daily reading 30.5 (Esther 1:5–9)

5-days-a-week through Daniel and other late OT books in 2023

Our opening prayer for this week:

Stay with us, life-giving Spirit,
God from all eternity!
May your power never fail us;
Dwell within us constantly.
Then shall truth and life and light
Banish all the gloom of night.

Grant to us your fullest wisdom.
Holy purity renew,
So we ever may be seeking
Only that which pleases you.
Let your knowledge spread and grow,
Working error's overthrow.

Show us, Lord, the path of blessing;
When we trespass on our way,
Cast, O Lord, our sins behind your
And be with us day by day.
Should we stray, O Lord, recall;
Work repentance when we fall.

With our spirit, Lord, bear witness
That we are the sons of God
Who rely upon him solely
When we pass beneath the rod;
For we know, as children should,
That the cross is for our good.

Prompt us, Lord, to come before him
With a childlike heart to pray;
Sigh in us, O Holy Spirit,
When we know not what to say.
Then our prayer is not in vain,
And our faith new strength shall gain.

Holy Spirit, strong and mighty.
You who fashion all things new,
Make your work within us perfect
And the evil foe subdue.
Grant us weapons for the strife.
With your victory crown our life.

And when life’s frail thread is breaking.
Then assure us more and more,
As the heirs of life unending,
Of the glory there in store,
Glory never yet expressed,
Glory of the saints at rest. Amen.

 

Esther 1:5–9   

  • At the end of this time, the king held a week-long banquet in the garden courtyard of the royal palace for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were present in the fortress of Susa.
  • 6 White and violet linen hangings were fastened with fine white and purple linen cords to silver rods on marble columns. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of red feldspar, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones. 7 Drinks were served in an array of gold goblets, each with a different design. Royal wine flowed freely, according to the king's bounty.
  • 8 The drinking was according to royal decree: "There are no restrictions." The king had ordered every wine steward in his household to serve whatever each person wanted.
  • 9 Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women of King Ahasuerus's palace.
Helpful notes on Esther 1:5–9




For yourself pray:

  • That God frees you in Christ from the love of worldly success and prestige

For others pray:

  • That God gives peace and strength to a person you know who is struggling with substance abuse

A psalm to listen to, as time allows:

  • Psalm 92 (YouTube, soloist with guitar)

 

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