When I saw the word “mantra,” what do you think of?

Most likely you think of the thought-energies of certain sounds in Hinduism and Buddhism. And you’d be right.

But Christians have mantras too. One of the earliest mantras was 4 simple words, said three times in different combinations, and in every circumstance imaginable. Anybody guess what this early Christian mantra was?

Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.

Four words, spoken three different times, or as many times as you needed to beat back those forces and powers that were dragging you down.

In this morning’s text, there is another mantra. I use it on a daily basis. Some days, I say this mantra dozens if not hundreds of times. Not 4 words, but 6 words: six words that can bring you peace, six words that can save …