Lord, direct our thoughts

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Esther 6:1-13 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘That night the king could not sleep, and he gave orders to bring the book of records, the annals, and they were read to the king.’ Esther 6:1

Like many of you reading this reflection, I own a lot of books. Probably too many if I am honest. I have among my books a collection of old prayer books, bibles and religious writings bought over the years. One is a re-production of a Medieval Book of Hours. These were personal prayer books dating back in origin to the 12th Century. They were often beautifully illuminated and contained prayers, psalms, hymns and lessons based on the devotions made at set hours through the day and night, hence the title. I imagine the owners of these books rising in the night, perhaps when they couldn’t sleep and using the book for inspiration and comfort in the familiar words read and spoken.

King Ahasuerus could not sleep and so he gave orders for a book to be read to him. He listens to the story of Mordecai and how he saved him from assassination. The reader could have bought any part of the records, and read any story from it, but they were guided to read this one. As a result of listening to these words, we almost find a parallel story running through the passage. We have Haman, come to court to ask the king to execute Mordecai at the very moment the king has chosen to honour him for his actions. Haman falls into the trap of thinking the king is speaking of him and so choses honours which would bring him pride but are not really things which mattered – the kings robe, horse and crown and a parade in the town. What a picture Hamans face must have been when he learns this is all for his arch-enemy.

In the context of the book of Esther we are reminded how God works though prayer and how these are answers according to his will not ours. Esther becomes Queen by God’s favour and Haman is perhaps taught a lesson about pride. When we pray, either with familiar words or new, let us be attentive to how God directs our thoughts, words and deeds.

Let us pray: Lord God, help us when we pray to hear your words, that your way for us may be illuminated this Lent. Amen.

The Revd Fleur Green, Vicar of Broughton St John Baptist, St Peter & St Martin's Chapels Fulwood.