Welcome to Day 5 of 7 Days of Prayer with Jane Austen! If you’re following along in your book, today’s reading selection is taken from Chapter 18.
Below you’ll find excerpts from the chapter, plus my own additional reflections, the encouragement God has put on my heart to share with you today, a special prayer for you to pray, and a worship song.
Day 5 Reflection: 7 Days of Prayer with Jane Austen
To Thy Goodness we commend ourselves this night beseeching thy protection of us through its darkness & dangers.
Jane Austen, Prayers
This line of Jane’s prayers reminds us to “commend” ourselves to God and “beseech” his physical and spiritual protection in our lives and in the lives of those we love.
The Bible is filled with verses to help us battle fear because God knows that when the darkness comes, either literally or figuratively, it can easily press in and overwhelm us. He invites us to know him and trust him. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
“When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.” (Psalm 91:15)
Most of us struggle with fear in some way or at certain times in our lives, but it’s especially prevalent during times of crisis. We worry about ourselves, our family members, our children, and our friends. God addresses these fears throughout the Bible and reminds us to come to him in our darkest moments to ask for his strength and his help.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Invitation to Pray:
Almighty God,
Thank you for promising to strengthen me and help me in times of distress and chaos. I confess to you my worries and anxieties.
I ask you now, Lord, to speak into my life and heart about the things that are concerning me most today: [specific names].
I lift to you now the people I know who especially need your protection: [specific names].
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Call on His Name
If you feel anxious today, remember to call on the name of Jesus right away. Take every thought captive and cast your cares on Him.
If you aren’t struggling with specific fears or doubts today, you probably know someone who is. Many people are in need of assurance right now. Take time to pray for each person by name.
Grace and peace,
Rachel
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.” (Psalm 143:8)
Today’s Worship Song:
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Jarm Del Boccio
March 27, 2020 at 8:30 amThanks so much for sharing these timely devotionals and powerful hymns, Rachel! May the Lord bless you as you continue to serve Him.
Rachel Dodge
March 27, 2020 at 3:04 pmThank you so much, Jarm! That encourages me more than you know!
Brenda Cox
March 28, 2020 at 11:32 pmThanks, Rachel! I also enjoyed, in the book chapter, your picture of Catherine Morland and her night terrors. The nights are always the hardest time, aren’t they? So much easier to listen to lies in the darkness. But God gives us “a song in the night.” (Psalm 77:6)