 God is bigger and more mysterious than we can possibly imagine. Although we try. No matter how many words, names, pictures, or metaphors we can come up with there will always be more. Try this to help you find the God of your understanding. When I was in college, I used to make what I called a 'Do Page' short for doodle page. I’d make them for friends as an expression of how I was thinking about them. Like an artistic payer without spoken words. Try making a Do Page for God…all the words, names, and images that you think of when thinking of God. This can help us find a way into whom we are praying to when we pray. (I've attached a Doodle Page below to help you creatively pray your words, names and images for the God of your understanding) When the disciples wanted to know how to pray…Jesus’ gave them a prayer to pray…not a command, but an example. Perhaps even a compilation of prayers he knew, made into one community-oriented prayer that Jesus started and his community (past and present) continues. It starts with…Our and Father. But why father if so many other words, names and images can be attributed to God? Jesus’ community was treated cruelly. The rulers of then, took most of their money and possessions. They didn’t take care of people or help them each have a full and healthy life. At that time, Roman Caesars (much like a King) were often called 'Fathers'. Like many marginalized communities of now…Jesus reclaimed the word Father as a metaphor for God as a loving and caring like a parent and gave the emphasis to Our. Our father….a direct call out of the oppressive rulers that a Loving Caring God was their ruler. As communities grow and change, the language of the prayer probably should as well. As we continue to evolve in spiritual formation and understanding. What’s important is how we are united in praying it together. Our Father, mother, parent, love, hope and unity. Amen. 
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AuthorStaci Schulmerich Archives
January 2025
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