Thursday 21 February

Esther 4:17, Ps.138, Matthew 7:7-12

Trust in the Lord

Today’s first reading comes from the book of Esther. Esther was a Jewess, married to King Ahasuerus. The king, inflamed by his advisers, intended to massacre all his Jewish subjects and only Esther could speak to him on their behalf. The king was very angry and Esther was terrified, but eventually she plucks up courage and trusts in God enough to act. Her efforts succeed and her people are spared. Her prayer is answered and her faith rewarded. Let us pray today for those who are afraid and find it hard to trust, and also for an increase in our own faith in God to help and strengthen us.