Esther 4:15-17

Esther 4:15-17
English Standard Version (ESV)

  I once spent a long weekend at the Abbey of Gethsemani near Bardstown, KY.  Easily one of the greatest weekends of my life.  My appreciation for monasteries deepened there when they described to me that their mission is to be in prayer with and for the world.  They understand how linked we are, and they understand how important and powerful prayer is.  Through their prayers, they are linked with people around the globe in need.
  Here in Esther, the situation for the Jews is dire.  Esther is about to attempt to intervene on their behalf, but before she does, she asks that all the Jews hold a fast on her behalf.  She understands that she does not do anything on her own, but rather as part of a community, and so she gathers the community around a single purpose.  Going before the King without being called is risking death, and she is going to do that, but she's not doing it on her own.
  In the same manner, you and I are part of a community.  We are linked, one to another, and though modern technology and the pace of the world would try and tear us apart, we continue to be connected.  We do nothing on our own, but rather as part of a community.  Our actions and our words effect one another, and we support each other as well.  Whatever you do today, you do it as part of the community, and we are with you every step of the way.