“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Mathew 23:12 Niv
The Kings of old had many ways to intimidate anyone one who found themselves in the company of the royal crown. The story of Ester the Queen shows the ultimate power and sovereignty of the King. Despite being Queen the King could still reject her request to approach him on his throne. If the king didn’t give the sign he would receive her she could have been executed. Esters asked for a fast and PRAYER, of all Jews on her behalf before she would go to the King,(her husband). She said,” and if I perish, I perish.” Ester 4:16b NIV. The approach prayer taken by Ester and the who Jewish community was heart felt. Ester must have felt the weight of her predicament. Ester couldn’t pray “Now I lay me down to sleep..”. Did she kneel with her hands clasped in the traditional prayer posture? Perhaps she sweat blood and tears as she prayed. What is sure the prayers were powerful because Ester and the Jews saw the Hand of God move according to their prayers. We may not find ourselves on the pressure of surviving an evil plot to kill us off, but we need prayer for our spiritual survival. The prayers of the saints of old bear out the principal of heartfelt interaction with God.
I often fell reluctant to pray. God may be waiting for me to tell him what He already knows, my heart. God may know it, but I am ignorant of just how unbothered I can be about my relationship with Him. We ought to confess in prayer about the things our heart is holding. This is the reality of who we are. God lives in reality and supremacy eternally. This is why lies and lack of conviction in prayer are not prayer at all.
Lord help us to allow your light to illuminate our soul as to the condition of our heart. May we approach you with reverence in your Glory. Thank you for receiving our prayers because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. May we never be reluctant to pray, and never utter empty words to Heaven.
God we come confessing our sins and faults. Clean us and draw near with your loving kindness. Amen
Constance 