E-study for May 6, 2021

Devotional:  Esther 7:1-10 

From Holly

This seemed to be a strange passage to use for Mother’s Day.  Upon initial reading, I could only come up with the idea that women have great influence on their communities through the avenue of prayer.  Maybe because they are more interactive in multiple social circles than men are, as opposed to focusing primarily on work and work situations.  In any case, it may be that women have a clearer idea of the pulse of society around them than men do, thus having more awareness of the situations around them that need prayer.  Esther definitely had the King’s ear.  We, as women trusters of Jesus, also have His ear.  While the King in Esther’s life did not seem to be aware of the danger threatening Esther and the Jewish people, our God is very aware of both our enemy and his plots and plans.  However, He invites us to join in the battle through prayer. 

Verse 4 puzzled me, as when applying these verses to prayer, it makes it sound like we shouldn’t “bother” God with “trivial” concerns.   However, I don’t think that is true.  Paul tells us to “not be anxious about ANYTHING [“not even one; nothing”]—but in EVERYTHING [“all, any, every, the whole”], by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  Additionally, Peter tells us to “Cast all your worries [“distractions”, “drawing in different directions”; “signifies that which causes this, a care, especially an anxious care”] on Him, for He cares for you.”  I think that if something concerns us, big or small, we are welcome to bring it to God.  I think it pleases Him when we bring anything to Him in prayer, for conversation is a mainstay of relationship.  And that is what prayer is, conversation with God.  So, unlike Esther having to make sure that she honored the King’s time and attention by not bothering him without good cause, we are invited by the writer of Hebrews to “draw near to the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help in time of need.”   Whatever the need (or concern) is. 

Devotional reading to be shared on May 13th:  Romans 12:3-8