Children's Guide to Esther and God's Planنموونە

Day 5: God's Plan for Esther

When Mordecai heard about Haman's plot he felt sick. He knew that only Esther could change the King's mind. But Esther was in the palace. How could he go to tell her? Mordecai dressed in rags, rubbed ashes on his face, and cried outside the palace.

Luckily, Esther’s servant saw Mordecai and told Esther about him. Esther was worried for her uncle. “Go ask Mordecai what’s wrong,” she said to her servant.

Esther waited nervously. Finally her servant returned. He had awful news: “Haman will kill every Jew in the kingdom. Mordecai says you must beg the King for mercy!”

Esther was terrified. If she disturbed King Xerxes without an invitation she could be punished by death! She didn’t dare to beg King Xerxes unless he called for her first. But King Xerxes hadn't called her for more than a month!

Mordecai sent another message to encourage Esther: “Maybe God made you Queen so that you can help your people. Be brave!”

Esther was still frightened. She needed God’s help. So she asked all the Jews: “Please fast and pray for three days.”

How would you feel if you were Esther? Why did Esther ask the Jews to pray for her? Do you think God was pleased by their prayers?