The story of Esther in the Bible is a powerful testament to the favor of God in the life of His people. Esther, a young Jewish woman, rose from obscurity to become the queen of Persia. However, her position was not just for her benefit—it was a divine assignment that would lead to the deliverance of the Jewish people from destruction.
One of the most significant aspects of Esther’s journey was her reliance on prayer and fasting to seek favour from God. Faced with an impossible situation, she turned to God before taking a bold step of faith. Her story demonstrates how prayer, humility, and dependence on God can open doors of favour and bring miraculous breakthroughs.
Esther Prayer For Favor
In this article, we will explore the power of Esther’s prayer for favour, the role of fasting in her divine intervention, and how we can apply these principles in our own lives.
Background of Esther’s Story
Esther’s story unfolds in the book of Esther in the Old Testament. She was a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, living in Persia under the reign of King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I). The king, after dismissing his former queen Vashti, sought a new queen, and Esther was chosen from among many young women.
Although Esther became queen, she kept her Jewish identity a secret, as advised by Mordecai. Meanwhile, Haman, a high-ranking official in the king’s court, devised a plot to annihilate the Jewish people because of his hatred for Mordecai. Unaware of Esther’s Jewish heritage, King Ahasuerus approved Haman’s decree, putting Esther’s people in grave danger.
Mordecai urged Esther to intervene by approaching the king. However, Persian law forbade anyone, including the queen, from approaching the king without being summoned—doing so could result in death unless the king extended his golden scepter. Esther faced a life-threatening decision: remain silent and allow her people to perish or risk her life by seeking the king’s favor.
Instead of acting impulsively, Esther chose to seek divine intervention through prayer and fasting. This marked the beginning of her prayer for favor.
Esther’s Prayer and Fasting for Favor
Esther’s first response to the crisis was not fear but faith. In Esther 4:16, she instructed Mordecai:
“Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”
This statement reflects Esther’s deep faith and dependence on God. She understood that divine favor was necessary for success, and she humbled herself in prayer and fasting before taking action.
Her decision to fast for three days demonstrated her commitment to seeking God’s will and intervention. Throughout the Bible, fasting is often associated with seeking God’s favour and guidance in times of crisis. It is a way of humbling oneself before God and acknowledging complete dependence on Him.
How God Granted Esther Favor
After three days of prayer and fasting, Esther courageously approached the king. In Esther 5:1-2, we see how God’s favor immediately manifested:
“On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”
This moment was a divine turning point. The king’s law could have condemned her to death, but because she had sought God’s favor, his heart was moved with kindness toward her. Instead of rejection, Esther was welcomed with open arms. This favor extended beyond her personal safety—she was also given the opportunity to present her request before the king.
However, Esther did not immediately reveal Haman’s plot. Instead, guided by wisdom and divine strategy, she invited the king and Haman to a banquet. At the first banquet, she extended another invitation for a second banquet. This delay was not a mistake—it was divine timing. That very night, between the two banquets, the king had a sleepless night and was reminded of Mordecai’s loyalty to him (Esther 6:1-3). This set the stage for an unexpected reversal of events.
At the second banquet, Esther finally revealed Haman’s evil plot to exterminate the Jews. Shocked and angered, the king ordered Haman’s execution and granted Esther’s request to save her people. Not only were the Jews spared, but Mordecai was also elevated to a position of honor in Haman’s place (Esther 8:1-2).
This entire sequence of events was orchestrated by God. Esther’s prayer for favor had led to supernatural breakthroughs, proving that when we seek God wholeheartedly, He moves in ways beyond our imagination.
Lessons from Esther’s Prayer for Favor
Esther’s story provides several key lessons for believers today.
1. Seek God First in Times of Uncertainty
Esther did not rely on her own wisdom or influence as queen. Instead, she turned to God in fasting and prayer. This teaches us that in times of crisis, our first response should be to seek God’s guidance rather than acting in fear or relying solely on human efforts.
2. The Power of Fasting and Prayer
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that demonstrates humility and dependence on God. Esther’s three-day fast was a turning point in her situation. When we set aside time to pray and fast, we align ourselves with God’s will and open the door for His divine favor.
3. Boldness in Stepping Into God’s Purpose
Despite the risks, Esther boldly stepped forward in faith. She understood that her position as queen was not just for personal gain but for a greater purpose (Esther 4:14). In the same way, we must have the courage to walk in obedience to God’s calling, even when it requires bold steps of faith.
Applying Esther’s Prayer for Favor in Our Lives
Esther’s story is more than just a historical account; it is a blueprint for how believers today can seek and walk in divine favor. Just as Esther relied on prayer and fasting to receive favor before the king, we too can apply these principles in our daily lives.
1. Praying for Favor in Difficult Situations
There are times in life when we need supernatural favor—whether in our careers, relationships, finances, or other challenges. Like Esther, we should make it a habit to pray for God’s favor before making important decisions.
A simple yet powerful prayer for favor might be:
“Lord, just as You granted Esther favor before King Ahasuerus, I ask for Your favor in my situation. Open doors that no man can shut, soften hearts before me, and let Your divine intervention work in my favor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
When we seek God first, He positions us in the right places and causes people to look upon us with kindness, just as He did for Esther.
2. Practicing Fasting and Seeking God’s Will
Fasting, when done with the right heart, deepens our spiritual sensitivity and dependence on God. Esther fasted before stepping into her divine assignment, and we too can use fasting as a way to align our hearts with God’s will.
When facing major decisions, fasting and prayer can help bring clarity and divine breakthroughs. Whether it’s a job opportunity, a financial need, or a family matter, dedicating time to seek God through fasting brings powerful results.
3. Walking in Obedience and Boldness Like Esther
Esther could have ignored Mordecai’s plea to help her people, but she chose obedience despite the risks. Likewise, there are moments when God calls us to step out in faith. Whether it’s sharing the gospel, taking on a leadership role, or making a difficult choice, we must trust that God’s favor will accompany our obedience.
God does not place us in positions of influence by accident. Just as Esther was strategically positioned for her divine assignment, we must recognize that God places us in certain environments—our jobs, communities, and families—for a greater purpose.
4. Trusting God’s Favor for Breakthrough and Victory
Even after Esther approached the king, the full breakthrough did not happen immediately. However, because she trusted in God’s timing, everything worked out for her good. This reminds us that God’s favor is not always instant, but His plans are always perfect.
When we feel like our prayers are delayed, we must remain patient, knowing that God is working behind the scenes. Just as the king had a sleepless night that led to Mordecai’s honour, God can orchestrate events in our favor in ways we never expected.
Conclusion
Esther’s story is a powerful testimony of what happens when faith, prayer, and boldness come together. She was an ordinary woman placed in an extraordinary situation, yet she did not rely on her own wisdom or strength. Instead, she turned to God through prayer and fasting, seeking His favor before taking action. Her unwavering trust in God not only saved her life but also changed the destiny of an entire nation. This proves that when God’s people seek Him earnestly, His hand moves in ways that surpass human understanding.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Esther’s story is the way God’s favor worked behind the scenes. Even when it seemed like the enemy’s plans were succeeding, God was orchestrating events for His people’s deliverance. The same is true in our lives—when we seek God and put our trust in Him, He can turn any situation around for our good. His favor can open doors that seem impossible, soften the hearts of those in authority, and lead us into divine opportunities that we could never achieve on our own.
As believers, we are encouraged to follow Esther’s example in our daily lives. When faced with challenges, uncertainties, or important decisions, we should seek God through prayer and fasting. These spiritual disciplines help us align our hearts with God’s will, allowing us to walk in the confidence that He is working on our behalf. Just as Esther approached the king with boldness after seeking God, we too must step out in faith, trusting that God’s favor goes before us.
Additionally, Esther’s story reminds us that God positions us for a purpose. She was not placed in the palace for personal comfort but to fulfill a divine assignment. Likewise, wherever we find ourselves—whether in our workplaces, families, or communities—God has placed us there for a reason. We must be willing to recognize and embrace our calling, knowing that our obedience can impact not just our lives but also the lives of others around us.
When we walk in faith, trust in God’s timing, and rely on His favor, we can expect miraculous breakthroughs. Just as Esther witnessed a divine reversal of circumstances, we too can experience victory over challenges when we remain steadfast in prayer. No situation is too difficult for God, and His favor can bring about supernatural turnarounds.
Esther’s story is a beautiful reminder that God’s favor is powerful, accessible, and life-changing. By seeking Him with all our hearts, stepping forward in obedience, and trusting in His divine plan, we can confidently walk in His blessings. Like Esther, we are called “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), and when we rely on God’s favor, He will guide us into the fullness of His purpose for our lives.
