In today's first reading Queen Esther prays fervently for herself and her nation for deliverance from the mortal danger of being exterminated by Haman. When we meditate upon the two readings we discover three important conditions of the prayer of petition.

The first of these conditions is faith. It is faith that tells us that there is God - the Lord of all the Father of mercies, our Creator and Redeemer who never is tired or bored with our prayers. Only people who believe ask God, seek His presence and knock at the door of His graciousness.

The second condition is trust in God. God who is our loving Father not only can help us but He will certainly give us the graces that we need. God's help is not a theory but patience-work and action. God is always faithful to His promises. His love is eternal.

The third condition of prayer of petition is perseverance. We must ask, seek and knock unceasingly and let God decide when and how we shall receive His divine help. Perseverance helps us also to prepare our hearts for the reception of God's gifts with gratefulness.

There is also one more thing we should remember when asking God for His grace. As God is merciful and always ready to help us, so we ought to be loving and generous towards our neighbours. "So always treat others as you would like them to treat you."