Thinking of friends, Silas wasted not a speck of time asking Rebekah out, according to the flourishing grapevine. More than likely they are a courting couple by now. Annie Mast is helping see to that by giving Rebekah more evenings away from her baby duties than were originally planned. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bontragers make a trip back here next autumn for a wedding uniting them with the Goods.
I can’t say that I’ll be distressed on Silas’s special day, because even now, I know I’ll be right happy for him. And for Rebekah, too. After all, when two hearts beat nearly as one, like theirs seem to, who amongst us should ever stand in the way?
So it is that I look ahead to my future with God’s help, joyfully trusting in whatever He has planned for me. And, really, considering the abundant blessings I’ve received from His loving hand, how can I do otherwise?
Author’s Note
While the idyllic countryside around Salem Road continues to capture my attention, I am equally fascinated by the spiritual landscape of the people I write about, people so like my maternal grandparents, Omar and Ada Buchwalter, both born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Their spiritual heritage has helped to shape my family . . . and my stories. In chapter 8 of this book, Rose Kauffman refers to the old German prayer book Die Ernsthafte Christenpflicht. Many readers will undoubtedly be curious about this clothbound treasure, which has long been dear to Anabaptists like my grandparents and other relatives.
That precious connection led me to compile a selection of excerpts from those very prayers in a newly translated edition just for modern readers. It is my hope that this volume, entitled Amish Prayers, might bless you in your life as richly as it has Anabaptist Christians, many of whom first said these prayers as persecuted believers in Europe over three hundred years ago.
On another important note, I offer my continual gratitude to my devoted consultants and research assistants who bring authenticity and great joy to my writing life: the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, Brad Igou, Erik Wesner, Carolene Robinson, Judith Lovold, and Hank and Ruth Hershberger. I am also thankful for the complete works of Donald B. Kraybill, John A. Hostetler, and Stephen Scott, as well as my good fellowship with numerous Amish friends who read my books and appreciate my desire for accuracy.
My longtime friendship and partnership with my editors—Dave Horton, Rochelle Glöege, and Julie Klassen—continue to enhance my writing life. “Thank you” never seems enough.
I pray each of my readers will embrace the grace and goodness of our Lord, and choose the path to peace and simplicity.
Soli Deo Gloria.
BEVERLY LEWIS, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother’s Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies. The Brethren was honored with a 2007 Christy Award.
Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.
By Beverly Lewis
THE ROSE TRILOGY
The Thorn • The Judgment
SEASONS OF GRACE
The Secret • The Missing • The Telling
ABRAM’S DAUGHTERS
The Covenant • The Betrayal • The Sacrifice
The Prodigal • The Revelation
THE HERITAGE OF LANCASTER COUNTY
The Shunning • The Confession • The Reckoning
ANNIE’S PEOPLE
The Preacher’s Daughter • The Englisher • The Brethren
THE COURTSHIP OF NELLIE FISHER
The Parting • The Forbidden • The Longing
The Postcard • The Crossroad
The Redemption of Sarah Cain
October Song • Sanctuary (with David Lewis) • The Sunroom
The Beverly Lewis Amish Heritage Cookbook
Amish Prayers
www.beverlylewis.com
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsements
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Epilogue
Author’s Note
About the Author
Books by Author
Back Ads
Back Cover