God Our Father.
Sermon based on Matthew 6:7-9, the beginning of the Lord's Prayer:
“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray, then, in this way: Our Father in heaven, may your name be revered as holy."
Discusses the EGO, which stands for Edging God Out, and how prayer must be the act of making the EGO smaller and God's presence larger in it's place. Touches on Avinu Malkeinu (אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ): “Our Father, Our King," which is a Jewish prayer recited during services.
Additional scripture references: Matthew 7:7-8, 1 John 3:1-2 and Acts 4:5-12. Secondary sources include writings by Martin Luther, Flannery O'Connor, Marcus Borg, Alfred Delp, and Saint Teresa of Avila.
