Jane Austen Is In My Bible

                                                Provocative blog title?  Let me explain. 😎

This year I am using my new 'favorite' Bible - the ESV Prayer Bible published by Crossway. Among the many features that aid the reader's ability to pray through the Scriptures, there are almost "400 prayers written by Christian writers, theologians, and other figures of note across church history, such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, Augustine, Saint Patrick, Charles Spurgeon, Jane Austen, John Wesley, and more."  Yes, you did indeed read "Jane Austen" in the midst of such an esteemed and revered list of heroes of our faith! I have studied the three prayers she has written and am amazed. Such eloquence, such holy rhetoric, and such obvious and familiar communion with her Lord. Who knew?!?

Here are two of her entries, and for my local friends I will read the third one before our prayer time at our Bible Study groups tomorrow.

Psalm 121: 3-4  "He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber."

Jane Austen:  "To your goodness we commend ourselves this night, asking your protection of us through its darkness and dangers. We are helpless and dependent; graciously preserve us. For all whom we love and value, for every friend and connection, we equally pray; however divided and far asunder, we know that we are alike before you, and under your eye. May we be equally united in faith and fear, in fervent devotion toward you, and in your merciful protection this night. Pardon, O Lord, the imperfections of these our prayers, and accept them through the mediation of our blessed Savior.

James 1:17   "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

Jane Austen:  "We thank you with all our hearts for every gracious dispensation, for all the blessings that have attended our lives, for every hour of safety, health, and peace, of domestic comfort and innocent enjoyment. We feel that we have been blessed far beyond anything that we have deserved; and though we cannot but pray for a continuance of all these mercies, we acknowledge our unworthiness of them and implore you to pardon the presumption of our desires."