daily reading 33.2 (Esther 4:1–3)

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

Our opening prayer for this week:

My faith looks up to thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, 
Savior divine.
Now hear me while I pray. Take all my guilt away. 
Oh, let me from this day Be wholly thine!

May thy rich grace impart Strength to my failing heart. 
My zeal inspire!
As thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love to thee 
Pure, warm and changeless be— A living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread And griefs around me spread, 
Be thou my Guide. 
Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away, 
Nor let me ever stray from thee aside.

When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll, 
Blest Savior, then in love Fear and distrust remove.
Oh, bear me safe above— A ransomed soul.

 

Esther 4:1–3

  • When Mordecai learned all that had occurred, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, went into the middle of the city, and cried loudly and bitterly.
  • 2 He went only as far as the King's Gate, since the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering the King's Gate.
  • 3 There was great mourning among the Jewish people in every province where the king's command and edict came. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
Helpful notes on Esther 4:1–3




For yourself pray:

  • That God gives you the right heart, the right words, and the right actions in Christ the next time overwhelming grief comes

For others pray:

  • That for his glory God builds the kingdom of the Son he loves on Christmas Island

A psalm to listen to and ponder, as time allows:

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