The Book of Esther, unlike many other books in the Old Testament, does not contain explicit prayers within the Masoretic Text, which is the authoritative Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible. However, prayers are mentioned in the context of fasting and seeking God's intervention. Here are the key instances related to prayer in the Book of Esther:
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Esther’s Call for Fasting and Prayer (Esther 4:15-17):
- When Queen Esther learns of Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jews, she instructs Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast for three days and nights. She and her attendants will do the same. Although prayer is not explicitly mentioned, fasting in the Jewish tradition is often accompanied by prayer and repentance.
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Mordecai and the Jewish Community’s Mourning (Esther 4:1-3):
- Upon learning of the decree to destroy the Jews, Mordecai and the Jewish community engage in great mourning, with fasting, weeping, and lamenting. While specific prayers are not recorded, the context suggests that they were seeking divine intervention.
In some versions of the Bible, such as the Greek Septuagint, additional prayers are included. These are found in the deuterocanonical portions of Esther (referred to as the Additions to Esther), which are included in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles but are not part of the Jewish or most Protestant canons:
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Mordecai’s Prayer (Addition C: Esther 13:8-17):
- Mordecai prays to God after learning of Haman’s decree, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and their current plight. He recalls the covenant with the ancestors and pleads for God to save His people.
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Esther’s Prayer (Addition D: Esther 14:3-19):
- Before approaching the king unsummoned, Esther prays to God for courage and success. She expresses her fear and recounts her commitment to the Jewish faith and her people, asking for God’s favor and intervention.
These prayers in the deuterocanonical sections highlight the reliance on God’s mercy and intervention, fitting with the overall theme of divine providence in the Book of Esther.