Welcome to Day 1 of 7 Days of Prayer with Jane Austen! I’m so glad you’re here. Prayer is a gift — and praying together (even virtually) allows for a greater sense of community and togetherness. If you’re following along in your book, today’s reading selection is taken from Chapter 2.
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, a special prayer for today, and a worship song.
Day 1 Reflection: 7 Days of Prayer with Jane Austen
Thou art every where present, from Thee no secret can be hid . . .
Jane Austen, Prayer 1
This line of Jane’s first prayer speaks of God’s watchful presence over his children, for their good and for their protection. The words “Thou art every where present” are intimate and tender; they evoke the image of a bird in a nest, comfortable and warm. The winds and the rains come, but the bird is happy and kept safe. In the same way, our lives rest in the palm of God’s hand. He is all around us, even in the very air we breathe. God’s unbroken presence equals peace and security.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Nothing Hidden
Furthermore, Jane says no secret “can be hid” from God. This speaks of the intimacy we have with God. He knows our hearts fully; he knows our every need and anxious thought.
When storms of trouble, confusion, illness, or sorrow hit our lives, it’s common to feel alone, but Jane’s prayer reminds us that God is always near. You can stop right now and pray to him. Anytime, anywhere, he’s listening.
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.“ (Psalm 139:1–4)
Invitation to Pray:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You are “every where present” in my life. Thank You that You are with me and promise to never leave me. I bring to You now my worries and my needs. Truly, You know me so well.
Please comfort my heart in these areas, Father: [your specific prayer.]
I also lift to your care and keeping the following people I know and love who need your peace and your help today: [specific names and needs].
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
You Are Not Alone
It’s common to feel isolated when we can’t go to church or work, see our friends, or leave the house much. It’s my prayer that these reflections help you know that you are not alone. God is with you, all the time.
And there are others praying with you today. There are like-hearted men and women joining with you to pray each day via this prayer challenge. Can you see them? They are folding their hands, bowing their heads, and praying from their hearts. Just like you. And the best part is . . . God hears our prayers and is attentive to our cries!
Please leave a message in the comments to let us all know how to pray for you! If it’s too personal, you can message me. I would love to pray with you.
Grace and peace,
Rachel
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry . . . Psalm 34:15
Today’s Worship Song
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Lisa
March 23, 2020 at 11:16 pmThank you so much for sharing this right now. It is so encouraging to me.
Rachel Dodge
March 24, 2020 at 7:09 amI’m so glad to hear that! May the Lord bless you and keep you today! xo
Jarm Del Boccio
March 24, 2020 at 8:53 amThanks for giving of yourself in these posts, Rachel. They are an encouragement. I don’t want to waste this precious free time, so I am praying I will use it wisely!
Rachel Dodge
March 27, 2020 at 3:07 pmI feel the same way. I want to make the most of this time in prayer, journaling, and reading my Bible.
Brenda Cox
March 26, 2020 at 2:19 amSorry, I’m a little late starting this! But it’s lovely; I’m so glad you’re doing this. Remember at the AGM I bought a copy of your book for my friend, who has helped me so much with my book? Well, the trip to her country didn’t happen; airports shut down. But I’m inviting her to join us here. The music is lovely; a great touch. And this theme is what I’m remembering now; God with us.
My verse for this week is: “Abide in my love.” May we all abide deeply in His amazing, never-ending love for us.
Rachel Dodge
March 27, 2020 at 3:06 pmThank you so much for sharing this, Brenda! I love that verse. I will add it to my prayer journal.
Wendy
March 27, 2020 at 7:36 pmThank you for doing this, I am a few days behind your schedule but what you are doing is so very meaningful and such a good reminder to trust in God and lean on him.
Please pray for our current situation as I just got laid off and am not sure how we will make all our bills. I know I am not alone in this and it makes a scary situation. Hopefully praying together and for each other will help us all.
Rachel Dodge
March 27, 2020 at 7:59 pmI will pray for you! That is so so hard. I truly hope many places will be able to rehire quickly. I will put your name in my prayer journal and pray for your family. I’m so glad these devotions are a comfort right now. I’m thankful we can all pray together!
Wendy
March 27, 2020 at 8:50 pmThank you so much. I will also be praying for you. your blog and book has become a bit of a ministry and is important. Thank you for what you do
Rachel Dodge
March 28, 2020 at 12:51 pmThank you!!