The Esther Fast is one of the most intense forms of fasting in the Bible. It is a three-day absolute fast, meaning that during this period, Queen Esther, her maidservants, and all the Jews in the Persian empire refrained from eating or drinking anything (Esther 4:16). This fast was not undertaken lightly—it was an act of complete surrender and dependence on God in the face of a life-threatening crisis.
The situation was dire: Haman, a high-ranking official in King Xerxes’ court, had plotted the annihilation of the Jewish people. When Queen Esther learned about this decree, she realized that she had a divine purpose—to intercede for her people. However, approaching the king without an invitation was a risk that could cost her life. Knowing the gravity of the situation, she called for a national three-day fast, urging the Jews to join her in prayer. This was an act of both humility and desperation, a plea for divine intervention in a matter of life and death.
Inspiring Esther Fasting Prayer Points
The Power of the Esther Fast
The results of the Esther Fast were astounding. Not only did God soften the heart of King Xerxes to welcome Esther into his presence, but He also orchestrated events so that Haman, the mastermind behind the Jewish genocide, was exposed and ultimately faced justice. Instead of facing destruction, the Jewish people were given the right to defend themselves, leading to a complete turnaround of their fate (Esther 9:1).
The power of the Esther Fast lies in its ability to break chains, reverse decrees, and invite God’s supernatural intervention into impossible situations. When faced with a crisis, oppression, or the need for divine favor, this type of fasting can be a way to seek God’s power, just as Esther did.
Why Did Esther and the Jews Fast?
The Jews were under a death decree issued by King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), manipulated by Haman, a high-ranking official who hated them. Esther, although queen, could not approach the king without being summoned—a law punishable by death unless the king extended his golden sceptre (Esther 4:11). In this moment of crisis, Esther instructed Mordecai and the Jews to fast and pray for three days before she risked her life to plead for her people.
Their fast had several key purposes:
- Seeking God’s Favor – Esther needed favor with the king to change the decree.
- Divine Deliverance – The Jews needed God to intervene and rescue them.
- Courage and Boldness – Esther needed strength to approach the king despite the risks.
How Can Believers Apply the Esther Fast Today?
The Esther Fast is still relevant today, especially in times of great personal, spiritual, or national crisis. Believers can undertake this fast when:
- Seeking divine intervention in an urgent matter.
- Facing spiritual warfare or oppression.
- Praying for favor in difficult situations, such as job interviews, legal battles, or life-altering decisions.
- Interceding for a nation, church, or family in need of breakthrough.
- Asking God for protection from hidden enemies and evil decrees.
While some may modify the fast for health reasons (e.g., drinking water or fasting from specific foods), the key is maintaining a posture of complete surrender and dependence on God.
Key Prayer Points for an Esther Fast
Fasting without prayer is merely going without food, but when combined with fervent prayer, it becomes a powerful spiritual weapon. Queen Esther’s fast was not just an act of self-denial—it was a desperate cry for divine intervention. She and the Jewish people sought God’s help through fasting and prayer, and He responded by granting them favor, deliverance, and victory.
As believers, we can follow this biblical example when facing challenges that require God’s supernatural intervention. Whether you need divine favor, breakthrough, protection, or the courage to step into your purpose, the Esther Fast provides a focused time to seek God earnestly.
The following prayer points are inspired by Esther’s journey and are designed to help you align your heart with God’s will during your fast. As you pray, expect God to move mightily in your life, just as He did for Esther and the Jewish people.
Prayer for Divine Favor (Esther 5:2)
One of the greatest lessons from Esther’s story is the power of divine favor. When she approached the king uninvited, she risked her life. However, God’s favor caused the king to extend his golden scepter, granting her an audience.
- Pray for God’s favor in difficult or impossible situations.
- Declare supernatural favor in your career, business, relationships, and spiritual life.
- Ask God to soften the hearts of those in authority over you, just as He did with King Xerxes.
- Speak favor over legal cases, job applications, visa approvals, and promotions.
Prayer for Deliverance and Protection (Esther 4:16)
Esther’s fast was primarily for the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s evil plot. Today, believers face battles in different areas of life—spiritual attacks, oppression, and unseen forces working against them.
- Pray for God’s divine protection over your life, family, and community.
- Cancel every plan of the enemy against your destiny.
- Ask God to deliver you from every trap, danger, and hidden scheme.
- Declare that no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
Prayer for Courage and Boldness (Esther 7:3-4)
Esther needed courage to approach the king and expose Haman’s evil plot. Likewise, we often need boldness to stand firm in faith, speak the truth, or make life-changing decisions.
- Pray for the boldness to step into God’s purpose for your life.
- Ask God for courage in making difficult but necessary decisions.
- Declare freedom from fear, doubt, and intimidation.
- Seek God’s strength to stand for righteousness in a world that opposes His truth.
Prayer for Open Doors and Divine Appointments (Esther 8:8)
After the Jews were delivered, Esther and Mordecai were given authority to write a new decree in favor of their people. This shows how God can turn situations around and open new doors of opportunity.
- Pray for God to open doors of favor, promotion, and breakthrough in your life.
- Ask for divine connections and opportunities aligned with God’s purpose.
- Declare that no door meant for your destiny shall be shut.
- Seek God’s direction for the right partnerships and relationships.
Prayer for Reversal of Evil Decrees (Esther 9:1)
The Jews were initially under a death decree issued by Haman, but through prayer and fasting, God overturned it. This is a reminder that no negative pronouncement is final when God is involved.
- Pray against every evil decree, whether spoken or written, that is working against your life.
- Cancel negative words spoken over your destiny, family, or future.
- Declare that God is reversing every attack, delay, and limitation placed on your life.
- Stand on God’s promises for victory over every spiritual battle.
Prayer for the Salvation of Loved Ones and Nations (Esther 8:17)
The deliverance of the Jews led many people in the Persian kingdom to turn to God. When we fast and pray, we can intercede for the salvation of others, believing that God will touch their hearts.
- Pray for the salvation of family members who have not yet received Christ.
- Intercede for your community, city, and nation, asking for revival.
- Ask God to break every stronghold keeping people from accepting His truth.
- Pray that many will come to know God through your testimony and life.
Conclusion
The story of Esther is a powerful reminder that fasting and prayer are not just religious rituals but spiritual weapons that can change the course of events. When Esther and the Jewish people faced destruction, they turned to God with total dependence, humbling themselves through fasting and prayer. Their desperate cry to heaven moved the hand of God, leading to an incredible reversal—their enemy was defeated, and they were honoured instead of destroyed.
This biblical account teaches us that no situation is too difficult for God to turn around. Whether you are facing personal battles, seeking divine intervention, or interceding for your loved ones, the Esther Fast is a way to align your heart with God’s will and invite His power into your circumstances.
As you embark on this journey of fasting and prayer, here are some key encouragements to hold onto:
- Trust in God’s Timing: Esther did not rush ahead in fear but sought God before taking action. Likewise, trust that God hears your prayers and will respond at the right time.
- Remain Faithful in Prayer: Even when answers seem delayed, continue pressing into God. Prayer is not just about getting results—it is about growing in intimacy with Him.
- Expect Divine Favor: Just as Esther found favor before the king, believe that God’s favor will open doors, create opportunities, and shift circumstances in your favor.
- Stand on God’s Promises: The enemy may plot against you, but God’s plans will always prevail. Declare His Word over your life and refuse to give in to fear or doubt.
Your obedience in fasting and prayer, like Esther’s, can unlock divine breakthroughs beyond what you can imagine. Whether you are praying for favor, deliverance, courage, open doors, or the salvation of loved ones, know that God is faithful to answer. Stand firm, keep your faith strong, and watch as He moves powerfully on your behalf.
