Esther Reading Plan – W7D2
Esther Reading Plan | Week 7 | Day 2
Prayer
Take thirty seconds to be silent. Be still and listen to yourself breathing. This will help you to be present to hear from God. If there is something you are fearful of today, ask God to be close to you and to calm your fears. If you’re not fearful, thank God for his peace.
Bible Reading: Esther 5:1-5
Read these verses three times slowly.
On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.”
“If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”
“Bring Haman at once,” the king said, “so that we may do what Esther asks.”
So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared.
Reflection & Questions
In yesterday’s reading Esther decided to go before the king at the risk of her life. She asked Mordecai to call a fast among the people to pray for her. Who knows how she slept the next two nights? She likely played the situation out in her mind hundreds of times. Most likely, if Esther was anything like us, she was fearful and couldn’t help but think the worst outcome would happen.
Then after what must have felt like forever, the day finally came. She suited up to plead on behalf of her people. In likely trepidation, she walked towards the king’s hall, her servants crossing their fingers as she went. What would be the king’s response? “Off with her head?” “To prison for you!” “I never want to see you again!” In fact, it couldn’t have been more different. “What is it, Queen Esther?… Evn up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.” What relief must have come over Esther in those words. Her fears were allayed. Of all the scenarios she played out, could she have imagined such a generous response from the king? There’s no doubt God was with Esther.
When God calls us to rise up in faith, fear is right there with us, trying to bring us down. We worry. We play out scenarios. And yet, how often do the worst case scenarios actually happen? Rather, how often is it that God turns a situation of dread around and shows us his goodness and grace. He allays our fears. He is a good shepherd.
- Can you recall a time when God called you out in faith and he allayed all your fears?
- Is there a situation you’re fearful of right now? How do you think would Esther counsel you?
Prayer
Pray in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Prepare to Meet with Jesus
Go to your quiet place. When there are no devices around that will distract you, take a deep breath. Blow it out slowly. Do that again. And do it one last time. Spend 30 seconds sitting quietly and listening. Ask God to help you understand what you’re reading.
Bible Reading: Esther 4:15-17
Read these verses three times slowly.
Then Esther sent a reply to Mordecai. She said, “Go. Gather together all the Jews who are in Susa. And fast for my benefit. Don’t eat or drink anything for three days. Don’t do it night or day. I and my attendants will fast just as you do. Then I’ll go to the king. I’ll do it even though it’s against the law. And if I have to die, I’ll die.”
So Mordecai went away. He carried out all Esther’s directions.
Reflection & Questions
Have you ever missed a meal? Did you get hungry? Fasting means going without something (usually food) for a while so that you can focus on God. People typically pray during their time of fasting. It is a way of showing that the issue is really important to you, and a way of trying to understand what God wants you to do.
Up until this point in the story, Esther has not shown that she is faithful to God. She is hiding that she is Jewish, which means she may not be following the rules about food. There has been no mention of prayer or God and we are just not sure what Esther thinks about any of it. Now, we see that Esther has to do something hard (go to the king on behalf of the Jews) and she wants everyone to fast first. Fasting almost always goes with prayer. This means that Esther does believe that God is in charge. If she was not faithful before, she is talking to God now.
Whether we are faithful the way Daniel was or if we come to God later and change course, He will always be there. It is never too late to turn toward God. He wants us to live for Him and He will help us whenever we ask Him to.
- Have you ever prayed because you needed help with a difficult situation?
- Was God with you? Did He help you?
Pray
Thank God that He is always with us. Thank Him that He loves us no matter what. Ask Him to help you live for Him. If you are in a difficult situation, ask Him to help you do what is right.
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
