Pr. Fiene puts his finger on an issue of great consequence. How do Lutherans pray, evangelize, or care for neighbor? Do you know? Does Lutheranism even matter or can we run off to Rome or the local mega church without consequence? Should we protect our children or let them pursue their own confession? What do others know of us? This is no small matter.

In our nation, in 21st century America, there is no culture of Lutheranism. The world around us does not know who we are and what we believe. While your average American is highly ignorant of the basic teachings of the numerous religious groups in the world, his ignorance of Lutheranism is far greater than his ignorance of most other Christian-ish groups. Here is a table to illustrate my point:

A phony Romanist can’t trick the world into believing that the Catholic Church has women priests because the world knows better. A false Evangelical can’t convince people that his community cherishes the Word and Sacraments because everything else those people have ever seen tells them that the real marks of his church are Starbucks and soul patches. But, with a slate as blank as ours, a Pseudo-Lutheran can get away with pretty much anything.

via The High Mid Life: A Lutheran Manifesto.

Do you know what Lutherans believe? Do you know what Lutheran liturgy looks like? Do you know what the Lutheran life is like? If not, why not?

We ought to know so that we can communicate this to others.

LCMS and LWR presidents encourage World Malaria Day prayer – YouTube.

Also visit: Lutheran Malaria Initiative

The 14:40 Prayer for World Malaria Day April 25, 2012
One child in sub-Saharan Africa dies every 60 seconds from malaria, a disease spread by a mosquito-borne parasite. In a single 24-hour period (one day), 1,440 people in Africa will succumb to this disease. Please join us in prayer on April 25, World Malaria Day, to lift up all those who are facing the devastating effects of malaria.

Wherever you are on April 25, please observe one minute of silence at 2:40 p.m. local time (14:40 on a 24-hour clock) to remember all those suffering from malaria, and those who will lose a child or other family member to the disease.

Here is a prayer you might pray during the moment of silence:
Lord God, our most merciful Father, in this fallen and sinful world death is the constant and impartial enemy of all. We humbly ask you to show mercy on all those who are suffering from malaria today. If it be your will, restore the afflicted to full health. Surround them in their time of illness with your love, especially the children who are weak and afraid, through the family and friends who minister to them. Comfort those who have already lost a loved one to malaria or will, especially the parents of young children, who in the minds of mothers and fathers are taken from this life too soon. We plead you to perform the miracle of ending this disease, in part through the education and relief efforts of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative. Grant that LMI’s educators, physicians, health care providers and missionaries are powerfully and fully equipped to bring an end to the human suffering and death in Africa caused by malaria. And Lord, through the Gospel of your Son Jesus, proclaimed through Word and Sacrament, strengthen our faith and lead others to see that a life in His grace leads only to an eternal existence in your loving presence. Through Jesus Christ, your Son, our savior. Amen.