The Tenth Leper

 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.  As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance  and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.  He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?  Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”  Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19

Several years ago I read about a prayer challenge that completely changed how I pray. The challenge was only to give praise and thanks to God, not ask for anything. At first, I thought it would be a simple challenge and then I discovered just how much of my prayer time is asking God for something.

Suddenly my prayers were shorter and more personal. I was paying attention to every word I spoke to God and it became a practice that I do more frequently.

Today’s passage was a reminder of that learning experience. Ten lepers asked Jesus for healing. They were bold in their request calling out with a loud voice. Jesus responded. Then only one came back to give Him thanks and praise Him with that same loud voice.

How many times are we like the other nine who cry out for God’s help, but seem to lose our voice when it’s time to give Him praise? How many times are our prayers filled with petitions rather than worship?

It’s a beautiful thing to be in awe of God whether it’s from an answered prayer, peace in His presence, or faith and trust in what He will do. The Bible tells us that we can have confidence in knowing that God hears us. I pray that He not only hears our prayers but that He also hears our words of praise.

Father, Thank you! Just thank you for being everything that You are. Thank you for hearing me, for loving me, for seeing me, and for being near to me. Thank you for giving me a reason to praise… You are My God, My Everything. In Jesus’ name, amen.