We Ought To Be Praying!

That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him. [Esther 6.1] 

Three things are going on here simultaneously: Esther and Mordecai are fasting and praying, Xerxes can't sleep, and Haman is plotting evil.

It should be understood that the power of prayer and fasting is undeniable. King Xerxes' restlessness and Haman's plot could both be attributed to the circumstance-changing power of prayer. Esther's and Mordecai's prayer made the difference.

It should furthermore be understood that the aforementioned prayer vigil brought about a devastating result for Haman... Haman was not a follower of God. He felt no sense of obligation to God's Law. Because of this, Haman did not understand why Mordecai would not bow down to him and, consequently Haman became enraged and unforgiving. In this "unforgiveness," Haman ultimately found that he was unforgiven. God's law of reciprocity (explained later and best by Jesus) came into fulfillment for Haman.

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. [Matthew 6.14-15]

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. [Matthew 7.12]

This is precisely what happened to Mordecai as well! Mordecai had saved the king's life some time earlier and witnessed the reciprocity of that action in this story resultant to prayer.

The undeniable catalyst for Mordecai's deliverance and Haman's demise was the prayer of God's people.

Let's go over that one more time: The undeniable catalyst for Mordecai's deliverance and Haman's demise was the prayer of God's people.

The effect and power of prayer is demonstrated clearly in the delay of Mordecai's reward for good until they prayed and the swiftness of Haman's reward for evil after they prayed.

Hmm. We ought to be praying!

Had God's people not prayed (and fasted), how might this story of been different?

Father, these few thoughts give me reason to always pray. No doubt, evil stands ready to kill, steal and destroy on every turn. May Your people never be so presumptuous as to not pray! So be it.