Looking Forward to March 16, 2014 -- Lent 2, Beginning of the Series on the Lord's Prayer

The Scripture Readings this week are:

• Matthew 6:7-15
• Luke 11:1-4

The Sermon title is Lord, Teach Us to Pray: Our Father...

Early Thoughts:  We begin our series at the beginning of the prayer.  With the first couple of lines "Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name"

And there are lots of possible tacks to take here. But I am drawn to the opening and the ending.  Hallowed be Thy Name, Our Father.  Who is the God we are addressing in this well known prayer?  How do we image God?

We have learned that language matters.  We have learned that the metaphors (and EVERY image of God is a metaphor) we choose to use to describe the Holy One shape our attitudes.  If God is white, or male, what message is attached to that?  How do our images of God impact our images of life?  How do we respond to that awareness?

OK, so obviously that is more than one sermon.  But maybe we can take a stab at starting the discussion.

And what is God's name?   Art?  Harold?...

--Gord