Put one on the bathroom mirror, use one for the bookmark in the lurid novel by your bed. After that, say this simple prayer. Lord Jesus, I can't do it without your help. Then wait, watch, listen for the still-small voice of God, and see what happens. As I hope to exclude no one from the opportunity of feeling uncomfortable about this difficult sermon, I have a final word of caution for those few of you who already tithe.
Pride remains the deadliest of the seven deadly sins.
In this morning's Gospel Jesus is addressing the chief priests and elders in the temple. One has to know one's own sin before one can hear the healing message of the Gospel and repent. The opening language of that prayer speaks to a modern Christian understanding of God as creator and those of you who have been attending the adult forum will now hear it with new ears. The prayer is challenging in that it requires considerable participation from the congregation. In order to pray the Great Thanksgiving, it will be necessary for you to follow along in the book and make the appropriate responses.