The Place of Prayer and Worship—The Place Where We Meet the King

Esther 4:16; 5:1–3; 7:3–6

Beloved, worship is not just a religious habit but the place where we meet the King. In this place God renews us, builds His church, and helps us take hold of our calling again. Therefore, prayer and worship are not duties but privileges. Today, let us enjoy and exercise that privilege.

1) The Place of Service and the Place of Prayer—Faithfulness Invites Anointing

God uses those who are faithful and trustworthy. At the same time, all who serve and labour need the anointing, and God pours His anointing on such faithful servants.

When we faithfully keep our entrusted place in worship and prayer, the Lord adds the ability to carry out His work. Serving in the church—and serving as citizens of God’s kingdom—is not done by status, talent, knowledge, or experience, nor for self-display. It begins with prayer and is completed by prayer.

If we work and serve with this heart and posture not only in the church but also in the world, God will surely honour such a person.

2) Prayer, Not Position, Opens the Way

Esther and Mordecai sat in honourable positions. But it was not their position that opened the door; it was prayer that made a way.

• Esther resolved, “If I perish, I perish,” then fasted and prayed before going to the king (Est. 4:16).

• Mordecai was faithful in his post, received the opportunity to preserve the king’s life, and was regarded as loyal and honoured by the king (Est. 6).

Even so, both did not rely on status, knowledge, or experience; they sought God in prayer. This speaks to us:

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” (Zech. 4:6)

They faced a national crisis and had to meet the king to resolve it. Yet meeting the king in those days meant risking one’s life. Though they occupied honourable places, they still needed the king’s favour and grace.

What we must know is this:

• Even for a people promised God’s authority and blessing, the work of the Lord’s kingdom is accomplished through prayer.

• God’s works break forth when we meet Him—that is, in the place of worship and prayer.

• When Esther and the people fasted and prayed, the king’s attention turned toward Esther (Est. 5). Likewise, when we pray, God’s gaze rests upon us and situations are reversed:

• Sorrow turns to joy (Est. 8–9),

• A threat of destruction to salvation and victory,

• The enemy’s scheme to the enemy’s defeat.

3) Know It, Enjoy It, Use It

Prayer and worship are the channels by which we meet the King.

• Know: This is not a mere religious act but a glorious privilege.

• Enjoy: Let us draw near boldly to the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16).

• Use: Put this privilege to work on the battlefield of life—begin every decision in home, workplace, and ministry on your knees.

4) A Corporate Resolve

1. Reorder Priorities: Worship first, prayer first.

2. Faithfully Keep Your Post: Consistently keep Sunday worship, prayer meetings, and your private closet. Guard the place of your entrusted calling.

3. Save the Nation and Souls Through Prayer: Not by position, office, knowledge, or experience, but by prayer—thus our lives, our homes, our church, and even our nation live.

4. Restoration for the Weak: By the fire of the Spirit, burn away bodily weakness, mental oppression, and life’s weariness; proclaim healing, freedom, and restoration.

5) When We Meet the King, Things Change

As with Esther and Mordecai, when we meet the King, circumstances must change. Therefore, let us treat the place of prayer and worship as our very life, and let us not miss but enjoy and exercise this privilege. Today’s resolve becomes tomorrow’s reversal.