All Nations Community Church · Leeds
Pray about purpose, present responsibilities and the courage to serve.
Esther’s position brought an opportunity to act when her people faced danger. Mordecai’s challenge connects influence with responsibility. As you pray about your own purpose, look at the people and needs already before you. Calling can involve costly courage, but it also takes shape in ordinary faithfulness and willingness to serve.
Read and reflect on Scripture
Read slowly and consider each passage in its biblical setting. The full Bible passages are included here to help you stay with the guide.
Esther 4:12–14
World English Bible
12 They told Esther’s words to Mordecai.
13 Then Mordecai asked them to return this answer to Esther: “Don’t think to yourself that you will escape in the king’s house any more than all the Jews.
14 For if you remain silent now, then relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows if you haven’t come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Mordecai’s words address a particular threat to the Jewish people. They invite reflection on responsibility, not a promise of personal fame.
Turn the question of calling into responsible action
Write down the roles you already carry: student, colleague, parent, friend, neighbour, volunteer or carer. Beside each role, name a person whose wellbeing matters. This gives your prayer a concrete starting point. Ask where you need courage, skill, advice or a change of conduct. A sense of calling can be tested through Scripture, wise counsel and the effect your choices have on others. You do not need to describe every event in your history as good to believe that you can serve meaningfully now. For a major decision, gather the facts and consider the people affected before committing.
Four prayer starters
Use these prayers as a starting point, then add words of your own.
Perception
What am I noticing?
Father, show me the people and responsibilities I overlook when I focus only on my own future.
Process
How am I understanding it?
God, help me consider my choices with wisdom, honest motives and attention to those who may be affected.
Purpose
What matters before God?
Lord Jesus, shape my ambitions into useful service, and give me courage to practise integrity where I am.
Path
What is my next faithful step?
Holy Spirit, guide my next responsible action and help me seek counsel before making a major commitment. Amen.
Put it into practice today
- List three roles you already hold and one need connected with each.
- Identify one place where doing the right thing requires a difficult but responsible conversation.
- Write the decision you face, including options, costs, people affected and information you still need.
- Ask a knowledgeable, trusted person to challenge an assumption rather than simply approve your preference.
- Choose one manageable act of service and set a date to review what you learn.
Questions for reflection or a small group
- Who could benefit from the position or influence I already have?
- What responsibility is clear before I seek a larger assignment?
- Which person could help me test this decision thoughtfully?
Discuss the Bible and the questions at your own pace. Sharing personal experiences is optional.
Continue with related ANCC guides
We can pray with you
You can ask for prayer or speak with someone about faith and the questions you are carrying.