Prayer
ESTHER 14:1, 3-5, 12-14; PSALM 138; MATTHEW 7:7-12
In the first reading, Queen Esther took refuge in the Lord as King Ahasuerus sought to eliminate the Jews (Esther 14:1-5). She prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel, saying: “Lord, you are our only king; help me, who am alone and have no helper but you, for my danger is in my hand” (Esther 14:3-4). Esther sought the Lord as she attempted to save her people.
The Psalmist picks up this theme, saying: “On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord” (Psalm 138:3).
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us: “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).
However, we must consider the nature of our requests. What kind of petitions do we make? Do we ask to fulfill our own desires or satisfy our egos? Esther sought the Lord for the sake of her people; our prayers should not be self-centered, but selfless (Proverbs 28:9).
As Jesus teaches us, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). May our hearts be focused on the Lord and His will, rather than our own selfish desires.
Let us pray
Bestow on us, we pray, O Lord, a spirit of always pondering what is right and hastening to carry it out. Since without you we cannot exist, may we be enabled to live according to your will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen (Romans 12:2).
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
