Hallelujah. We’ve been praying for months for Bob, who’s been battling cancer, and this past Sunday he showed up at church, looking hale and hearty. Gave us all a chance to offer prayers of thanksgiving.
You’ve probably had the same experience in your church. Someone’s name goes up on the prayer list and then stays there for way too long. First the scary diagnosis, then surgery, then the ordeal of chemo and radiation, and the rollercoaster ride of good days and bad days. How do you keep hold of your faith when you’re feeling rotten? And how do you pray for someone who is going through such a struggle?
The Gospel reading on Sunday gave some indication. It was the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers. Nine of them went off, celebrating their good fortune, but only one returned to Jesus to offer him thanks. In the Gospel’s words, “He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet and thanked him…”
“Weren’t ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” Jesus asked. “No one returned to praise God except this foreigner?” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up and go. Your faith has healed you.” (Luke 17:17-18)
Throughout that rollercoaster ride, Bob kept us updated. He told us what the doctor said after various visits, how his blood levels were doing, if they were going to perform additional surgery, how he was feeling. What a gift to those of us praying for him. We had something to grab hold of. People often say that praying specifically is very important. I’m not sure how much it matters to God—after all, God wants to help us no matter what we say. But I do find it easier for me. Easier when I can be clear in a petition: May Bob’s blood levels be better today… God, heal Bob of nausea… Lord, may the doctor not have to do heart surgery on Bob. (Indeed they didn’t.)
As Jesus said, “Your faith has healed you.” Bob has stepped out in faith again and again, and he’s given us the chance to do it with him. Like that Samaritan, he was in church on Sunday, giving thanks. There are more hurdles to jump, but for now we all gave thanks with him.
