Monthly Archives: May 2015

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on May 9, 2015
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Quran – Rev. David J. Schreffler

May 9, 2015 – “Q” is for Quran

The Quran literally means “the recitation”; it is the central religious text of Islam, which, like Christians believe the bible is the revealed Word of G*d, Muslims believe the Quran to be a revelation from God. Quranic chapters are called “suras” and verses are called “ayahs”.

Muslims believe the Quran was verbally revealed by God to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over a period of approximately 23 years, beginning on December 22, 609 CE when Muhammad was 40, and concluding in 632 CE, the year of his death. Muslims regard the Quran as the most important miracle of Muhammad, a proof of his prophethood, and the culmination of a series of divine messages that started with the messages revealed to Adam and ended with Muhammad. They consider the Quran to be the only revealed book that has been protected by God from distortion or corruption. According to tradition, several companions of Muhammad served as scribes and were responsible for writing down the revelations. Shortly after Muhammad’s death, the Quran was compiled by his companions who wrote down and memorized parts of it. These codices had differences that motivated the Caliph Uthman to establish a standard version now known as Uthman’s codex, which is generally considered the archetype of the Quran we have today.

The Quran contains obvious differences from the bible but it also shares some major narratives recounted in the Jewish and Christian scriptures. It summarizes some, dwells at length on others and, in some cases, presents alternative accounts and interpretations of events. The Quran describes itself as a book of guidance. The Quran is used along with the “hadith” to interpret sharia law. The “hadith” is a collection of the reports of the teachings, deeds and sayings of the prophet Muhammad. Someone who has memorized the entire Quran is called a “hafiz”.

We often take it upon ourselves to read major portions of the bible. It would do us all some good to be familiar with some of the teachings if not entire passages of the Quran. The more we read about other faith traditions, and read their spiritual books, the more we will understand their efforts to establish a relationship with G*d and live out their faith.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on May 8, 2015
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Prayer – Rev. David J. Schreffler

May 8, 2015 – “P” is for Prayer

The Lutheran Book of Prayer is a great resource for any Lutheran, if not anyone looking for assistance with their prayer life. Here is a quote from the opening pages of the newest edition of the LBP:

“…prayers of Christians are not futile gestures or mere pious exercises but mighty means by which we call upon G*d for help and strength for the various needs of faith and life. Many Christians, when meditating on the situation in which they are placed, desire to have some thoughts, words and phrases suggested in which their inmost longing can become definite and articulate.”

Prayers come in many different types. There are prayers for others, or intercessory prayers. There are prayers of Thanksgiving, thanking G*d for the many blessings we or others have received. There are prayers for healing – prayers for guidance – prayers for understanding – prayers used in worship – prayers that open or close meetings, dinners, and special events. There are so many prayers, written, spoken, and prayed in our lives we could not keep them in a book that we can carry around. And yet there are prayer books that exist that we can carry around. The joke has been told that if you ask a Lutheran to say a prayer, you need to give them long enough to write it out. We are good at praying to ourselves, and not so good at saying prayers at congregational dinners. All prayer takes practice, patience, persistence, and takes perseverance. Your prayer life will blossom the more you pray, and the more you sit listening for G*d to answer your prayers.

We need to be careful that our prayers do not become “To Do” lists for G*d – or become demands for G*d. I believe that all prayer needs to begin with this statement: “Heavenly Father thank you for the blessings you have heaped upon us…” No matter if you are praying for healing, for help with spiritual warfare, or praying for guidance and understanding, we need to be thankful for all that G*d has blessed us.

Pastor Dave