I am notorious for starting my day and blazing right through it with efficiency and speed.  I will recognize a gorgeous sunrise and thank God for a beautiful sunset.  Other than that, my day is busy with details to get done and checked off my list.  I continue on my way through the day.

Luke 17:11-16 (NIV)                  Jesus Heals Ten Men with Leprosy

11”Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosymet him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.”

The ten lepers were healed on their way to the priests.  They needed confirmation from the priests that they were no longer ill so they could begin work and contributing to their families’ welfare.  They moved on without a thought given to the miracle that happened to them.  Except for one, a Samaritan.  He returned and gave thanks to the One who healed him, to the One who was owed praise and honor. 

I admit, my first response after I pray isn’t always to return to the One who is owed praise and honor to give Him the glory FIRST.  Sometimes, I don’t even recognize an answer to my prayer until later.  I continue on my way.

When you pray, do you recognize the One Who answers?  The One Who is worthy of praise and thanksgiving? 

David praised God when the people gave willingly and abundantly for the temple that would be built.  David recognized God’s hand and gave God the glory FIRST. “Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” 
II Chronicles 29:13 (NIV)

~ Take it to heart ~

Recognizing God at work in our lives…
Praising God for working in our lives…
FIRST
Thanking God for working in our lives…
ALWAYS