RBWords

 

     One of the fundamental questions I ask in a parish mission or retreat is:  HOW AM I PRAYING?  (The question could be even more basic.  Am I praying at all?)  Esther is about to confront the king with a plot on the part of his chief minister against the Jewish people.  The king could order her to be executed if she fails to convince him!  So, her prayer includes not only her concern for her people (which motivates her) but for her own safety as well!  She could be the model for anyone who has a very difficult meeting ahead with a power figure!!!!!

 

     In the past I have mentioned a painting I have on my bedroom wall of a boy in a field with a rock in his hand, getting ready to throw it at the sky in the hopes of hitting God!  He is a model of prayer to me.  He might be enraged at God, but he is also totally engaged with God!  Jesus assures us that if we ask we will receive.  If we knock, the door will be opened.  It may not be on our terms, however.  We ask freely and God responds freely.  It is like any friendship  The important thing is to ask or knock!  That requires engagement!  Prayer is engagement with God, the greatest love.  Esther shows that she is more afraid of the king than she is of God because she is confident of her relationship with God.  We can be in the same position, but it means we have to keep up the engagement!   AMEN