Return and Give Praise

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19

Loving God, Creator of all peoples

source of all healing and beauty

the wind and the waters praise you

all of creation sings anew every morning.

We carry our burdens with great pain

yet we forget to seek you in every day

we do not thank you for many blessings

for the gifts of life, family and friends

You healed the strangers on the road

healing the grateful and ungrateful alike

we are often unaware of your touch

and we forget to return and give praise.

Help us to know your healing hands

to return and give thanks at all times

make us your people on this earth

those who turn to you in everything. Amen.