“The Privilege of Prayer”  Ester 5:1-3

Introduction: A little man from a little country no one cared about, asked to speak to President Kennedy about his country. The man was unknown and deemed unimportant, he was turned away. The little man was Ho Chi Minh, and the little country was Vietnam. How might our history be changed if Kennedy had taken that meeting. We see it today as well. Important leaders, powerful people, and business people, that are impossible to get a meeting with or even a telephone call from. This was Ester’s situation. So I start with Ester to help us understand and use the privilege of prayer.

1. Going before the king
               A. Easter
                              a. serious, as life or death
                              b. not a right but a gift
               B. Isa 6:5-7
               C. Eze 1:27-28
               D. Hebrews 4:16  “approach the throne of Grace”
               E. Matthew 6:6  “Your Father who sees what is done”
               F. Matthew 18:20 “there I am with them”
               G. you have been given the privilege of coming to the throne of God every time you pray

2. This is a powerful tool
               A. Mac and I, the engagement party
               B. Ester was offered up to half the kingdom
               C. John 15:7 & 16 “Given whatever you wish, whatever you ask for in My name”
               D. 1 John 5:14&15
               E. James 5:13-16
               F. this kind of power is not to be taken lightly, a knife, a gun, your SSN#
               G. Take care how we use it

3.  Seriously use it
               A. Eph 6:18 “pray on all occasions with all kinds of Prayers”
               B. 1 Thes 5:17 “Pray without ceasing”
               C. Phil 4:6&7 “do not be anxious about anything,

Conclusion: We have been given a great privilege in prayer, use it seriously, use it often, use it for your family, friends, church, town, and the people you share life with every day.