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.

Luke 17 : 14 - 15

Thought for this week

It is only right at this time of harvest and thanksgiving that we praise the Lord for answering our prayers. It seems the situation in Gaza and Israel has reached a breakthrough. The Lord does answer prayer, and He brings hope amidst the rubble, with aid starting to arrive and families being reunited. There are signs of new beginnings.

In our gospel reading Jesus turns a terrible situation around. Ten lepers, suffering greatly, outcast from their families, without hope of a cure, and Jesus sends them to the Temple, and they are healed on the way.

So often the answer to our prayers comes in unexpected ways. So often it is the answer to our prayers that challenges our faith, makes us look deeper. Causes us to question our priorities and the way ahead.

Just one man came back to Jesus to give thanks. For the other nine did their lives change much? They were healed, but maybe they carried on the life they had before. Their healing may have been physical only. But the one who went back went back to Jesus. Knelt, thanked, worshiped Him. It is the heartfelt encounter with Jesus that changes us. Can we meet with Him today? Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you: pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself, and so bring us at last to your heavenly city where we shall see you face to face; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen

God, the Holy Spirit, You are the restless wind of love that sweeps through the world. You blow where you will, breaking down barriers, Stirring hearts to change, making all things possible. Make us restless for change – even impossible change. May the harvest of your goodness bring justice and hope. And, for us, transformation in our praying and living, So all may share in the harvest of your blessings. Amen.

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We praise the Lord and give thanks for…

All the children in our churches

For the freedom to worship

For the opportunities we have to study God’s word together