The Private Devotions of Lancelot Andrewes

The Private Devotions of Lancelot Andrewes is a collection of intimate prayers and devotional exercises written by Lancelot Andrewes, a 16th- and early 17th-century bishop of the Church of England and a key translator of the King James Bible. Originally titled Preces Privatae, these devotions were composed for Andrewes’ personal use and reflect his deep spirituality and disciplined prayer life, reportedly spending up to five hours daily in prayer. The work includes structured prayers for morning and evening, as well as daily prayers for each day of the week, encompassing confession, intercession, praise, and meditation. The devotions reveal Andrewes’ rich theological insight, rooted in early Church traditions and scripture, without engaging in later doctrinal controversies. This collection offers a unique and profound glimpse into the private spiritual life of one of England’s foremost biblical scholars and preachers, valued for its depth of confession and heartfelt devotion.