Jessica’s First Prayer
$16.00
Over 100 years ago, a darkness loomed over Victorian England in which children were used and abused. Influenced by her mentor, Charles Dickens, Hesba Stretton exposed this darkness through her stories. She won widespread fame for Jessica’s First Prayer and was considered one of the most popular writers of the 19th century. This beloved story sold at least a million and a half copies, outselling Alice in Wonderland by “nearly ten times as many.”
Today we bring Hesba Stretton’s story to life as a world-class audio drama, Jessica’s Journey. A web of characters becomes entangled with the knowledge of past sins; a minister, a miser, and an unfit mother experience miraculous redemption through their connection with little Jessica and her answer to prayer.
In stock (can be backordered)
*It will be shipped on your next billing date in addition to the product in the top of your queue.
17 reviews for Jessica's First Prayer
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
anonymous (verified owner) –
Recommended My complaint was that the book was over too soon. It was really touching how this girl changed a man’s spiritual life. You can never assume someone truly knows the Lord. I really enjoy character development and this book was a bit weak on that so I am looking forward to learning even more about the characters in the next book.
anonymous (verified owner) –
One of Your Best! This book was better than we expected. It is a wonderful story and we could hardly put it down. We read it in two nights! Now we have to order the sequel.
anonymous (verified owner) –
A Must Read! This book is a touching story that inspires every believer to search their own hearts to ascertain the genuineness of their faith.
anonymous (verified owner) –
Jessica’s First Prayer Jessica’s First Prayer gives you a glimpse into the life of a kind, soft-hearted little girl, Jessica. This is a very easy read and you don’t want to set the book down until you’re done. Each page leaves you wanting to know what happens next. Alone and hungry, this little girl finds a way to survive. She finds an unlikely friend in a coffee vendor with a rough exterior. As their relationship progresses, Jessica finds comfort and a little help from him, but he learns far more than he could have ever imagined by reaching out to help her.
While running from an abusive, drunken mother, she finds herself in a church. She’s never seen one before, but it is warm and comforting and she loves the beautiful organ music she hears, while hiding to avoid being found by anyone, for fear they will make her leave. Later, when she is told about a minister and about God and prayer, she innocently asks what each is. She’s never heard of God or prayer or a minister. She is surprised to learn that the “ladies and gentlemen” that the church “is for” have “needs”. She states that she never knew that “ladies and gentlemen” ever “needed” anything. She can’t imagine what they could “need” when they seemed to have everything.
In the coming weeks, she is shown love and compassion by the minister and his little girls. She experiences love and kindness like never before. They truly care about her and allow her to come to church weekly.
In today’s society, we could never experience the needs or desires Jessica had. Her desires were so basic … just to have a little coffee and a roll, because she hasn’t eaten in days. But, when given the opportunity to pray, to ask God for something, her request is not for herself … for food, cloths, warmth, a home, a loving mother, a loving father, a friend who can help her, all the “necessities” of life, she doesn’t think of herself. Her prayer was for her friend who gave her coffee and a roll. God sees her heart and grants her prayer.
Jessica is thirsty to know the truth, to learn about God and all He has for her. She eagerly asks to be able to go to church and to hear about God. Her life changes as things develop with the small group of friends she has made. You have to read it to learn about how her future developed.
This is a must-read for today’s family. I would highly recommend that families read this together and discuss what lessons they can learn from Jessica’s story. Both children and adults would gain a new understanding of how truly blessed they are, what real “needs” are, and the indescribable value of knowing the Lord in their lives.
anonymous (verified owner) –
Highly recommended! Jessica’s first prayer is a family favorite already! We have only had the book a few weeks total and have read it over and over again!! What a wonderful story of redemption and child like faith! LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!
anonymous (verified owner) –
Highly Recommended What a wonderful story! I read this one before giving it to my granddaughter. I could feel the Lord’s presence while reading it. It is so hard to find books with character building virtues. I know God will be able to convict the heart of my grandaughter while she is reading this book. What a relief to find a source of books I won’t have to worry about giving to my 12 grandchildren!
anonymous (verified owner) –
Highly recommended Loved, loved, loved this book! This little book has change my own life of behavior for the better by Jessica’s example.
anonymous (verified owner) –
I LOVE This Book!!!!! Best Lamplighter Book I’ve read…..Now my FAVORITE!!!!!
Thanks Lamplighter Theater!!!
anonymous (verified owner) –
Excellent, Touching Story I have read this to both of my children, ages 3 and 4. Both enjoyed the story. The story and the message are great. Love the conflict that Mr. Daniel and the ministers’ daughters have.
anonymous (verified owner) –
Love It! This is probably my favorite Lamplighter book. Jessica’ s childlike faith and it’s affect on others, brings me to tears each time!
anonymous (verified owner) –
Highly Recommend Excellent book. My granddaughter loved it. She has heard it on the CD, but wanted the book. Thanks for great Christian literature.
anonymous (verified owner) –
Amazing Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, this book is a work of art.
anonymous (verified owner) –
Charming Little Book of Love and Faith I am 11 years old, and I read this book with my Father. It is a gratifying and heart worming book that will stir your emotions from joy to sadness while reading these powerful words of affirmation.
anonymous (verified owner) –
Precious! My daughter really loved this little story. As always, great moral and sweet story for a children’s read.
anonymous (verified owner) –
A Gem! The mark of a good book is that it moves the reader, not just the people being read to, as well! This book helped me to love and delight in my children more as precious gifts! Jessica’s child-like faith challenged and encouraged my faith as well! Thank you, Lamplighter!
anonymous (verified owner) –
A Very Touching Story I read this aloud to my 17, 13, & 10 year old. It was such a touching and thought provoking little story. It pulls at your heart strings. Made me be more thankful and I also was brought back to when I first met Jesus. This one is a keeper!
anonymous (verified owner) –
Jessica’s First Prayer I am giving this as a Christmas gift to my great niece Jessica…she is a young adult who needs to know Jesus, and as I read this little book I thought it would be a perfect one to touch her heart. Thank you, Lamplighter crew, for providing such for us to give!!