Day 1: 7 Days of Prayer with Jane Austen

7 Days of Prayer with Jane Austen Day 2: 7 Days of Prayer with Jane Austen

Day 1: 7 Days of Prayer with Jane Austen

Welcome to Day 1 of 7 Days of Praying 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.

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