Jane Austen

1775-1817 18th century Feast day: July 18

The examination of a day made with irony towards oneself and gentleness towards others.

Who was Jane Austen?

A clergyman's daughter in a Hampshire rectory, she wrote her novels at a small desk, between visits and letters. Three evening prayers in her hand have been preserved, written to be said with her household. She died at forty-one, before seeing her name printed on her books.

In their own words

Give us grace, Almighty Father, so to pray as to deserve to be heard.

Prayers, I

May we now, and on each return of night, consider how the past day has been spent by us.

Prayers, I

Incline us to think humbly of ourselves, to be severe only in the examination of our own conduct, and to consider our fellow creatures with kindness.

Prayers, II