Letters From Home Thursday of the First Week of Lent - Ms. Joan Watson
Feb 26, 2026
A reflective walk through Esther’s prayer, humility, and plea for her people. A look at Psalm 138’s movement from lament to thanksgiving. A clear unpacking of Matthew 7:7–12 on asking, seeking, and knocking in prayer. An invitation to trust God as a loving Father and to mix petitions with praise.
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Esther's Humble Prayer For Courage
- Esther responds to Mordecai's plea by humbling herself with sackcloth and ashes and praying for courage before approaching the king.
- Joan Watson recounts Esther's loneliness and plea: "now help me who am alone and have no one but you, O Lord, my God."
Todah Pattern Of Lament Then Thanksgiving
- Psalm 138 and Esther's prayer form a Todah pattern: lament that resolves into thanksgiving after deliverance.
- Joan connects Todah psalms like 22 and 69 to today's reading ending in praise: "I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart."
Ask Seek Knock With Trust
- Jesus invites believers to petition God: ask, seek, and knock persistently and humbly.
- Joan emphasizes trusting God as Father so we accept his answers, even if they differ from our desires.