Our Thanksgiving service is Sunday (remember, no banquet this year but we will feast on the Word of God and spiritually nourish ourselves with Holy Communion). To prepare ourselves, we study one of the most familiar ‘Thanksgiving’ stories in the Bible.

Monday—Read: Luke 17:11 Think: Geography usually matters in the Bible. Where is Jesus? Pray: For people living on the ‘borders’ spiritually – between faith and doubt.

Tuesday—Read: Luke 17:12-13 Think: Notice the lepers are in the village. Does this match your expectations of where they would be? Why were they in the village? Pray: For those in our community who might be looked upon as social pariahs.  

Wednesday—Read: Luke 17:14  Think: Why did Jesus make them show themselves to the priest? Should we likewise be concerned about what ‘society’ thinks? Pray: For those who must undergo extra scrutiny to receive a fair ‘shake.’  

Thursday–Read: Luke 17:15-18 Think: What do you think of Jesus’ question? Do you think he really expects the one grateful Samaritan to answer for the nine ungrateful, or is there something else going on here? Pray: Spend ten minutes – one minute for each leper, giving thanks to God.  

Friday—Read: Luke 17:19 Think: Honest question: if all ten were made whole from leprosy --- what further ‘well’ did this one grateful border Samaritan receive? Pray: Open the email from this week marked Prayer and Praises and pray through the prayer list.