Notes from Helmut linne von Berg’s sermons
Helmut said that Martin Luther advised a young priest
– Stand cherrily
– Speek manfully
– Preach speedily
He will do all three
Prayer, Medication and mind control were his topics
Helmut realized he was always asking God during a recent sickness. He realized he needed to speak spiritually. He quoted Professor J. David Muyskens at New Brunswick Theological Seminary who demonstrates centering prayer of 20 minutes 3 times a day where you are completely open to God as source, lover and constant companion. It begins with a word to concentrate on in the process and to come back it when you get diverted. He quoted Psalm 46 “Be still and Know I am God. “ In silence he lets go
He recalled when 9 years old in 1943 when Pope Pius spoke three key words to repeat if you feel death is imminent – My Jesus, mercifulness
He has used those words for 70 years, morning, day and night 3 times a day. He mentioned the symbolism of breathing – you inhale God’s love and exhale selfishness. The prayer if done consistently will cause profound change. Some of the prayers are sorrowful, joy and love and occasionally dry
The word for God in the Old Testament Yahweh means “to be” or “to breath”. God is source of all, to be and forever. Thus breath and the spirit go together. One can Yahweh is with us at birth as we begin life and death as we leave this phase.
He has worried about the past and future in providing for his family but centering prayer allows him to live in the present, putting these aside and let go attachments. Centering prayer is transformative