Esther’s Prayer

Synopsis     Esther 4:20-4C6     11/19/2020 

In preparation for going before King Ahasuerus, Esther prayed to God. In particular, she prayed for salvation for the children of Israel.  

And she reminded God of her own faithfulness. She specifically reminded God that she had not sought the glory or fame of royalty. Her elevation to queen was only the result of listening and responding to Mordecai’s advice. And it was also by seeking the counsel of the authorities who ran the royal household. So, by prayer and fasting, she sought the favor of God to help her in the effort to persuade the king to reverse his order for Jewish genocide.  

And then, she washed and dressed. She was the picture of glamorous beauty. As she made her way to the king’s inner court, her countenance was radiant with joy even though her heart was filled with anxiety.  

And then, she entered the inner court. And as she did, she suddenly realized that nothing could have fully prepared her for the unannounced encounter with an awesome king.  

Esther’s Prayer 

Like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Esther poured out her heart to God. She honestly expressed her fears and reluctance at the daunting challenge before her. And through this process, she prepared her heart to allow God’s will to be done. No matter the personal cost, she readied herself to follow God wherever He led. 

Prayer, Choice and Freedom 

From my infancy, God gives me liberty. Accordingly, I can follow Him or not.  So, following is always a matter of personal choice. And having made us in this way, God always respects my liberty. 

But liberty is not the same as freedom. I am not free simply because God has created me with the ability to choose. I am only free when I make right choices. In other words, I am only really free when I choose to follow Him. 

So, choice is the most natural experience in the world. But freedom only comes by exercising choice to enter into the highest possibility on my life. And making this kind of choice means leaving every other possibility behind.

Of course, like Esther, only prayer can prepare my heart to make that kind of choice.  

“He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.” Mark 9:21