Day 23 - The Praise is Yours

“As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you”.

Luke 17: 11-19

I remember hearing this story many times as a child and the impact it had (and still has) on me. When a crisis is over it is often so easy to rush on to the next pressing issue, forgetting to first “return and give praise to God” - for answered prayer, for healing, for a long awaited change in circumstances, for help in times of trouble. It's an important lesson however young or old we are. Gratitude is a large part of the practice of mindfulness and is thought to be good for our mental health and well being, also benefiting those close to us.

A simple way forward is to take time each day to intentionally let go of all other considerations and be fully present in this moment. Then draw to mind things we are grateful for, whether by reflecting for a while, praying or keeping a gratitude journal. If I carry the lessons I learnt as a child in Sunday School from Scriptures such as Luke 17: 11-19, always, always turn to Jesus and say “Thank You” for all He has done before moving on. Ernest E Larkin wrote: “In mindfulness we stand before the Lord “watching and waiting”. We do not control the relationship, and we are there to receive a gift. Every moment is a gift from God and we are aware of that fact. Every moment can be an opportunity to realise God's love. The condition for the gift is to be present there, body, soul and spirit”.

So today, let's come to the Lord and be fully present there, body, soul and spirit, lifting our hearts with gratitude. Be still and perhaps use the words of Psalm 118: “You are my God, and I will give thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you” (vs 28) and carry the calmness and peace with us through the day.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for all our blessings: for food, water & shelter and for providing for all our needs. Thank you for family and good friends. Thank you for all the beauty in the world, especially now with Autumn colour and rich fruitfulness. We are especially grateful for the blessing of your presence and for your strength and support in our need throughout all the seasons of our lives. We praise you for all you have done to save us. Thank you for your healing, loving kindness and mercy towards us and for help us in times of trouble and anxiety.

I especially thank you for …................ Thank you for hearing us and answering our prayers, whether it be 'yes', 'no' or 'later'. Lord Jesus, thank you for everything. Amen.

Ruth Leeming