Esther 3:15 NIV The couriers went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered. Esther 4:13-14 NIV he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 5:1-2 NIV 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. Esther's 5:1-2 Esther's desperate 4:15-16 Esther 4:15-16 NIV Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God. Joel 2:12-13a NIV to prayer and risk “The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases.” Proverbs 21:1 NLT "When I think of fasting, I would define it as abstaining from anything that fills the space inside us that God longs to occupy. Any idols can be fodder for fasting: TV, email, food. The heart of a fast is stepping back from life as it is and conceiving life as it could be." Heather Webb I will fast/abstain from for 3 days to experience God. “After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will restore us, that we may live in His presence.” Hosea 6:2 NIV “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a NIV I will fast/abstain from for 3 days to experience God. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 NIV Questions for Discipleship Group and/or personal study: Opener: Rick said that fasting is perhaps the most neglected spiritual practice in the western church. Do you agree with him? Why do you think this is? Go to the Source: Read Esther 4:12-16 What “what ifs” were perhaps going through Esther’s mind as she thought about approaching the king? What do you think was the tipping point for her to break the law and proceed? What do you think she did for those 3 days of fasting? Live it out: Have you ever fasted? From what? For how long? What for? Are you planning to fast for 3 days prior to June 19th? From what? For what purpose? What will you substitute “in” during those 3 days? (i.e. if you’re giving up screens or meals what will you do instead during that time?)