“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
What kinds of situations cause you to pray?
I remember when my son, Eli, was born. Unfortunately, due to some complications in the pregnancy, Eli was scheduled to be born a little before his due date.
On Sunday night before bed, our whole family gathered together and prayed for a safe delivery. Then on Monday morning, Melissa and I got up and headed to the hospital. On the way, we spent some time praying for Eli, Melissa, and the Doctors and nurses.
After Melissa was taken into the O.R., I waited outside the O.R. for several minutes. I spent most of the time praying. While in the O.R. during the C-section, more prayers were offered. We were praying for a safe delivery and for the health of Eli and Melissa.
Then Eli was born. He was healthy.
I texted Melissa and my family. I took some pictures of Eli and sent them out. I posted the stats of the baby. Then we headed to recovery and I went down and got family members to bring them up to the room. It was all very exciting!
A little while later I had to head back to our house to deal with some things. As I was driving home it dawned on me. I had texted people, posted pictures, and visited with family, but I hadn’t stopped to pray and thank God for the safe delivery and healthy mommy and baby.
Praying in the bad and the GOOD times.
Prayer often comes easily and frequently when we are concerned about something or facing a difficult time. However, in times of joy and prosperity, sometimes our prayers become few and far between.
It reminds me of when 10 lepers saw Jesus and cried out to Him to heal them. He did. Nine went off to show the priests they were clean. One turned around and thanked Jesus. Jesus responded,
“Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?“
May we always remember to be the one who goes back and thanks to Jesus.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the many blessings you have given me. Help me to come to you in prayer at all times, whether I’m struggling through something or doing well. May I always remember to say thank you.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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