How can Esther's approach in Esther 5:8 guide our prayer life today? Setting the scene “If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, may the king and Haman come to the banquet I will prepare for them; and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.” Esther’s strategy in 5:8 - Begins with favor: she approaches only after the king has extended his scepter (Esther 5:2). - Links her request to the king’s pleasure: “if it pleases the king.” - Makes a clear, specific petition: a second banquet. - Acts in faith: plans the banquet before receiving an answer. - Waits for God-given timing: she does not rush into exposing Haman. Guidance for our prayer life 1. Approach with humble boldness • Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” • Esther bows, yet speaks plainly; we come reverently, yet confidently, through Christ. 2. Seek the King’s favor first • Psalm 19:14 — let words and meditations be acceptable. • Favor is granted in Christ (Ephesians 1:6), but we still ask that our requests align with His pleasure. 3. Tie every request to God’s will • Matthew 6:10 — “Your will be done.” • Esther’s “if it pleases the king” mirrors “if it be Your will,” keeping petitions submissive. 4. Be specific and clear • Mark 10:51 — Jesus asks the blind man, “What do you want Me to do for you?” • Esther names the place, participants, and timing. Specific prayers invite specific answers. 5. Act in faith before the answer arrives • James 2:17 — faith works; Esther prepares the banquet. • Philippians 4:6-7 — present requests with thanksgiving, expecting peace while waiting. 6. Wait for the Spirit’s timing • Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “To everything there is a season.” • Esther pauses between banquets; we wait until God signals it is time to speak or act. 7. Persist until the matter is complete • Luke 18:1-8 — the persistent widow. • Esther stays engaged over two days; we remain in prayer until God finishes His work. Practical steps for praying like Esther 1. Begin worshipping God’s character; thank Him that you already have favor in Christ. 2. State your request plainly, attaching it to His will and glory. 3. Ask the Spirit whether there is preparatory action you should take; do it in faith. 4. Journal the date, details, and any sense of God’s timing. 5. Revisit the request daily, thanking Him in advance, until He answers or redirects. Scriptures to meditate on alongside Esther 5:8 • Psalm 5:3 — “In the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.” • 1 John 5:14-15 — confidence that He hears us. • Romans 12:12 — “Be faithful in prayer.” • Ezra 8:21-23 — seeking God with fasting before a dangerous journey. |
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