First ReadingEsther C:12, 14-16, 23-25
From the Book of Esther
12And queen Esther took refuge in the Lord,being taken as it were in the agony of death. verse 13 is not read14She implored the Lord God of Israel,and said, “O my Lord,you alone are our king.Help me. I am destitute, and have no helper but you,15for my danger is near at hand.16I have heard from my birth in the tribe of my kindred that you,Lord, took Israel out of all the nations,and our fathers out of all their kindred for a perpetual inheritance,and have done for them all that you have said. verses 17–22 are not read23Remember us, O Lord!Manifest yourself in the time of our affliction.Encourage me, O King of gods, and ruler of all dominion!24Put harmonious speech into my mouth before the lion,and turn his heart to hate him who fights against us,to the utter destruction of those who agree with him.25But deliver us by your hand,and help me who am alone and have no one but you, O Lord.