A Prayer for Divine Favor and Purpose in Our Lives
"In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name." - Esther 2:14
Heavenly Father,
In the quietness of this moment, I come before You with my heart laid bare, reflecting on the intricate plans You have for my life, much like the story of Esther, whose journey was guided by Your divine providence. As we read in Esther 2:14, "In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name." This powerful scripture reminds me of the importance of being chosen, of being called, and the beauty of waiting in hope.
Lord, I acknowledge that like Esther, my life is filled with moments of uncertainty and waiting. I see how she was taken from her home, separated from her family, and thrust into a palace where she had to navigate the unfamiliar. Yet through all of this, You had a purpose for her. I pray, dear Lord, that You grant me the faith to trust in Your timing. Teach me to embrace the seasons of my life when I feel like I have been moved into the "second house of the women"—the moments where I may feel overlooked, set aside, or unsure of my next step.
Father, I ask that You give me strength to endure these times. May I use each moment to grow closer to You, to deepen my understanding of my identity as Your child, just as Esther did. Even in her waiting, she prepared herself for the calling she would ultimately fulfill. I pray that You would help me to use this time wisely, to cultivate my character, to gain wisdom, and to strengthen my spirit. Let my waiting not be in vain, but a preparation for the great things You have ahead.
Lord, as I seek Your favor, I desire to live in a way that pleases You. Help me to align my desires and actions with Your will, just as Esther carried herself with grace and dignity in the king's palace. May I be mindful of Your presence and Your plans for me. Teach me to walk in humility, to exhibit kindness, and to embody love in my dealings with others. In those moments when I feel marginalized or overlooked, remind me that I am precious in Your sight, and that my worth is defined by Your gaze, not by earthly accolades.
May I also learn from Esther’s experience with Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain. While he controlled her circumstances, I recognize that You are the ultimate authority in my life, Lord. I surrender my situations to You, asking that every decision made either by others or by myself be guided by Your divine wisdom. In times of manipulation or misunderstanding, I pray for Your intercession, that I may remain steadfast and trust that You are working all things together for my good, as Your Word promises.
When it is my turn to enter into my own places of influence, I pray that You would go before me, just as You did for Esther when she approached the king. Fill my heart with Your courage, knowing that I am deeply loved and accepted by You. Lord, may my desires align with Yours so that when the time is right, You will call me forth and delight in the offerings of my heart.
Lord, enhance my understanding of what it means to be called by name. Let me find great comfort and assurance in knowing that You have called me for a purpose. When I feel inadequate, remind me that You have given me the strength to face any challenge.
In closing, I thank You for the examples of faith that You provide through Scripture. Thank You for Esther, who teaches us the beauty of purpose in the midst of trials. Help me to embody that same faithfulness in my own life. Guide me, Lord, and may I always strive to live in a way that delights You, trusting in Your unfailing love and grace.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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Esther 2:14 - "In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name."
"In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name." - Esther 2:14
Esther 6:14 - "And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared."
Esther 2:22 - "And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name."
Esther 5:2 - "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."
Esther 2:20 - "Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him."
Esther 7:2 - "And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom."
Esther 5:2
Esther 5:2
Esther 5:2
Esther 2:11 - "And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her."
Esther 2:10 - "Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it."
Esther 9:14 - "And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons."
Esther 5:2 - "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."
"And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name." - Esther 2:22
Esther 2:16 - "So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign."
Esther 8:2 - "And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman."
Esther 8:2 focus on the ring
Esther 3:14 - "The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day."
"And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared." - Esther 6:14
Esther 2:15 - "¶ Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her."
Esther 2:2 - "Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:"
Esther 8:14 - "So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace."
Esther 2:17 - "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."
Esther 2:7 - "And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter."
"And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre." - Esther 5:2
Esther 2:8 - "¶ So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women."
Esther 1:14 - "And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)"
Esther 2:19 - "And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate."
Esther 1:2 - "That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,"