Hi friends. I hope your 2020 is off to a good start. In keeping with Deborah’s post yesterday about transparency on social media, I admit that my January has been filled with both ups and downs, i.e. LOWs. :} I also admit that last year I took on a “Read the Bible in a Year” program, and failed to complete it. 🙁 (Lamentations tripped me up. Just saying). It’s January and I’ve only made it to Philemon, but I’m pressing on. Also, I recently ordered a new chronological Bible to start once I finish last year’s read-through. 🙂 I really want to make God’s word a bigger priority in my life. Have you ever done a chronological reading or another plan that worked well for you? Do tell!
In the meantime, I’m excited about a new devotional that honors God AND one of my favorite writers, Jane Austen. I met the devotional’s author, Shannon Winslow, at the annual meeting of the Jane Austen Society of North America several years ago. Shannon has written many highly-rated novels inspired by the works of Jane Austen. And recently, she wrote a thought-provoking devotional called Prayer & Praise: A Jane Austen Devotional, which I find beautiful inside and out.
Considering Jane Austen’s ongoing popularity as well as continuing adaptations of her novels to screens both large and small (often with a fair amount of modernizing or, to quote one screenwriter, “sexing it up,”) I think it is good to remember that Jane Austen was a vicar’s daughter and a woman of devout faith (and the owner of a sharp wit, too!) who wrote not only novels but heartfelt prayers. Hopefully, these prayers lend a faithful balance to her literary and personal reputation.
Shannon writes:
Jane Austen didn’t only write novels. She also wrote prayers, poems, and entertaining letters, many of which have survived to this day. Curious about her spiritual side, I took a closer look at her three preserved prayers, and there I found a wealth of inspiration for this project.”
I also own copies of The Prayers of Jane Austen and Rachel Dodge’s Praying with Jane, which I featured here not too long ago. Something I really appreciate about Shannon’s devotional is how she breaks down Austen’s prayers into readings by topic, like Gratitude and Contentment, Confession, Using Talents, etc. Every segment is founded on scripture, and uses characters and situations from Austen’s novels as illustrations. I also like how she includes prompts to Pray as well as to Praise.
I have only started the book, but I look forward to continuing my reading. If you think you would enjoy this devotional as well, please comment below, including your email address in (at) (dot) format, e.g. julie(at)julieklassen(dot)com. Shannon has graciously agreed to give away a copy of the book to one commenter (U.S. readers only).
Either way, I’d love to hear what YOU are doing to stay close to God in 2020.
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Julie, I need to devote more time to bible reading. A few years ago, I committed to reading the whole bible. I started with Genesis and ended with Revelation. I felt a great accomplishment but more than that, I felt closer to God. I need to start again!
I’d love to win a copy! Thank you!
Snell.jennifer@gmail.com
I would be very interested in Shannon’s devotional. It is always a struggle to keep up the daily Bible reading. So far, so good this year!
Hubby and I read from Jesus Calling each day.
nicnac63(at)hotmail(dot)com
I have three devotionals I receive monthly that I’m trying to keep up with. I want to draw closer to God through praying more and seeking His face at all times. I would love to read this devotional. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day.
Sounds really good. I would enjoy these devotions.
Yes, I would enjoy a copy. I recently bought Praying With Jane as well as an illustrated copy of Austen’s letters. I am currently reading Emma – saw the previews last week of the movie coming out in February.
Several years ago I read the Old Testament in chronological order of when the books were written, not necessarily of when events happened. I enjoyed that experience and took notes. Good luck on your endeavor!
I have been attending a Bible Study throughout the year so far. It began at the end of August and will continue through May. So far, we have studied the book of Joshua and Daniel and starting next week we will be studying the books of 1&2 Peter. We have homework daily so it gets me into the word every single day. 😊
Julie, I took on a “Read the Bible in a Year” plan last year, too. Like you, I didn’t finish in a year. But I’m giving myself grace because the important thing isn’t so much the “in a year” part as the “Read the Bible” part. 🙂 I’m forging on!
I’m using the Read Scripture app to guide my reading and I’ve really enjoyed it. They provide educational videos at the start of every book to give you insight into the author, structure, context, etc. Each day we read a psalm in addition to a chronological segment from a different part of the Bible.
Thanks for the tip for the Read Scripture app.
The Bible and Jane Austen all in one sit down reading time?! I can’t think of anything better. Thank you for this opportunity and for sharing about the Jane Austen devotional book. I look forward to making it part of my spiritual growth in 2020.
npslux (at) gmail (dot) com
I highly recommend First15, a daily devotional I read each morning. Great way to start the day. It includes worship music and a scripture verse. The comments following the devotional are very helpful as well. Enter “First15” on Google.
Being involved in church, becoming part of Bible studies and sharing with fellow Christians is another way for me to grow in the Lord. When I do all these things out of a desire to know Him better, not out of needing to “do”/obligation, I grow in the knowledge of His love, peace and joy, etc.
Good post.
Our church started the year with a challenge of daily practices that include scripture reading, prayer and acts of mercy as well as weekly practices of sabbath and community. It’s been wonderful to be encouraged from fellow christians on this journey. I think I need to order all three of these books! They would be a great addition to my study time. Thanks for the suggestions! Blessings.
I begin my day early with the Word and prayer. Thank you for this encouraging post!
I’m always interested in learning more about Jane Austen. laknermegan(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow! This would be an amazing read. I would love to own a copy!
Last year, I did read the Bible in a year, but it was really hard. There were times I was just reading to check it off the list and not really taking it in. This year, with my third child coming any day, my husband and I decided to do a 3-year Bible reading program. It is so much better, because it is not nearly as much content and much easier to digest!
rubycourt723(at)yahoo(dot)com
My spiritual reading is in much need of encouragement. I have started “Praying with Jane” and adore it finding post- a -notes on almost every PAGE. I have a kindle and live in U.S. If I am lucky to be selected, a copy can be emailed to slegg 43 at g mail dot com without spaces and using the at sign . Format in mobi. Thank you so much!!!
celia(dot)tate(at)gmail(dot)com
I read the Bible thru in a year many years ago, but I agree with those who said it’s really too much. You can’t absorb or meditate much at all when you have so much just to read thru every day. I have been feeling a little dry since my health has kept me from being in church for over a year now, and I’m sure I would very much get some instruction and blessing from Shannon’s book.
laurieinmissouri (at) yahoo (dot) com
This year I’m reading the Bible through chronologically. Last year, I read 10 chapters a day (Grant Horner)!! It’s such a challenge and I commit to not skipping. I don’t do it every year just when I want to challenge myself and refresh my Bible knowledge. I have Rachel Dodge’s book and I haven’t read it!!! Thanks for reminding me of it!!
This devotional sounds very interesting. In 2019 I read through a chronological Bible that had designated readings for each day. Some days had easier reading than others but I made it through on time. It had study comments throughout too which was nice. This year I have three devotionals that guide my reading. I read one in the morning and two at night. I’ve read Our Daily Bread devotionals every day for over forty years. I grew up seeing my dad use it too.
Oops. I forgot to leave my email address.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Hi Julie, the one I have is different from the 3 shown. It is from ChristianBookDotCom and called “A Jane Austen Devotional” publ. by Thomas Nelson 2011, should you care to check it out.
I would be interested in this one as well. Thank you for the opportunity.
Heather
BlueJeansAndTeacups[at]g mail[d ot] c om
Here is a link to the book (fingers crossed it works): https://www.christianbook.com/a-jane-austen-devotional/jane-austen/9781400319534/pd/319534?product_redirect=1&search_term=jane%20austen%20d&Ntt=319534&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
karabessent(at)verizon(dot)net
Julie, our pastor based his entire sermon series 2 years ago – 9 months worth – on “The Story”, a chronological Bible with an intro from Max Lucado and Randy Frazee. I found it fascinating as it keeps you on track down through the ages, quoting passages and then “connecting the dots”, if you will, of all the major moments through time. It’s hard to make sense of the Old Testament but this was a great way to wade in and everyone who followed loved the experience. You might want to check it out and see if it would work for you!
I would be very interested in this devotional. Thank you for the offer.
Jocelyn
piecemaker1 (at) gmail (dot) com
Because I’m a life-long learner, I am a HUGE fan of Precept Bible studies. 1) It gets me deep into the word. Often just reading the Bible will leave me feeling like, “Ok, I read that, now how do I apply that? How is it relevant?” These studies are Amazing at connecting the dots and recognizing how real and personal the Word is; how absolutely Perfect God is, knowing Him more 2) it gets me talking Bible with fellow (usually) ladies and hearing how what we read is applicable to their lives. I wouldn’t go back to anything else. It’s the Word, and not just someone’s story about their experience with a verse. … That being said, I do enjoy picking up devotional a because there really is something wonderful about sharing our experiences with the Word. #fellowship
I would love Shannon’s devotional. I am a clergyman’s wife so lots of reading and prep work each week; however for my own devotions I follow an on-line study with GMG. We are currently studying II Kings, one chapter a day. For 2020 I am also focusing on strengthening my prayer life!
Darcy (@)djc4010@gmail(dot)com
I read through the Bible last year using the Bible Recap Podcast Plan. I followed the reading plan on the Bible app then listened to the Bible Recap Podcast. It helped to have the Scriptures explained/ discussed after reading it. This year we are doing this plan again with our teenagers. Brandi @ bphelps27 @ bellsouth (dot) net
Thanks for the offer! I did a chronological reading of the Bible and found it very interesting. It was a few years back and hard to stay at it with all of “life” that gets in the way. 🙁 Wishing you the best with your reading, Julie!
Kari
kringelberg(at)gmail(dot)com
That looks like a really interesting devotional, Julie! Love how it ties to one of your passions.
I have read two versions of The One-Year Bible but it is hard to do in one year. Recently, I read a different version in two years and that was easier and I felt like I understood more, rather than just reading to check it off.
The devotional sounds great!
I love Jane Austen – so a devotional based on her prayer life sounds inspiring and encouraging! Thanks for the chance!
usedtextbooks5(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I’m having difficulty finding a devotional that I truly enjoy. I do love Jane Austen and think this would be a fabulous way to get closer to God. natalierawlings83(at)gmail(dot)com
Pretty cool! I didn’t know these are available. I read one Bible book chapter a week, each day, in different versions, plus my study Bible. This gives me a pretty good overview and keeps me reading it over and over. I also have a few devotionals I read. Thanks! angelecolline at yahoo dot com
I have been listening to podcasts lately and love hearing the word.
I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful Praying with Jane and would love the opportunity to read the new book. For devo, I’m reading Live in Grace, Walk in Love by Bob Goff and finishing Proverbs today. It will either be Psalms or Luke next. Thank you.
huletthouse (at) mchsi (dot) com
Our winner is Jocelyn from Florida! Thank you to everyone who commented. (I am enjoying your suggestions.) And thanks again to Shannon Winslow for offering a giveaway!
I’ve read through the Bible twice in the past, and I loved it. This year, I’m slowing down and focusing on specific books and reading through them over and over. Starting with James. I’m also trying to get plugged into church by serving on a team and finally plugging into a group.
Beth
bharbin07(at)gmail(dot)com