Q:

How to be both polite and persuasive?

Context: I have to persuade the recipient to close the billing cycle by today and I have to be polite, since the recipient holds a very high position.

I urge you to expedite the billing of ModuleXYZ at the earliest
I request you to please close ModuleXYZ's billing ASAP

I am inclined towards #1 but I feel it is impolite. Is it possible to frame a sentence which is both polite and persuasive? 

A:

When speaking truth to power do not grovel and do not threaten.  Above all do not make it personal.  
Explain the risks professionally.  Document your communication and if faced with unaceptable inaction invite your recipient to a meeting with someone higher up the chain where you both can explain your concerns.
Both 1 and 2 leave out the most important thing: "by today".

The billing cycle must be closed by [todays date] or X will happen resulting in Y.

