Session Three – Practicing Gratitude
Luke 17:11-19

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus[a] was going through the region between Samaria
and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their
distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 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. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he
was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine,
where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except
this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has
made you well.”

Numerous studies over the last decade have pointed to the positive health
benefits of gratitude. A practice of gratitude can reduce anxiety, help with
sleep patterns, ease depression, and lower blood pressure! What about gratitude
is so healing in this way?

Perhaps because gratitude encourages us to see life as a gift. Rather than
achieving life, or getting by with life, or earning life, it is a gift. That change in
understanding might encourage us to enjoy life with more joy more happiness,
and more praise for the one who created life, gave us life and sustains
our lives.

President of Luther Seminary, David Lose, tells a story of a friend of his who
always responded to the question “how are you?” by saying, “I am grateful.”
Rather than saying, “I am good” or “fine” as most of us do, she would
say “I am grateful.” Everyday, every time someone asked her, that was her
response. What a way to be reminded that what makes you “good” is a gift
from God – a gift for which we ought to be grateful.

Imagine how that might have changed her day, every day, to recognize
in each passing moment with a store clerk, in the elevator, or passing a
co-worker, to be reminded that she is grateful. That life is a gift and one in
which she is not passively receiving but receiving with joy!

Surely, we all have much to be grateful for. Even in the midst of pain, grief,
loneliness, and struggle, how might be receiving care. In the midst of daily
life, what moments are sparking joy. In the throws of deep and unprecedented
joy, there is much to be grateful for rather than proud of.

Something to try:
-Write a thank you note to one person who has been meaningful or done
something meaningful with you recently.
-Spend at least one day responding to the question, “how are you?” with “I
am grateful.”

Questions For Discussion:
- When do you feel particularly grateful?
- In what ways do you struggle to express gratitude?
- How might life have changed for the leper in Luke 17?
- Why do you think the other lepers did not turn back?