Welcome to Day 7 of 7 Days of Prayer with Jane Austen! If you’re following along in your book, today’s reading selection is taken from Chapter 29.
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 7 Reflection: 7 Days of Prayer with Jane Austen
Look with compassion upon the afflicted of every condition, assuage the pangs of disease, comfort the broken in spirit.
Jane Austen, Prayers
In this portion of her prayer, Jane asks God to “look with compassion” on those who are “afflicted,” experiencing the “pangs of disease,” or who are “broken in spirit.” In Jane’s novels, when someone is ill or distressed, their friends and family provide tangible help and comfort. Jane and her sister Cassandra frequently nursed family members when they were ill.
“Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.” (Psalm 119:76)
The child of God is never alone. Jane’s prayer points to the unique care God gives to his people, to his tangible presence, and to the comfort he gives to those in pain.
“Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” (Psalm 119:49–50)
Invitation to Pray:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you present with me right now. Thank you that you hear me and know my every thought before I even say it. Thank you for your invitation to pray any time, any place, any where.
I confess that my spirit feels heavy or burdened at times. Please encourage my heart in these areas: (your specific prayer).
For those I love, please look down with compassion upon every affliction, soften the pangs of disease, and comfort those broken in spirit: (specific names and needs).
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
An Ever-Present Comfort
The Bible says this: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
God is always present with you. When you call on him, he draws near. Take a few moments to write down one verse from today’s reading that really ministered to your spirit. Carry it with you and share it with others.
If you know someone who needs to hear today’s encouragement, give them a call and read it together over the phone. Sometimes when we are sick, afflicted, or broken in spirit, we are too weak to feed ourselves spiritually. We need others to come around us and lift up our weary heads.
Grace and peace,
Rachel
Today’s Worship Song:
Today, there are two versions of this song. I had originally planned this song for today’s post, but then this compilation of Nashville studio singers released just this week. It is beautiful. Enjoy both versions!
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Charlotte Flanagan
March 29, 2020 at 11:08 amThank you, Rachel. Your blog posts for these “7 days of Prayer with Jane Austen” have been inspiring and comforting.
Kevin Lindsey
March 29, 2020 at 1:15 pmI would like to thank you for these as well. The selections you chose spoke to the crisis we are in now. The fact that we were praying with Jane’s prayers from so long ago but are still relevant, shows us how little the human condition has changed, and how timeless Gods care for us is. Thanks again
Brenda Cox
March 31, 2020 at 3:09 amAmen. Thanks for these devotionals, Rachel. Praying with you for peace in all of our hearts. For comfort for those suffering from the virus or from the restrictions. And for God’s presence and sovereignty in the midst of it all.
Rachel Dodge
April 5, 2020 at 8:36 amThank you, Brenda! I’m echoing those prayers with you!