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Pink Petitions Preface
Ephesians 6:18
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, (NASB)
Through the story of Esther we see an illustration of God as our King. Just as Esther entered the inner court with her request we also enter God's court when we pray. The law in Esther's day was death for anyone who entered the inner court without being summoned by the King. The only exception to this rule was if the King showed favor by extending his gold scepter. When the King showed favor to Esther by extending his gold scepter he told her to ask for anything and he would give it to her up to half of his kingdom.
We can expect God's favor when we enter His court in prayer. God's response to us is, "ask and it will be given to you." Matthew 7:7 (NIV) Through Esther's petition God's people were saved from certain death conspired by Haman. When the King found out about Haman's plan for Esther and her people to be killed he sent Haman to the gallows to be hung. The King could not undo his decree but he was able to change the outcome by granting Esther's request to allow God's people to fight back. This part of Esther's story illustrates God's plan for us today.
When Satan conspired to cause the fall of man through Adam and Eve we were all doomed to death. Sin entered the world and that cannot be changed. However, God has provided a way for us to fight back. God sent His only Son, Jesus, to overcome death for us. Jesus was hung on the cross, died for our sins, was buried in a tomb for three days, and arose from the dead to live again. (I Corinthians 15:3-4)(NIV) Jesus appeared to many people after His resurrection as a testimony for us today. (Mark 16:9-20)
Through Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection we are able to approach the throne of grace with our requests. Those who believe in Jesus become part of His royal family. As His heirs to the kingdom we have a responsibility to petition God. We see this illustrated when Mordecai sent word to Esther saying if she remained silent deliverance would come to God's people from another place but she and her family would perish.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:18 to be on the alert with perseverance and petition for God's people. Paul also tells us to pray and petition at all times in the Spirit. In Romans 8:26 we are told, "…the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (NIV)" Jesus overcame death for us and He sent us a helper, the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live victoriously over sin and death.
The Holy Spirit is ready and waiting for us to speak before He moves. In Genesis 1:2 we see this illustrated when God created the world. The Holy Spirit hovered, waiting for the spoken words of God “let there be...” When God spoke the Holy Spirit moved to accomplish God’s will. Today, the Holy Spirit moves when we pray in the name of Jesus. Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
When we pray we always give credit for our authority on earth to Jesus by praying in the name of Jesus. (Matthew 28:18) Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:12-14 (NIV) When we end our prayer to God we say, "Amen" – so be it or let it be. Amen does not mean "the end." Amen is our agreement with God's will. Amen gives the Holy Spirit permission to "get moving."
Go confidently before God with your petition. (Ephesians 3:12) Expect God’s favor on your requests as you approach His throne of grace. Believe He is able and willing to do even more than you ask. Trust God’s perfect timing and His excellent way concerning your petition.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
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