losing an original, God-given quality — whether sound judgment or salt’s distinct flavour.

Salt (sodium chloride) is a remarkable substance. Last year I went through a difficult physical trial, losing my voice, having difficulty in clearing my throat and swallowing to an extent that was deeply distressing. No medications helped, and despite all the tests, they could find nothing wrong.

A specialist suspected a mild sinus issue might be the cause, and advised that I flush my sinuses with a solution of salt water each day. I later added to that the use of a nebuliser to inhale a light solution of salt water as well. Thankfully, it was making a difference. Good old salt.

Then I suffered a bit of a relapse. I purchased a salt solution from a chemist that was formulated for a different purpose, but they assured me it would do the job. From the first inhalation I felt something was wrong, and within a day I was going backwards. This saltwater solution was mixed with other things, making the salt ineffective. I did what any sane person would do: I threw it out.

When the Church mixes human reason with the pure revelation of God’s word, we rob the world of salt. When we mix the moral clarity of Scripture with moral rebellion, we rob the world of salt. Pure salt will always do what it was intended for. Lord, purify your Church.

The Church needs to be as Jesus said in Matthew 5:13 — the salt of the earth. Warwick quoted John Wesley in an earlier devotion who said, “What may we reasonably expect to be the consequence of a revival of religion? The Church will become the light of the world and the salt of the earth, preserving society from corruption.”

That is my prayer, that the Church will again become the salt of the earth. Warwick interviewed me about why the Church is so important in God’s plan of redemption.

Watch it below if you have not seen it already, and pass it on to your friends. I believe it will encourage you in your prayers.

Video

Prayer

Lord, have mercy. Where we have mixed our thoughts with your thoughts and made a mixture that has no power to revive, to heal, to restore, to reconcile heaven and earth, we ask for your grace to turn us again to your word, your will and your way. Revive your Church and turn her wholly to yourself. Jesus, have your way. Amen.

Author Bio

In 1992, Allan and his wife, Helen, established Careforce Lifekeys, a ministry that releases healing, discipleship (especially in sexual integrity) and evangelism in over twenty countries.

Allan earned his doctorate from Denver Seminary in 2005. His research produced a new program (known as Valiant Man) to restore and fortify men’s moral and spiritual sexual integrity.

Prayer Points for October 2026

We are praying for the Church to:

1. Awaken to her first love for Jesus (Ephesians 5:14; Revelation 2:4).
2. Awaken to evangelism so that millions will trust in Christ (John 3:16; Proverbs 11:30).
3. Awakento her prophetic voice to the nation (Isaiah 52:1; Matthew 14:4).

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