R: This second prayer of Jane Austen’s focuses on repentance and God’s mercy and goodness. He watches over all of His people, but listens to our individual prayers.

Our prayers should always include confession of any sins we’ve committed, large or small. Psalm 32.3-5:

For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

As followers of Christ, we know that all of our sins are forgiven for all time, but that doesn’t mean that we can continue in behaviors and beliefs that are contrary to God’s Word. A life lived in unrepentant sin is not a Christian life. Deuteronomy 7.9: ‘Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations…’

S: This prayer is a wonderful example of humility without condemnation. Too often we seem to have false humility when we speak of how humble we are, how we’re wretched sinners in need of a Saviour. Being a wretched sinner in need of a Saviour is true, but we need not speak of that state of being in a proud way, mistaking this attitude for humility. Austen’s prayer frequently acknowledges our true nature, but the focus is not on the person or the wretchedness; the focus is on God, His might, His power, His forgiveness, His help. This prayer is also a prayer of thankfulness, fully acknowledging and praising the God who is Sovereign over all.  

I also really enjoy that it’s a communal prayer. There’s just something about coming together as a group and praying together that speaks to the soul. As I’ve mentioned before, her prayers remind me of Psalms.

R: This prayer also reminded me of how important it is to pray for others, both for how we interact with them and for their safety and salvation. 

Jane’s prayer says, ‘Have Mercy Oh 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 & relieve them.’ This reminds me of my favorite Psalm – which Dodge references – Psalm 3:

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! 
many are they that rise up against me.
Many there be which say of my soul, 
There is no help for him in God. Selah
But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, 
and the lifter up of mine head.
I cried unto the Lord with my voice, 
and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; 
for the Lord sustained me.

For your enjoyment, we’ve included a link to a video of this Psalm in song version. Singing this song in choir is how Psalm 3 became my favorite. 

As Dodge recommends praying Ephesians 3:14-19 for others, we’ve included it below.