1. Queen Esther's invitation (1-8)

When beautiful Queen Esther stood in the entrance of the king's court, he held out his golden scepter to her. He was not angry, even though he had not summoned her. In fact, he was really glad to see her. It was an answer to prayer. He offered to give her whatever she asked. But God gave Queen Esther wisdom. She did not state her case immediately; rather, she invited the king and Haman to a small, intimate dinner party. Then, the next day, to another one.

2. Haman builds a gallows (9-14)

Haman did not know that Queen Esther was Jewish. He was very happy to be invited to the queen's banquet to dine with the king. His high spirits fell, however, when he saw Mordecai at the king's gate. He went home in a bad mood. When he told his wife about this, she suggested that he build a gallows and ask the king to hang Mordecai on it. So he built the gallows, and felt better.

Application: Lord, thank you for answering prayer. Give me faith and wisdom and patience like Esther's.
One Word: Don't give up; pray and act