The Prayers of Jane Austen

This little book was such a sweet surprise!

I downloaded it on my e-reader because it was on sale, and though it is very short, less than 80 pages, I found it lovely and encouraging. After finishing it, I had to order the physical book, and I now have it next to my illustrated version of Pride and Prejudice. : )

The author of this book, Terry Glaspey, writes here of Jane Austen's faith:

"That she was a distinctly gifted writer is widely known. What is not so commonly known is that Jane was also a woman who embraced the Christian faith wholeheartedly. Her faith was the foundation for her deep understanding of human frailty and folly and the power of true love. 

Although many biographers have downplayed the faith aspect of her life, the unprejudiced reader finds it absolutely clear that she was a Christian writer. As the daughter of an Anglican pastor, Jane lived a life surrounded by belief in Christ. Though her novels steer clear of any sort of preaching, a morality rooted in faith is found on every page."

These prayers of Jane Austen are heart-felted and beautifully written. I felt I could pray along side her, as her sentiments were of most Christians, prayers for help in our daily walk with the Lord.

Prayer can often times become, 'I need this, or can You do that' but these prayers were a great reminder of looking at the true nature of ourselves and our need for God's guidance, strength and grace in our lives.

Here's an example:

"Incline us, O God, to think humbly of ourselves,
to be severe only in the examination of our own conduct,
to consider our fellow-creatures with kindness, and to judge of all they say and do with that charity which we would desire from them ourselves."

I also loved all the gorgeous illustrations in this book. Every page had one along side a prayer. Here is a sample of what to expect as you turn the pages of this little gem:

This is definitely a book I will read over and over again. If you get a chance to read it yourself make sure to read the after notes of the author. I'll leave you with this bit from the ending:

"Among the collection of letters and various writings Jane left behind are the prayers presented here. She wrote them to use during evening worship with her family. Couched in a beautiful formality, reminiscent of the Book of Common Prayer, they give ample evidence of a woman whose heart and mind were touched by faith."



Buy it HERE on Amazon