Luke 17

Scripture Focus:
“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.”
— Luke 17:15–16 (NRSVUE)

Reflection

Ten lepers cry out for mercy—and Jesus hears them. He sends them to show themselves to the priests, and as they go, they are healed. Yet only one turns back to give thanks. And Luke tells us that the one who returns is a Samaritan, an outsider.

Gratitude, it seems, is not always where we expect to find it. The nine move on with their lives, but one pauses, turns, and praises God with joy overflowing. His gratitude becomes an act of worship, a recognition that healing is not only physical but spiritual.

Advent invites us into this same rhythm of noticing and thanking. In a season that can rush by with lists and expectations, gratitude helps us slow down. It opens our eyes to see the everyday miracles of grace—light in the darkness, kindness in a stranger, peace that surprises us.

When we pause to give thanks, we discover that gratitude doesn’t just express faith—it deepens it.

Prayer

Giver of all good gifts,
You meet us with mercy and grace each day.
Forgive us when we take Your blessings for granted.
Teach us to live with hearts that turn back in gratitude,
to see Your hand in the ordinary,
and to give You thanks in all things.
Let our gratitude become a song that honors You
and draws others to Your goodness.
Amen.

Practice

Pause three times today to name something for which you are grateful—
once in the morning, once midday, and once before bed.
Speak each word of thanks aloud, even quietly, as an act of worship.

If you feel led, write a short note or message of appreciation to someone
who has been a gift in your life.
Gratitude, like healing, grows when it’s shared.

Copyright © 2025 Ronda Welander