Purpose Study Bible 327: What Is Your Request?

Esther used her creativity, bolstered by prayer and fasting to devise a plan to petition the king to spare her people. On the second day of a banquet she hosted, this is what the king said:

So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet, and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted" (Esther 7:1-2).

Just as in her first meeting with the king, Esther was invited to speak plainly and specifically. This is another picture of how it is when we come before the King. He is asking us what we want, but often we are afraid to ask for too much so we ask for too little. Sometimes we aren’t clear, so we shroud our petitions in religious jargon. But Esther was clear and specific: "Spare my people" (Esther 7:3).

Now you stand before the King of kings and He is asking you, "What is your request?" You also have this promise from the King that should encourage you to ask without fear:

"Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other" (John 15:15-17).

If Jesus appeared today and asked you, "What is your request?" what would you say? Would you have the courage to utter bold, specific prayers? Would you approach as a friend or a beggar? Are you asking for what you need to bear the fruit that Jesus wants you to produce? There was no doubt as to Esther's desire when the king asked and you should model her approach and attitude as you approach the King of glory asking for whatever you need to do His will.