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The Prayers of Jane Austen
You know Jane Austen as the beloved author of Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and other witty, insightful novels of the early nineteenth century. Now come to know her as a woman of unexpected spiritual depth. Jane Austen wrote beautiful, heartfelt prayers for use during her family's evening devotions. Each one reveals her gratitude for God's blessings and her pursuit of a holy life—expressions of a woman whose heart was profoundly moved by faith.
In this beautifully designed book, author Terry Glaspey introduces you to Jane Austen the Christian by sharing this powerful collection of prayers and also a glimpse into her life story and the impact she had as a writer of virtue, character, and morality.
In this beautifully designed book, author Terry Glaspey introduces you to Jane Austen the Christian by sharing this powerful collection of prayers and also a glimpse into her life story and the impact she had as a writer of virtue, character, and morality.
80 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2015
20 people are currently reading
1068 people want to read
About the author
Jane Austen
3,953 books74.7k followersJane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six novels, which implicitly interpret, critique, and comment upon the English landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage for the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security. Her works are an implicit critique of the novels of sensibility of the second half of the 18th century and are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism. Her deft use of social commentary, realism and biting irony have earned her acclaim among critics and scholars.
The anonymously published Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816), were a modest success but brought her little fame in her lifetime. She wrote two other novels—Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1817—and began another, eventually titled Sanditon, but died before its completion. She also left behind three volumes of juvenile writings in manuscript, the short epistolary novel Lady Susan, and the unfinished novel The Watsons.
Since her death Austen's novels have rarely been out of print. A significant transition in her reputation occurred in 1833, when they were republished in Richard Bentley's Standard Novels series (illustrated by Ferdinand Pickering and sold as a set). They gradually gained wide acclaim and popular readership. In 1869, fifty-two years after her death, her nephew's publication of A Memoir of Jane Austen introduced a compelling version of her writing career and supposedly uneventful life to an eager audience. Her work has inspired a large number of critical essays and has been included in many literary anthologies. Her novels have also inspired many films, including 1940's Pride and Prejudice, 1995's Sense and Sensibility and 2016's Love & Friendship.
The anonymously published Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816), were a modest success but brought her little fame in her lifetime. She wrote two other novels—Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1817—and began another, eventually titled Sanditon, but died before its completion. She also left behind three volumes of juvenile writings in manuscript, the short epistolary novel Lady Susan, and the unfinished novel The Watsons.
Since her death Austen's novels have rarely been out of print. A significant transition in her reputation occurred in 1833, when they were republished in Richard Bentley's Standard Novels series (illustrated by Ferdinand Pickering and sold as a set). They gradually gained wide acclaim and popular readership. In 1869, fifty-two years after her death, her nephew's publication of A Memoir of Jane Austen introduced a compelling version of her writing career and supposedly uneventful life to an eager audience. Her work has inspired a large number of critical essays and has been included in many literary anthologies. Her novels have also inspired many films, including 1940's Pride and Prejudice, 1995's Sense and Sensibility and 2016's Love & Friendship.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 3, 2015
Though, not so common for me to do, I’ll easily award this piece the decent 5-Star rating that it deserves, and I’ll tell you why—wit, wisdom, honesty, depth, and poignancy. These are but a few words to credit Jane’s penmanship.
Her words, stringed together, shoot like an arrow that finds its way to the depths of one’s heart and soul—at least, it did mine—and settles there, before it begins the task of revealing wisdom and truth, if you’d so indulge it. One thing is certain about Jane and her writing, which you may embrace or reject: you cannot deny the depth and poignancy with which her words are graced. Clearly, Jane’s faith wasn’t a mere claim; it was the reality and essence of her existence. As I read these prayers, I couldn’t help but nod in agreement—not just because I found her writing endearing (which I did!), but because it rung with untarnished truth that held up a mirror for me to see my basic human nature.
I close this review with this: as a fellow Christian and writer, who is generations apart from Jane, Jane was a true woman of faith and a gifted writer, and, I want to be like her—at least, to show steadfastness in the principles that I claim to hold dear, just as Jane Austen did. It is no surprise that her writing has remained classic, as it rightly should.
Her words, stringed together, shoot like an arrow that finds its way to the depths of one’s heart and soul—at least, it did mine—and settles there, before it begins the task of revealing wisdom and truth, if you’d so indulge it. One thing is certain about Jane and her writing, which you may embrace or reject: you cannot deny the depth and poignancy with which her words are graced. Clearly, Jane’s faith wasn’t a mere claim; it was the reality and essence of her existence. As I read these prayers, I couldn’t help but nod in agreement—not just because I found her writing endearing (which I did!), but because it rung with untarnished truth that held up a mirror for me to see my basic human nature.
I close this review with this: as a fellow Christian and writer, who is generations apart from Jane, Jane was a true woman of faith and a gifted writer, and, I want to be like her—at least, to show steadfastness in the principles that I claim to hold dear, just as Jane Austen did. It is no surprise that her writing has remained classic, as it rightly should.
July 22, 2022
While these prayers are beautiful there are only three of them and I am not entirely convinced that Jane wrote them rather than transcribed them but in any case they are helpful prayers.
May 17, 2024
"Teach us to understand the sinfulness of our own hearts, and bring to our knowledge every fault of temper and every evil habit in which we have indulged to the discomfort of our fellow-creatures, and the danger of our own souls." (13)Jane Austen apparently composed prayers—she most likely wrote them to use during evening prayer times with her family. This aesthetically pleasing little volume is abundantly illustrated (albeit with somewhat random, yet still pleasant, pictures from the British Library's public domain) and collects all of the prayers, which are meant to "give us a privileged glimpse into Jane's soul." I thought that this would be an exaggeration, but, while reading the prayers, I could hear Jane's earnest voice. Having read the prayers, it is clear that her faith deeply found its way into her novels—even if, Austen being the great artist that she was, this was never a simple or simplified conversion. Even if you're not a Christian, I think that these prayers are lovely to read. That is, you can read them secularly, and take from them what you will.
"Teach us, Almighty Father, to consider this solemn truth, as we should do, that we may feel the importance of every day, and every hour as it passes, and earnestly strive to make a better use of what Thy goodness may yet bestow on us, than we have done of the time past." (51)
February 3, 2025
Lovely! Such wise and heartfelt prayers. From what I learned about Austen in the biography section, I have great admiration for her devotion to the faith. I liked that it said her faith was quiet yet deep. I enjoyed the art in this book as they have put drawings of scenes from her novels to go along with each petition in the prayers.
“Incline us to ask our hearts these questions…”
“Incline us to ask our hearts these questions…”
July 10, 2024
This is a very short little book, with only three prayers, penned by Jane Austen. It also has an introductory text and epilogue, in which we learn a bit more about Jane’s life and faith. I enjoyed it.
It was a quick read, but her prayers became my own, which in my opinion is everything I could have hoped to get out of this book. It built a desire in me to turn toward God, or in Jane’s words “to fix our thoughts on Thee”.
Deducting one star, because my expectation of this book was that it was going to be much more elaborate! As it is, you could probably finish reading the text within 15-20 minutes. But if you turn it into moments of prayer you can stretch it out and enjoy it a bit more.
It’s also beautifully illustrated!
It was a quick read, but her prayers became my own, which in my opinion is everything I could have hoped to get out of this book. It built a desire in me to turn toward God, or in Jane’s words “to fix our thoughts on Thee”.
Deducting one star, because my expectation of this book was that it was going to be much more elaborate! As it is, you could probably finish reading the text within 15-20 minutes. But if you turn it into moments of prayer you can stretch it out and enjoy it a bit more.
It’s also beautifully illustrated!
April 6, 2016
What a beautiful book. I had no idea that Jane Austen wrote prayers. The 3 in this book are just beautiful and give you a glimpse into her Faith. The charming illustrations add to the joy of this book.
September 6, 2024
Door deze drie prachtige gebeden, geschreven door Jane Austen, wordt ineens helder waarom ze (Austen) bepaalde karakters in haar romans zo verafschuwde en andere juist naar voren schoof. Waarom frivole mensen er zelden goed vanaf komen in haar werk. Het verraste me om haar karakter zo verweefd te zien zijn in haar romans. Dat vind ik mooi.
Wat er voor mij met name uitsprong was haar veelvuldige gebed voor een goede besteding van haar tijd. Wat een mooi verlangen en mooi uitgangspunt om de tijd die je krijgt hier op aarde zo goed mogelijk te besteden.
Jane Austen heeft met haar korte tijd hier op aarde in ieder geval veel indruk gemaakt.
Wat er voor mij met name uitsprong was haar veelvuldige gebed voor een goede besteding van haar tijd. Wat een mooi verlangen en mooi uitgangspunt om de tijd die je krijgt hier op aarde zo goed mogelijk te besteden.
Jane Austen heeft met haar korte tijd hier op aarde in ieder geval veel indruk gemaakt.
August 12, 2015
Review coming soon!
August 29, 2024
This book was a souvenir for me after visiting the Jane Austen house this summer. I noticed a framing of one of her prayers on the wall and was intrigued. My only complaint is that there are only 3 prayers and I could have devoured more. They were beautiful to contemplate and meditate upon. They demonstrate a woman seeped in the book of common prayer from infancy who cares deeply about our genuine faith and heart posture before the Lord and how that affects what we do. I am serendipitously re-reading Pride and Prejudice at the same time and I can clearly see connections between Elizabeth’s penitent speech when she finally sees clearly and what Jane hoped for herself and her family in these prayers with whom they were intended.
December 23, 2022
Lovely little book of prayers Jane Austen wrote. Pretty illustrations and meaningful thoughts; the perfect little book to have for guests to look through quickly, on a coffee table or in a guest room.
December 25, 2025
“In her daily life and in her writing, wit and wisdom joined hands with a living faith” !!
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March 15, 2021A really beautiful sweet book. A must for any Jane fan to have on their bookshelf.
March 1, 2024
This is a beautiful little book - perfect if you’re a personal fan of Jane Austen or if you’re looking for a gift for a fellow kindred spirit! With a beautiful design & layout & illustrations, this book is a pleasure to page through.
It contains three original and uniquely written prayers from the pen of Jane herself, bookended by short biographical writings on the regency author.
As a lifelong fan of Austen’s work, I learned more about the woman herself and the faith that drove her. Her written prayers reveal a deep belief in the character of God, a conviction on the importance of caring for the least of these, and a humble and contrite spirit.
“Jane Austen was a gifted writer, a kind and generous woman who often put the needs of others before her own, a person with a quick and delightful wit, and a woman of quiet and sincere reverence toward God.
In her daily life and in her writing, wit and wisdom joined hands with a living faith.”
Thank you to Harvest House for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
It contains three original and uniquely written prayers from the pen of Jane herself, bookended by short biographical writings on the regency author.
As a lifelong fan of Austen’s work, I learned more about the woman herself and the faith that drove her. Her written prayers reveal a deep belief in the character of God, a conviction on the importance of caring for the least of these, and a humble and contrite spirit.
“Jane Austen was a gifted writer, a kind and generous woman who often put the needs of others before her own, a person with a quick and delightful wit, and a woman of quiet and sincere reverence toward God.
In her daily life and in her writing, wit and wisdom joined hands with a living faith.”
Thank you to Harvest House for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
March 31, 2023
These prayers are beautiful and should be treasured by everyone who reads them. Jane Austens prayers are traditional and structured, while still phrasing her appeals to the Lord in a beautiful and fresh way, which shows she was a woman who was in the word and who listened to the Holy Spirit in her life. I really appreciated the short commentary in the back of the book on Jane Austen’s spiritual life which put her writings (specifically the members of the clergy in her books and the social aspect of their positions) in perspective. For me, her prayers also expressed that good writing can honor God without being a necessarily “Christian book.” The beauty and lasting truth of her fictional books serve God just by being the excellent expression of a woman who quietly and sincerely loved the Lord. Nevertheless, to read her direct words to God gave me a new found respect and love of Austen, and I am glad that she took time to make her prayers so lovely.
August 13, 2019
I had the pleasure of finding this book at the Jane Austen House and Museum. I was surprised to see that she wrote prayers. I know Ms. Austen foremost for her books and a few of her letters, both of which I’ve read or I’ve taught. I’ve also not known established literary writers to apply their skills to writing prayers. As the daughter of an Anglican vicar, she’s poised to have the necessary skills and knowledge to write prayers.
There’s only three prayers, one of which is a version of the Lord’s Prayer. The other two are all her own although they read and feel very much like prayers you would find in The Book of Common Prayer.
Reading this small time has inspired me to research other authors who have written prayers or other inspirational pieces (poems, songs, devotionals, etc.).
There’s only three prayers, one of which is a version of the Lord’s Prayer. The other two are all her own although they read and feel very much like prayers you would find in The Book of Common Prayer.
Reading this small time has inspired me to research other authors who have written prayers or other inspirational pieces (poems, songs, devotionals, etc.).
July 19, 2020
Three prayers written by Jane Austen; all to be finished with the Lord's prayer.
It's a small attractive book with drawings on just about every other page.
pg 55 Incline us, O God, to think humbly of ourselves, to be severe only in the examination oour 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.
pg 76 may or may not have a mistake; the publications of Persuasion and/or Northanger Abbey. I think NA was published in 1817? I found conflicting information online.
It's a small attractive book with drawings on just about every other page.
pg 55 Incline us, O God, to think humbly of ourselves, to be severe only in the examination oour 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.
pg 76 may or may not have a mistake; the publications of Persuasion and/or Northanger Abbey. I think NA was published in 1817? I found conflicting information online.
September 7, 2025
I received this for a birthday present, and I really liked the way this tiny book was laid out. Three prayers that Austen wrote were saved by her sister Cassandra, two undated sheets of paper with a note that's said, "Prayers Composed by my ever dear Sister Jane." I never knew about them before I received this gift.
I have a prayer book I really like, Celtic Prayers from Iona, that I use regularly to guide my prayers. Many of them are worded perfectly to say exactly what I want to say, despite their being inspired by prayers from hundreds of years ago, originally collected in the Carmina Gadelica by Alexander Carmichael.
As I read through these three prayers, written during Austen's lifetime, I was surprised by how much her thoughts and words were so in line with my own values, that they could be so meaningful for prayer and reflection in 2025.
This book breaks up the prayers into several pages of shorter prayers, and they're divided up nicely for the purpose.
It's a pretty little book, and one I'll go through often.
I have a prayer book I really like, Celtic Prayers from Iona, that I use regularly to guide my prayers. Many of them are worded perfectly to say exactly what I want to say, despite their being inspired by prayers from hundreds of years ago, originally collected in the Carmina Gadelica by Alexander Carmichael.
As I read through these three prayers, written during Austen's lifetime, I was surprised by how much her thoughts and words were so in line with my own values, that they could be so meaningful for prayer and reflection in 2025.
This book breaks up the prayers into several pages of shorter prayers, and they're divided up nicely for the purpose.
It's a pretty little book, and one I'll go through often.
May 21, 2020
A rip off of Austenites.
80 pp of filler.
She only wrote 3 prayers, and they are available easily through open access to out-of-copyright material. In a book they would cover about 6-9 pp.
You don't need to buy this book to read them.
I will add, the 3 prayers are quite beautiful, and could easily be used today in a worship service. You just don't need to buy this fluff piece to read and enjoy them.
80 pp of filler.
She only wrote 3 prayers, and they are available easily through open access to out-of-copyright material. In a book they would cover about 6-9 pp.
You don't need to buy this book to read them.
I will add, the 3 prayers are quite beautiful, and could easily be used today in a worship service. You just don't need to buy this fluff piece to read and enjoy them.
April 13, 2017
Beautifully written. I really loved reading these along with my Bible this week.
However, my edition had a couple pages that weren't separated and needed to be cut apart in order to read them, so that was weird.
However, my edition had a couple pages that weren't separated and needed to be cut apart in order to read them, so that was weird.
August 31, 2019
Tender and moving, these prayers show Austen's spiritual musings.
June 8, 2021
Three prayers by Jane Austen in the style of the Book of Common Prayer.
November 29, 2025
Very Pointed and Very Protestant.
Reminds me of Ellen G White.
Makes me want to read Ellen White again infact.
First Prayer beginning and end is my favourite.
Reminds me of Ellen G White.
Makes me want to read Ellen White again infact.
First Prayer beginning and end is my favourite.
March 6, 2025
A beautiful and short collection of prayers by one of the greatest authors ever! I loved praying with these.
January 8, 2026
A beautiful gift book of three prayers penned by Austen. Each one offers a gentle glimpse into the faith and heart of a remarkable soul.
December 13, 2025
a magnificent collection from a magnificent woman 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I will reread this once a week
September 25, 2015
I am a big Jane Austen fan and ever since several years back when I first read in one of her biographies that she had written prayers for her family, I found myself wishing I could read those prayers! Needless to say when I found out that this book was happening and was given the opportunity to review it I jumped at the chance! And I am so glad I did, this book is touching and amazing, I truly can't find words to describe how deeply this book blessed me! If you have read any of Jane Austen's other books you will recognize her delightful writing style and voice. These are prayers that I will read and pray over and over again! Forgive me if this sounds presumptuous but I truly believe that these prayers finally being published now, so many years after they were written was absolutely part of God's plan to draw me closer to Him through praying these words, (This may even be the reason why He led me to become a reviewer in the first place!) And if you feel called to read this book I have no doubt that He is doing the same thing in your life! This is an incredibly fabulous book which I foresee reading continually throughout my life!
Thank you to Harvest House publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I have done. My review was not required to be positive. All thought and opinions are one hundred percent my own
Thank you to Harvest House publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I have done. My review was not required to be positive. All thought and opinions are one hundred percent my own
March 29, 2016
This is such a pleasing and tender little book! Ms. Austen is so expressive, as she always is in her writing, yet gentle. There's just something so soothing about reading these prayers. She covers almost every topic, there's no one person or situation that isn't prayed over. All three prayers could easily be read/spoken when your heart is in a moment it can't seem to find the words.(Don't we all have those moments?) And the artwork! The artwork is quite lovely and truly adds to the experience. I loved all the details drawn and they remind us that this is Jane Austen speaking, because some of them are taken from her stories I believe. Wonderfully written, each prayer feels genuine and sincere and blessed me greatly. It deserves a place on your bookshelves! :)
**I received a complimentary copy from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
**I received a complimentary copy from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
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November 10, 2025"[T]he struggle to develop good moral character happens on the great battleground we call an ordinary life."
"Give us grace, Almighty Father, so to pray, as to deserve to be heard, to address Thee with our hearts as with our lips..."
"Have mercy, O Gracious Father, upon all that are now suffering from whatsoever cause, that are in any circumstance of danger or distress. Give them patience under every affliction, strengthen, comfort, and relieve them..."
"For all whom we love and value, for every friend and connection, we equally pray; however divided and far asunder, we know that we alike before Thee, and under Thine eye..."
"Give us grace, Almighty Father, so to pray, as to deserve to be heard, to address Thee with our hearts as with our lips..."
"Have mercy, O Gracious Father, upon all that are now suffering from whatsoever cause, that are in any circumstance of danger or distress. Give them patience under every affliction, strengthen, comfort, and relieve them..."
"For all whom we love and value, for every friend and connection, we equally pray; however divided and far asunder, we know that we alike before Thee, and under Thine eye..."
January 4, 2023
Absolutely beautiful! These prayers, though formal, feel so much more personal than Austen's novels - I've never felt so connected with Jane as a person, rather than an author. The book is tiny and exquisite. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!
January 28, 2019
I was going to give this book two stars, because it's literally three prayers. Paying ten dollars for a book of three prayers is not ideal. But, the book is beautiful and the content about Jane Austen flanking the prayers is interesting. So I bumped up my rating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews