After the seal was affixed to the decree of the Jews’ destruction, Esther was sent to the king to plead on behalf of her people. The Sages portray Esther’s feelings at the time, and describe her emotional prayer.

At that time, Esther was very frightened because of the evil that overshadowed Israel. She removed her royal garments and her splendor, and donned sackcloth and loosened the hair on her head and covered it with dust and ashes. She afflicted herself by fasting, and fell on her face before God.

She prayed and she said: Lord, God of Israel, who has ruled from ancient days and who created the world. Please help Your maidservant, as I have been left an orphan without father or mother. I am comparable to a poor woman who goes from house to house asking for alms, as I am asking for Your compassion while going from window to window in the house of Ahashverosh. And now, God, please grant success to this poor maidservant of Yours, and rescue the sheep of Your flock from these enemies that have risen against us, as nothing prevents You from saving with a great or minor salvation. And now, Father of orphans, please stand to the right of this orphan who has relied on Your kindness, and let me receive mercy from this man, for I fear him; and humble him before me, as You humble the proud. (Esther Rabba 8)