Welcome to Day 6 of 7 Days of Prayer with Jane Austen! If you’re following along in your book, today’s reading selection is taken from Chapter 19.
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 6 Reflection: 7 Days of Prayer with Jane Austen
We are helpless and dependent; Graciously preserve us. For all whom we love & value, for every Friend and Connection, we equally pray; However divided and far asunder, we know that we are alike before Thee, & under thine Eye.
Jane Austen, Prayers
In this portion of her prayer, Jane prays for those whom she loves and values, for “every Friend and Connection,” and for those “divided and far asunder.”
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy.” (Philippians 1:3–4)
Jane’s prayer echoes the Apostle Paul’s letters and reminds us to pray for those we love, both near and far. In them, he says he prays for the Romans “without ceasing” (1:9), for the Colossians “always” (1:3), and for the Thessalonians “constantly” (1 Thessalonians 1:2). He does “not cease to give thanks” (Ephesians 1:16) for the Ephesians and prays for Timothy “night and day” (2 Timothy 1:3).
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father . . . that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3:14, 16–17)
Invitation to Pray:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your steadfast love for me. I truly am helpless without you and dependent upon you. Graciously preserve me and those I love.
Lord, grant me patience and perseverance right now. Help me see any delays or troubles as gifts and opportunities. Show me how to serve you and love others in my new normal: (your specific requests).
I bring before you every friend and connection, those far and near, who are in need of an extra measure of your grace today: (specifics names and needs).
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Covered in Prayer
“The visual of Regency letters is a lovely picture of thoroughly covering someone in prayer. First, we can pray for the “horizontal” life of those we love—for the things they do, the places they go, the work they do, and their safety, health, and influences. Next, we can turn our attention to the “vertical” part of their lives—praying for their relationship with God, their desire to please him, their interest and investment in spiritual growth, and their passion for his Word.” (Excerpt from Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen.)
If you have a specific prayer request, please share it below in the comments or email me. I love hearing from you!
Grace and peace,
Rachel
Today’s Worship Song:
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Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen
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Claudia Sandoni
March 28, 2020 at 5:19 amThank you so much, Rachel, for these days of prayer with Jane Austen which enable us to feel spiritually linked to one another in this time when we cannot gather to worship together.
I’ m joining daily in the recital of the Holy Rosary led by the archbishop of my city in Italy; it’s a beautiful way to ask for our Lord’s protection and to lessen the sense of isolation.
All the best for everyone,
Claudia 🌟
Rachel Dodge
March 28, 2020 at 12:54 pmThank you so much for writing. That encourages me so much. The Holy Rosary each day sounds beautiful. Are you and your family doing okay?
Claudia Sandoni
March 29, 2020 at 1:24 amYes, we are, thank you, studying and working while staying at home.
And… I’ll go on keeping in touch with your posts: I love reading about faith and Jane Austen.
Best wishes!
Brenda Cox
March 30, 2020 at 3:09 amThanks, Rachel, for sharing that lovely rendition of “How Great Thou Art.” It brought tears of joy to my eyes. I live in the desert, so I have pictures on the walls of my office, where I do my devotional times, of waterfalls and other lovely nature scenes. They help lift up my heart to the Lord, who made so many beautiful places.
I also appreciated the idea in your chapter of different directions to pray in; thanks for sharing that picture of the letter and excerpt from the book! The book also adds a third dimension, praying for our loved ones’ future, calling, purpose and service. I will sign off now and go pray for my dear ones–most of whom are half the world away–in those three dimensions. Blessings to you!