THE FESTIVAL OF PURIM
- Purim: The most cheerful and colorful of all Jewish holidays is recounted in great detail in the Book of Esther. It is the commemoration of the victory of Queen Esther, Mordecai and the rest of the Jews, over the Haman plot to exterminate the Jews in Babylon. Celebrated yearly on the 14th day of the Hebrew month Adar II (the thirteenth month) following a day of fasting on the 13th day of Adar, to commemorate Queen Esther\’s fast before she turned to the king for help. It is written that in Shushan, the Jews\’ celebration took place a day later, because traditionally, holidays were celebrated a day later in walled cities. Therefore, in Jerusalem Purim is celebrated on the 15th day of Adar even today.
- Read the entire book of Esther prayerfully, and meditate on all the scriptures the Holy Spirit draws to your attention. Do a thorough search of your life and family for the application of the scriptures the Holy Spirit has drawn you to, and fervently pray the specific leading of the Holy Spirit for possible deliverance and triumph over the enemy’s schemes for your life and family.
- Pray for the leadership of Israel as they navigate through delicate relations across the world; where former allies seem to have abandoned them, and new relationships are being forged especially in Africa. Pray for the renewal of diplomatic ties between Tanzania and Israel.