The Book of Esther probably dates from the second century BC. It tells the story of a projected massacre of the Jews throughout the kingdom. The threatened slaughter was averted because Esther, a Jewess who had become queen of the realm, appealed to the king to save her people. Sharing the terror of her fellow Jews, she did not trust in her own privileges as queen but prayed. She knew that only God, who had saved Israel so often in the past, could change the heart of the man who intended to wipe out the Jews.

The Gospel repeats the Lord's imperatives on the subject of prayer and shows that it is difficult and important. It is difficult because anything that entails persevering effort is trying. It is important because God's glory and humankind's need demand that prayer be more than an occasional occurrence in one's life.

Both our texts today recommend prayer of petition. The triple exhortation to ask, seek and knock is intended to encourage the disciples in confident, persevering prayer. The two examples of the manner in which a father treats his child who makes a reasonable request, gives some idea of the generosity that can be expected from our Heavenly Father.