"What wilt thou, Queen Esther? and what is thy request? It shall be given unto thee to the half of the kingdom." --- Esther 5:3.
Dost thou want nothing. O poor soul? Hast thou nothing to ask? Oh yes! you say, a great deal. Well then, draw near to thy gracious King and Bridegroom without fear. Lo! he holds out his golden sceptre to thee, saying, Only ask; not the half, but the whole of my kingdom shall be granted; nay, I will give myself unto thee! O dear soul, pray, and tell him everything that is wanting, be it ever so great or ever so small. His loving-kindness will hear even the least petition; nay, he will seem to be ignorant of what thou hast to tell him.
But whatever is poured out before him is actually addressed and lodged in its proper place, and does not lie upon thy heart any longer, but upon his heart, which cannot rest till you are relieved. And if you have experienced his help aforetime in great or small things, you may depend on his readiness to help you out of troubles hereafter; only in earnest pray for his help. We often imagine we were willing and drawing near to him, but he was unwilling and refused our request; but it is not so; he rather draws us, and desires our relief more than we do; for it is he that works even this willing mind.
Are those the happy persons here,
Who dwell the nearest to their God?
Has God invited sinners near,
And Jesus bought this grace with blood?
Go, then, my soul, address the Son,
To lead thee near the Father's face;
Gaze on his glories yet unknown,
And taste the blessings of his grace.