Copyright Page
2018 by Rachel Dodge
Published by Bethany House Publishers
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
www.bethanyhouse.com
Bethany House Publishers is a division of
Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Ebook edition created 2018
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-1618-9
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2011
Scripture quotations labeled K J V are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Scripture quotations labeled N A S B are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)
Scripture quotations labeled N I V are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
Scripture quotations labeled N K J V are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled N L T are from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Jane Austens novels are in the public domain. All quotations are taken from the R.W. Chapman scholarly edition: Austen, Jane. The Novels of Jane Austen. Edited by R. W. Chapman. 5 vols. 3 rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988.
Jane Austens prayers are in the public domain. All quotations are taken from the original manuscripts: Austen, Jane. Prayers Composed by my ever dear sister. Manuscripts (two quarto sheets). The Elinor Raas Heller Rare Book Room, Mills College, Oakland, California.
Cover design by Rob Williams, InsideOutCreativeArts
Interior design by Jane Klein
Author is represented by Books & Such Literary Agency.
Endorsements
This is the devotional I didnt know I was missing. Dodge connects stories from Austens life and the pages of her novels to her prayers and Scripture in fresh and insightful ways. An inspiring and illuminating look at the life and faith of a beloved author.
Anne Bogel, author, I d Rather Be Reading : The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life
Praying with Jane offers a fresh look at a familiar life. Ms. Dodge delivers a perfect blend of history and biography, revealing the true heart of Jane Austen through her handwritten prayers. Your own prayer life will be challenged and deepened as you daily study Gods Word along with Jane.
Laura Boyle, Austentation: Regency Accessories
Practical, edifying, and informative, this guide will appeal to Janeites, scholars, and spiritual directors alike. Its pages are full of fascinating biographical details from Jane Austens life interwoven with the powerful words of her prayers and the beauty, truth, and goodness of Scripture.
Dr. Natasha Duquette, professor of English and author, Veiled Intent : Dissenting Women s Aesthetic Approach to Biblical Interpretation
Praying with Jane is full of rich insights into the faith of one of our greatest English writers. It offers a window into her life and writings, as well as being a source of spiritual nourishment!
Terry Glaspey, author, The Prayers of Jane Austen and Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know
In Praying with Jane , Dodge provides the reader with a way to examine the spiritual life of Jane Austen. The line-by-line encounter of each prayer makes Austens prayers personal and relevant.
Amanda Jacobs, composer/playwright and artist educator
Rachel Dodge reminds us that the real Jane Austen prayed daily, attended services, and read the Bible and sermons for enlightenment and amendment of life. Excerpts from Austens novels and letters are thoughtfully interwoven with Janes own prayers and Dodges meditations on the biblical texts Austen knew well in this inspiring month of devotions.
Theresa M. Kenney, associate professor of English, University of Dallas
Rachel Dodge draws rich meaning and practical application for modern readers from Jane Austens beautifully written prayers. Includes compelling accounts of Janes life and inspiring, heartfelt prayers to make your own. Praying with Jane is a wonderful devotional for anyone, and a perfect gift for an Austen fan. Highly recommended.
Julie Klassen, bestselling author, T ALES FROM I VY H ILL
Praying with Jane is a jewel! The author skillfully entwines Jane Austens moving prayers with timeless Scriptures, wise insights, and delightful examples from Austens novels. Enchanting gems from Janes personal life only enhance these rich devotionals. This book is truly a treasurethe perfect gift for Austen fans and beyond!
Judy Gordon Morrow, author, The Listening Heart : Hearing God in Prayer
Rachel Dodge is not only a gifted writer, but through her thorough exploration of Jane Austens surviving three prayers has given us a new insight into my favorite authors faith and how it guided her life and work. I will be purchasing this book for several close members of my family, who will cherish it as much as I do.
Victoire Gerkens Sanborn, creator, Jane Austens World blog and literacy specialist
Praying with Jane is for anyone who wants to model Jane Austen in her commitment to the Lord. Rachel Dodge has woven together a compelling combination of Austens prayers, her novels, her life experiences, and Scripture to create an engaging experience readers will find hard to put down.
Debra White Smith, author/speaker, The Wesleyan Woman
Whether youre familiar with Jane Austen or not, youll be blessed by this intimate look at her prayers. Praying with Jane drew me closer to Jesusthank you, Rachel Dodge!
Joanna Weaver, author, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World : Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life
This spiritual guide draws its inspiration from Jane Austens life and work as a committed Christian to lovely effect.
Laura Mooneyham White, John E. Weaver Professor of English, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Dedication
To George and Ruth
who allowed me scope for the imagination;
to Bobby,
for giving me so much more than diamond sunbursts and marble halls;
and to Lizzy and Jack,
who are the sweetest and the best.
Epigraph
A whole family assembling regularly for the purpose of prayer is fine!
Fanny Price, Mansfield Park
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsements
Dedication
Epigraph
Introduction
Prayer One
Day 1 Give Us Grace, Almighty Father
Day 2 An Ever-Present Help
Day 3 Fix Our Thoughts