It is well that you give thanks, for the Lord has heard you, and you have not forgotten the Giver of the gift. When the blessing comes, many are swift to receive but slow to return praise; they imitate the nine lepers who went their way unthankful. You have done what the one leper did when he turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice. Truly, a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Him, and you have offered rightly.
Yet, beloved, let not your gratitude be a passing flame. The wicked servant in the parable received forgiveness of an immense debt, but when he went out and seized his fellow servant by the throat for a small sum, he proved himself truly ungrateful. So I charge you: let the mercy shown to you soften your own heart. The one who confesses thanks for what he has received will not take revenge or hold bitterness; ingratitude is the root of much cruelty, and nothing is worse than that. As you have been freely given, freely give pardon to any who have wronged you.
Do not think now that your need of prayer has lessened. This is a subtle snare of the enemy. You rejoiced in the answer, and it was right to do so, but do not say in your heart, "What need have I of prayer any longer?" Even Paul the Apostle sought the prayers of the church, and he was not ashamed to ask. The ship of life sails daily among hidden rocks, and the market of this world is warfare and tempest. Prayer is your great weapon; without it, you will surely sink. Therefore, continue steadfastly, morning and night, lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting.
Observe the example of the apostles: after Christ ascended, they went to the upper room and continued with one accord in prayer. They did not say, "We have seen the resurrection; what need is there now?" Rather, they became more watchful. You, too, have received a token of God's goodness; let it bind you more closely to Him. Let the memory of this mercy kindle a greater fervor, that you may not only give thanks with your lips but live a life worthy of the grace shown you. For God needs nothing from you, not your praise or service, but He desires your salvation; and every kindness He bestows is meant to draw your love toward Him. Go forward, then, with humility, constant in prayer, abounding in thanksgiving, and do not grow weary, for the greater things are yet to come.