26.03.25 Luke 17:11-19

Prepare

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us! Heal our wounds, give us sight, and gift us with faith in you afresh.

Read

Luke 17:11-19

Reflect

Jesus has the power to heal. Just through his words he is able to heal the sick, in this case 10 people suffering from the skin disease leprosy. Leprosy is more easily treated now, but before modern medicine those with leprosy would have been cast out of normal society to avoid passing on the infection until, or in the case of some if, they recovered. Jesus’ healing here doesn’t just restore their physical health, but he gives them their dignity, lives and place in society back.

In some ways you can understand the 9 lepers running off to embrace family and friends whom they may not have seen for many many years. But it is through his healed Samaritan leper we see genuine faith and worship: his first response to his life restored is to fall at the feet of Jesus in thanks. It is good for us to pray for people to be healed in all sorts of ways, and as we do so it is good to remember the example of the worship of this thankful, faith filled, and life changed leper.

Be

It is all too easy to get carried away by the gifts, at the expense of the giver. I knew someone who died of cancer as a young adult. He would find 50 reasons to be thankful to God on his hospice bed – it has always been an inspiring example of thankfulness in worship. Can you now think of reasons to be thankful to God?

Become

We hope to continue to spread God’s love and healing in this world. Let’s spend some time praying for some of our healing ministries at St PB. There may be others you want to include!

-          A&D

-          New B

-          Advice Café

-          Bereavement Café

-          Pastoral support

-          Partner charities

-          CAP

Do

Serving others can be an amazing way to bring about social healing. Shall we pray for the needs of our volunteer teams? Let’s spend a moment thinking about if God might be calling us to step out in costly service.

Practice

Is there someone that you could reach out today that would restore dignity to? A person ignored in the street, a lonely relative you could ring, having a cup of tea with an isolated neighbour? You may even get the opportunity to pray for healing with them if they need it.