For deacons, intercessory prayer is at the very heart of our ministry. This little reflection is written by Lizzie Bell.
The Extraordinary Honour of Praying
I have often felt that it is the greatest honour to be able to come into the presence of God to pray.
Yesterday, I remembered Queen Esther. Her great courage and bravery was because she dared to come into the presence of the king. If he had not been pleased with her, she could have forfeited her life.
Imagine what fear she must have felt as she took three deep breaths before coming into the king’s presence:
Esther 4:16 & 5:2
16 “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.” 2 “When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold sceptre that was in his hand.”
Instead of a golden sceptre, our King of Kings holds out his cross, so that we can enter His presence without fear.
Images from ministryman and crosswalk.com
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 