Learning From the One Who Returned to Say Thank You
It is possible to receive something good and move straight into the next thing. The meal is eaten, the help is accepted, the day keeps going. Gratitude asks us to pause long enough to notice the giver.
He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him
(Luke 17:16, NIV, excerpt)
In Luke 17, ten men with leprosy called to Jesus for mercy. He sent them to show themselves to the priests, and they were cleansed as they went. One man, a Samaritan, returned praising God and thanking Jesus. Jesus drew attention to his return and affirmed his faith.
Come back with a thank-you
The returning man gives us a memorable picture: he turned toward the One who had shown him mercy. His response invites us to make thanksgiving a real part of our relationship with God.
At the end of today, name one gift before the Lord. Be specific enough that you can picture it. Someone listened. There was food to share. A passage of Scripture helped you pray. Let that memory become a sentence of thanks.
You can also thank a person God used to care for you. A short message that names what they did and why it mattered can be a generous act of attention.
This practice can help a family, too. Around the table or at bedtime, give each person room to name something good. Together, bring those gifts back to God in prayer.
A prayer
Jesus, thank You for Your mercy. Help us notice the gifts we receive, return to You with gratitude, and encourage the people whose kindness has helped us. Amen.
Read Luke 17:11-19 in the NIV.
Keep reading: Gratitude When Life Still Feels Hard · A Prayer for Every Season.
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Gratitude brings our attention back to the goodness of God.
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