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At a time when our nation is in chaos and the enemies of God seem relentless, it is not only important for us to pray, but also to consider additional actions that will demonstrate kingdom authority in our spheres of influence. We can learn much from one intercessor in the Bible who affected an entire nation through his prayers as well as his actions.  Though many are familiar with Esther’s role in delivering a nation from destruction, Mordecai paved the way for this national breakthrough through his prayers and engagement in the public square. His persistence and perseverance in the midst of uncertainties and threats show a man with a mandate – an assignment from the Lord. His story reveals several strategic keys for effective prayer and engagement as we seek wisdom and discernment in confronting wickedness in high places.

LOVING GOD AND OTHERS: Mordecai was a father figure to Esther.  In raising her, he helped establish her faith, as well as her love for God and the Jewish people (Esther  2:7).  This bond rightly directed their hearts, their prayers, and their responses throughout their journey. This kind of foundation is essential to effective prayer. Meaningful relationships and mutual concern for others helps to establish the proper motivation in prayer.

GOING “ON-SITE FOR INSIGHT”:  When Esther was taken to the palace, Scripture states,  “Every day he  (Mordecai)  walked back and forth near the courtyard  of the harem to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her.” (Esther 2:11)  As a man  of prayer, could these have been daily prayer walks!? Every day, Mordecai was on-site to listen and learn, seeking the Lord for insight during the twelve months of Esther’s beauty treatments for the king. Prayer-walking our communities may be an underutilized tool of intercession that can produce powerful insights and clarity as to the Lord’s purposes and plans.

ENGAGING IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE: Mordecai also sat at the king’s gate where decisions were made and official business took place (2:19).  Whether he was an invited participant or careful observer, he sought to be better informed.  He positioned himself at the place where decrees were issued and verdicts were rendered on behalf of the king and the nation. This shows us the need to be rightly informed on issues and watching those in positions of authority to learn and discern.

SPEAKING OUT AGAINST CORRUPTION: Mordecai’s decision to sit in this place of political activity proved to be significant. He overheard a plot to assassinate the king and reported it to Esther (2:21-23). He did not let fear stop him from alerting the palace of this threat. When the investigation proved the story to be true, the criminals were hanged, and Mordecai’s courageous actions were written in the official record. Believers need ongoing boldness when confronting wrong-doing or corruption. Regardless of the threats, our testimonies and actions may be the very catalyst to break the enemy’s back.

EXPOSING INJUSTICE: This seemingly small but significant act granted Mordecai great favor with the king. Unbeknownst to Mordecai or Esther, God planned to use this event to later position Mordecai as a trusted adviser to the king. His willingness to speak up and take action against injustice created a platform for him when much more would be at stake. Never forsake small beginnings! God is looking for your faithfulness, no matter how small the task. It may be what opens the door to an even bigger assignment!

STANDING IN THE FACE OF INTIMIDATION AND THREATS: When Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, the demonically-driven official sought to kill him (3:5-6). Even so, Mordecai didn’t compromise or relent. Despite ridicule and death threats, Mordecai stood his ground and trusted God to vindicate him. It is critical to trust the Lord’s timing when seeking justice. Sometimes, we will be called to simply stand our ground as the Lord makes the next move.

STANDING IN THE GAP FOR THE PEOPLE: Once Mordecai learned about the death decree against his people, the Bible says he “tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly” (4:1). He humbled himself in front of the whole city in order to bring attention to an injustice. His witness became the example for others to follow throughout the entire province as fellow Jews fasted and wept aloud for their nation. Don’t underestimate what your own obedient response may stir in the spirit. Others may be looking for direction and your example may be just the thing they need to take action.

BEING INFORMED AND PREPARED: When asked by an official what he was doing, Mordecai was prepared with a testimony as well as written papers proving his case (4:8). His lament was not without cause. He knew the facts and details and was prepared to share them with the appropriate people. It is imperative that we get the facts straight and share accurate information. Heaven will back us up when we’ve done our homework, counted the cost, and come prepared.

SPEAKING THE WORD OF THE LORD: When Esther responded to Mordecai’s suggestion of appealing to the king for mercy, she was fearful and hesitant. Yet, his word to her became the key that unlocked the door to her destiny: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) Just as Esther was there “for such a time as this,” so was Mordecai. Without his presence and prophetic declaration to her, Esther may have missed the God-ordained opportunity before her. You, too, may have a word for someone that will launch them into their assignment. Don’t be afraid to speak it!

BECOMING AN AMBASSADOR OF NATIONAL PRAYER: When Mordecai took Esther’s request to the Jewish people for a time of national fasting and prayer, he became a conduit of intercession (4:15-17). He championed this national call to prayer and stood in the gap for Esther and their people. Mordecai became a change agent for his nation through prayer and intercession in a time of crisis.

God is strategically placing believers in positions of influence and authority throughout our nation to bring needed transformation. Just as Mordecai was a hidden tool in God’s hands, so are numerous change agents being positioned to speak much-needed counsel and wisdom to those in high places. Mordecai never sought the lime-light, but went undercover in the place of prayer and encouragement to one who was.  We are all called to pray, but I believe there are many who carry this Mordecai Mandate – this commission to stand in the gap, take action, and be an example that will inspire and motivate others to be change agents in our communities and nation. In this issue of the Informer, we feature Jeanne Nigro, a Christian running against Jerrold Nadler in New York, and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) who are persistently bringing the cause of the unborn to the floor of the House of Representatives. These are examples what this blog is all about.

May God’s grace be upon all who are called to be strong and courageous, for the battle is the Lord’s and the victory will be ours.

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Cathy
September 15, 2019

Excellent teaching! Trust and obey, pray and fast, stand and fight–all in the Lord Jesus!

Donna Waybright
September 15, 2019

Love this on Arise! Arise and Shine! I too believe God is rising His people up and placing them throughout the world! To God Be the Glory! Donna

Susan L . Petree
September 14, 2019

Wow!! What a POWERFUL LESSON!! I desire to intercede for our country, & to be as strong at it as Mordecai was!! Father GOD,please use me as You Will!!! In Jesus’ Mighty Name I Pray, Amen!!

Also, I stand and pray in total agreement with Kathyrn’s prayer!!

Kathryn
September 13, 2019

Father,
All praise to you. Your word says that you are unchangeable- so you are still the One to whom Mordecai prayed and the One on whom he relied. We still come to the One who is able to work in situations that look hopeless. We must reckon all things thorough the lens of …but God. In this time of battles on every hand help us to first seek your face and to know what you want us to focus on and then help us to live it out in our spheres of influence. Lord, help us to stand in truth regarding all of the issues that confront us daily. Make us wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Grant us the grace and strength to pray fervently and humbly. Help us to be the salt and light that we should be and have maybe failed to be in the past. Help us to see the need to speak out and to know how and when to do so. Help us to remember that we are wresting against the kingdom of darkness and that those who are propagating the darkness are blind to the truth and caught in the devil’s snares. Help us to have a burden for the lost – those in our government and those with whom we rub shoulders everyday. Lord Jesus, please let us participate in what You are doing in the world. Make us strong ambassadors for Your Kingdom- the Kingdom of Light.In the Words of Paul- We pray also that we will be strengthened with all His glorious power so we will have all the endurance and patience we need. May we be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled us to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light. For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son, who also purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.(Colossians 1:13-14) Hallelujah!

Margi
September 13, 2019

Thank you!

susan
September 13, 2019

How to be a prayer warrior!

Carolyn
September 12, 2019

what a powerful study of Esther I hope I can share it personally soon-the Mordecai Mandate

Brenda D
September 12, 2019

Declaring and singing over singing over JeanneNigro Steve Scalise and and Ann Wagner. They are trees of righteousness the planting of The LORD , they shall NOT be moved .
From HIS grace and favor
They shall not be moved …….

Becky arguello
September 12, 2019

Excellent excellent article and right where we should be as intercessors Christians and Americans!

Donna Hellman
September 12, 2019

Yes! We are God’s Army! All we need to do is to organize ourselves under Christ’s headship! I would like to establish a moderated 9-1-1 12-hr/day Christian prayer line. Contact me here with the hour you can moderate and I will set up a schedule!

    Cathy
    September 15, 2019

    Dear Donna, thank you for organizing a prayer line. I think I could do 8:00 p.m. What do you mean by moderated? God bless you, Cathy

Nancy
September 12, 2019

Awesome..Mordecai was definitely a prayer warrior

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